engine of souls | forum 3

mre · Senior Member

News #5: AZ Law Targets Ethnic Studies Classes

kelsayexo · Veteran Member

This is pointless. Why discriminate on something like an ethnic studies in school. IT is just wrong. There is no reason to take this out on the innocent students who are either of this ethnicity or want to learn about it. Our country is full of different cultures and ethnicities so why discriminate on this in school. AZ isnt the only state without these studies going on. SO what makes them so different to take them out. This is how I am answering this .. done good bye

Nay · Veteran Member

no, because mostly in public school histories books it my show some snips of black or hispanic history but not a full class worth of information. but these classes are able to proved important to diferrent races and proved history behind cutrual so they can learn about something other then they know.

no, i dont feel there is a problem teaching about different cutulre its kinda of the same thing as a language. class, they learn about a different culture and learn to speak other language. so whats the different between that and a class devoded to a intire cultural

no, i feel that other states will not support this. its targerting certain group becasue they are different

illy · Member

I think this articul is crazy and pointless, why do they feel the need to discriminate against these students over the classes being taught and informed. This really made me mad because we at NBHS have classes of different ethnicity and i enjoyed learning more about my heritage. These class are not made to discriminate against any other race but to show the history and differance in other backgrounds and stuff. AZ is deff. forcing the matter of Ethnic Studies Classes.

Jesse · Veteran Member

1. I disagree with this discussion; I think all culture should be integrated in the United States. AZ cannot be control the Mexican culture, the head of Education is wrong, and I think it discriminated for those who interested in other part of history. People should learn their ancestry and their culture in the part and they can become interesting.

2. I don’t feel threatening to learn and/or teach different kinds of culture. I’m interesting to learn in some of the cultures from around the world. How an education does is being threatened? I find that no threats unless there is racist and discrimination are involved.

3. No, American is an American Pot, everyone comes to America since the 15th century and cultures are involved around the world and coming in American and people expose their cultures in this country to learn and teach to others.

Rjnetinho · Member

AZ was not justified in preventing 'ethnic solidarity' because the history of civilizations does in fact depict the white race as being superior, and sugar-coating it does nothing but cloud the obvious facts. Just because it is unjust and may be upsetting to certain people, that does not mean that it should be censored and hidden from the kids.

America is comprised of many different cultures, as we have discussed in class on multiple occaisions, and a distinct American identity only goes as far as speaking the English language, because there is really no such thing as a distinct "American" identity.

Az took a very irrational step, and i cannot forsee any other states in the country following this sort of behavior, simply because this law seems very different than that of the rest of the country; an outlier if you will.

Zachary W · Veteran Member

Arizona was not justified in preventing ‘ethnic solidarity’ in public school classes. Learning about different diverse ethnic groups, especially those that make up a majority of the people in your area, helps prevent ignorance, not promote it. And if the lessons they learn about actual events in American history make them resent certain people they would be justified and that should teach all of us about our past.

In actuality diversity education doesn’t threaten either the majority or the distinct American identity. Isn’t the majority of America made up of distinct identities?

No, Arizona has never been a state to spur change, when they refused to recognize Martin Luther King Day until the NFL threatened them no other states followed suit. Most states have also already shown much more disapproval than anyone could have imagined due to their immigration.

Jesse · Veteran Member

kelsayexo wrote:

This is pointless. Why discriminate on something like an ethnic studies in school. IT is just wrong. There is no reason to take this out on the innocent students who are either of this ethnicity or want to learn about it. Our country is full of different cultures and ethnicities so why discriminate on this in school. AZ isnt the only state without these studies going on. SO what makes them so different to take them out. This is how I am answering this .. done good bye

I agree!!

R_Santos · Member

1.) Arizona wasn’t trying to prevent ‘ethnic solidarity’ (ethnic communities arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc). They are solely preventing even more racism in the country by preventing things that are sparking racial resentment. Arizona should most definitely keep the courses. I believe that people SHOULD learn about other ethnic groups and their history, but I don’t believe it should go to the point where people are learning that a certain group of people were ALL being “the bad guys” because not everyone of a certain group thinks are acts the same way.
2.) I don’t think it is a threat to anything. Since when is being educated on different people a threat? Just because people are educated on certain things doesn’t mean they are going to become a threat.
3.) I think Arizona is trying to start a chain of certain policy changes throughout the country, but a lot of other states arent agreeing with Arizona.

-- Edited by R_Santos on Thursday 13th of May 2010 10:55:59 AM

heartsreina · Member

Well I don’t really like this article I know they have many points on issues that go on now. But I don’t really see why their targeting certain groups separately. I find it very wrong to judge these certain racism because it’s not right at all and it should not be brought into public school.
I don’t see how it would make it better yes they do have many problems and should be aware of every sisituan but not to that extent not to reach out of their racism. I just don’t get it and I disapprove the message he’s giving so I don’t really understand his point.

Moussa · Veteran Member

Arizona was justified in preventing "ethnic solidarity" in public school classes. I say this because, there is a difference between ethnic solidarity and ethnic pride and history. This law comes in light of classes (as I've seen in news reports) that teach Latino students that the U.S. government is oppressing them and providing extremist books for the students to read. It creates enmity and social segregation between the students and broader society.

Diversity education is not a threat to the majority, HOWEVER, education that promote ethnic solidarity, and further helps divide people on the basis of race and ethnicity does threaten the majority and shouldn't be tolerated. Its one thing to teach of oppression of a certain group in a certain ethnicity throughout history, however, teachers, regardless of their ethnicity, should not be promoting ANY kind of train of thought toward their students. Even when analyzing laws today (such as the Arizona law on illegal Immigration) Hispanic as well as all other teachers, should teach it from a non biased stand point, and allow the student to take a stand on their own, rather than ingrain the information and opinion in the students' head. These are the ethnic classes that the law seeks to crack down upon, and I don't think it's a bad thing.
I also don't think its a threat to the idea of a distinct American Identity. As mentioned before, teaching ethnic and racial history about the country and world from a non biased, and historical point of view is fine. However, trying to sway people one way or another is never the job of a class.

I do think that Arizona represents attitudes in other parts of the nation who are tired of people always act as if they are slaves being whipped to do tiresome labor. Being oppressed is one thing, but it should never be overemphasized, and ingrained into a student's head. Provide a non biased class, with points of views from all sides, and let the student decide if he or she (or the ethnic group as a whole) is being oppressed.

Moussa · Veteran Member

kelsayexo wrote:

This is pointless. Why discriminate on something like an ethnic studies in school. IT is just wrong. There is no reason to take this out on the innocent students who are either of this ethnicity or want to learn about it. Our country is full of different cultures and ethnicities so why discriminate on this in school. AZ isnt the only state without these studies going on. SO what makes them so different to take them out. This is how I am answering this .. done good bye

That isn't what the law says. It targets ethnic classes that basically teach students that they are being oppressed by the majority or government. Or classes that create biases in between racial and ethnic classes. Those kinds of classes should never be allowed.

For example: If our Multicultural Studies class was in Arizona right now, it wouldn't be stopped because Mr. Everett never shows any specific bias to any kind of thought on any issue regarding race, ethnicity and their history. There ARE teachers out there (and those who this is targeted at) that teach their students that they are being oppressed by the government.

that is wrong

Moussa · Veteran Member

Rjnetinho wrote:

AZ was not justified in preventing 'ethnic solidarity' because the history of civilizations does in fact depict the white race as being superior, and sugar-coating it does nothing but cloud the obvious facts. Just because it is unjust and may be upsetting to certain people, that does not mean that it should be censored and hidden from the kids.

America is comprised of many different cultures, as we have discussed in class on multiple occaisions, and a distinct American identity only goes as far as speaking the English language, because there is really no such thing as a distinct "American" identity.

Az took a very irrational step, and i cannot forsee any other states in the country following this sort of behavior, simply because this law seems very different than that of the rest of the country; an outlier if you will.

since when do history books depict the white race as superior? Slavery is covered throughout history, as well as inequalities that whites have had against minorities throughout American history. So how does history depict whites as superior?

BiancaDee925 · Veteran Member

No, Arizona was not justified in preventing 'ethnic solidarity' because students have right to learn about different perpectives of other cultures that live in the United States. Even though someone might have a different perspective on an event that occurred in history, the students shouldn't be sheltered from listening to an excellent perspective that someone in history might have had, just because it is upsetting to some people.

I don't think diversity education is a threat to anything because America is a country that is composed of various different cultures, and we should all be able to learn from each other. I don't think there really is an "American identity" except for being able to speak the language.

Arizona was an exception because I don't think that other states will follow it's example or its behavior regarding the situation.

Vi · Veteran Member

1. No I don’t think AZ was justified in preventing ethnic solidarity in public school classes because of society and how kids are taught in school. All we really hear about in history classes are white people and cultures but then again this is stopping kids from learning and expanded their education on different cultures, so I have to argue both sides here.

2. Diversity education is a threat to the idea of a distinct American identity because people outside the U.S. are spoon fed the idea of what an American lives and it’s usually white rich people. Diversity can only help in the long run and causes no threat to the majority I believe.

3. I think AZ does represent policy changes in other parts of the nation because no other state would come through and make a change like this one. They are too afraid of the feedback but AZ has decided to take it into their own hands and I respect them for that.

Heling is · Veteran Member

• Was AZ justified in preventing 'ethnic solidarity' in public school classes? Why or why not?
I think that AZ was definitely justified in preventing ‘ethnic solidarity’ in public school classes. Was outlawing cultural studies classes the best way? Probably not. Although I think AZ had the right idea about trying to desegregate the preconceived notions about each race, I think they were approaching it from an awful angle. Ideally, a community where everyone is cohabiting harmoniously regardless of skin color is preferred. Arizona is only trying to stamp out racism, not create more of it.
• Is diversity education a threat to the majority, or a threat to the idea of a distinct American identity? Explain.
I don’t think the diversity education is a threat to either of the aforementioned. I believe that courses such as multi-cultural studies or African-American studies only promote awareness and understanding. It’s not the courses themselves that may give people biased opinions, but how the individual perceives the information he/she is given. When taught correctly, diversity education can serve to help heal the wounds that racism has created in the past.
• Do you think AZ represents attitudes and/or potential policy changes in other parts of the nation, or the federal government itself - or is it an exception? Explain.
I think that AZ is a potential trailblazer for other parts of the nation in terms of their policies. Border States like Texas and New Mexico probably have many people who are not accepting of illegal immigrants since they probably have had more interaction with them than people say in Massachusetts. I do not believe that the federal government itself will get so deeply involved as then it would perpetuate into an international affair between the US and Mexico.

Heling is · Veteran Member

R_Santos wrote:

1.) Arizona wasn’t trying to prevent ‘ethnic solidarity’ (ethnic communities arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc). They are solely preventing even more racism in the country by preventing things that are sparking racial resentment. Arizona should most definitely keep the courses. I believe that people SHOULD learn about other ethnic groups and their history, but I don’t believe it should go to the point where people are learning that a certain group of people were ALL being “the bad guys” because not everyone of a certain group thinks are acts the same way.
2.) I don’t think it is a threat to anything. Since when is being educated on different people a threat? Just because people are educated on certain things doesn’t mean they are going to become a threat.
3.) I think Arizona is trying to start a chain of certain policy changes throughout the country, but a lot of other states arent agreeing with Arizona.

-- Edited by R_Santos on Thursday 13th of May 2010 10:55:59 AM

I agree with the point you made about Arizona's laws trying to prevent racism, not promote it. I don't think legislators would ever intentionally try to promote racism.

Heling is · Veteran Member

BiancaDee925 wrote:

No, Arizona was not justified in preventing 'ethnic solidarity' because students have right to learn about different perpectives of other cultures that live in the United States. Even though someone might have a different perspective on an event that occurred in history, the students shouldn't be sheltered from listening to an excellent perspective that someone in history might have had, just because it is upsetting to some people.

I don't think diversity education is a threat to anything because America is a country that is composed of various different cultures, and we should all be able to learn from each other. I don't think there really is an "American identity" except for being able to speak the language.

Arizona was an exception because I don't think that other states will follow it's example or its behavior regarding the situation.

Don't you think that exposing students to the different histories of different cultures would incure bias hatred towards other races? I don't think it's the class itself that necessarily promotes this hatred, but what the children take away from it. We most certainly do not live in a post-racial world, so perhaps Arizona was actually trying to prevent racism by eliminating these courses? Ignorance is bliss, right? I think they have the right idea, but are taking an awful approach towards it.

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 5/18/10

Freire02 · Member

No, I don’t think Arizona was justified because students have rights to learn about different cultures and ethnicities. Just because something happened in the past doesn’t mean that students should be secluded from the teachings.

I don't think diversity education is a big problem because we have many cultures and everyone can feed information and teachings off one another..

I really don’t think any other states will follow Arizona because of the situation.

Dokolski · Member

i dont feel that they were justified in prevented the education because they are stripping students the right to learn about other ethnicities, i understand the law is preventing people from coming into their state illegaly, but to take away a chance for these students to further their education is another story.

no diversity education is not a threat to the majority. and it is not a threat to the idea of distinct american identity. we've seen in videos that there is no precise term of american. so teaching americans about diversity does nothing but help.

i think that AZ may represent attitudes of other parts of the nation, this is only the first state to go about this. i have no doubt in my mind that they will not be the only ones. when you plan on being original you can plan on being imitated.

Dokolski · Member

Moussa wrote:

kelsayexo wrote:

This is pointless. Why discriminate on something like an ethnic studies in school. IT is just wrong. There is no reason to take this out on the innocent students who are either of this ethnicity or want to learn about it. Our country is full of different cultures and ethnicities so why discriminate on this in school. AZ isnt the only state without these studies going on. SO what makes them so different to take them out. This is how I am answering this .. done good bye

That isn't what the law says. It targets ethnic classes that basically teach students that they are being oppressed by the majority or government. Or classes that create biases in between racial and ethnic classes. Those kinds of classes should never be allowed.
For example: If our Multicultural Studies class was in Arizona right now, it wouldn't be stopped because Mr. Everett never shows any specific bias to any kind of thought on any issue regarding race, ethnicity and their history. There ARE teachers out there (and those who this is targeted at) that teach their students that they are being oppressed by the government.

that is wrong

thats actually a very good point, because we are in a class that is considered MULTI CULTURAL... it isnt just a class about an individual culture. such as african culture, or mexican culture, we have covered a variety from mexican, to african, to chinese, to dominican.

Anthony · Veteran Member

This is pointless. Mostly in public school we discriminate on thing like ethnic studies. There is no reason to take it out on the students that is innocents. We should learn about our ancestors and their culture.

I think it is a threat to the idea of a distinct American identity because in the course they are taking they aren’t learning the important part of different ethnic cultures.

I think they represent attitudes because the government is trying to censor the culture classes so that won’t learn about the different culture.

Bianca Vieira · Veteran Member

·I believe Arizona was extremely justified in preventing ‘ethnic solidarity’ in their public school. They weren’t trying to discriminate or being racist, they were trying to prevent that from happening. If they target the people at young ages they are more likely to grow up open minded and especially about this issue. Arizona’s approach was trying to inform students of their peers, the peers that are almost half of the school’s students. I don’t feel like this is having whites as minorities and making them learn about Latino’s, it’s their choice to enroll, it’s not mandatory.

·I don’t feel diversity of education is a threat to the majority or American identity because learning about other people will actually teach you more about yourself. If you have an open mind towards others diversity you can be more open minded about yourself.

·I think Arizona thinks if their policies make even the slightest change in the state that other states will follow in their policies. Honestly I don’t think it will happen. Arizona’s policies deal strictly with their state and I don’t think they will even last long in Arizona never mind the rest of America.

Bianca Vieira · Veteran Member

Anthony wrote:

This is pointless. Mostly in public school we discriminate on thing like ethnic studies. There is no reason to take it out on the students that is innocents. We should learn about our ancestors and their culture.
I think it is a threat to the idea of a distinct American identity because in the course they are taking they aren’t learning the important part of different ethnic cultures.
I think they represent attitudes because the government is trying to censor the culture classes so that won’t learn about the different culture.

what do you mean students that are innocent? and how do you know what they are learning? maybe they arent 'important parts' to you but to others they are

joelhead · Veteran Member

1. It really is a toss up. On one hand, students should be exposed to different cultures, societies and races than their own so they do not have a limited view on the world around them; they should be shown their differences. However, if students feel that the schools are teaching how their people have been segregated against and oppressed by white people, then maybe the teachers should change their way of portraying these things to the students. Out and out getting rid of it almost makes it seem like they are trying to hide it; I believe they should leave things more open to discussion. They say it leaves students open to resentment to others, probably whites specifically, but it should be taught to them that their fellow students are not their ancestors, and the class should be more oriented toward the teachings of equality of everyone, and learning from others mistakes in the case of race.

2. Absolutely diversity education is a threat to the majority, but why do we need a majority? Majority usually indicates superior in some way, and maybe our current majority should no longer have superior control on our society. Maybe by exposing differences of culture than we can realize that we need to be more open to different styles, ideas and techniques. I thought the “American identity” was supposed to be diversity, (like a ~~melting pot~~ salad bowl:]) and freedom for all, meaning freedom of change and differences.

3. I think Arizona is the beginning of a long fight. If what they are trying to do catches on, it will probably spread to other parts of the country, specifically places that have large differences in race. Depending on how they handle it and how well they appease everyone depends on the success of this movement in the country.

-- Edited by joelhead on Sunday 23rd of May 2010 08:39:57 AM

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

1. I think that the Governor believes it is the way to stop prejudice, but I think that people need to see what happened in the past to understand why it is not acceptable now.

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

2. I don't think diversity education is a threat to anything but the ignorance of others. Learning about other cultures and learning a tolerance for them can only help to improve the lives of everyone.

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

3. Arizona may be follwed by a few other states, but all in all I think many states don't feel they need to take the same measures that Arizona did.

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

Anthony wrote:

This is pointless. Mostly in public school we discriminate on thing like ethnic studies. There is no reason to take it out on the students that is innocents. We should learn about our ancestors and their culture.

I think it is a threat to the idea of a distinct American identity because in the course they are taking they aren’t learning the important part of different ethnic cultures.

I think they represent attitudes because the government is trying to censor the culture classes so that won’t learn about the different culture.

If they are not allowed to learn about a variety of cultures wouldn't that make them focus on a falsified vision of American culture, after all what is America but a blend of cultures.

jordan coe · Veteran Member

i think that it is wrong to take the ethnic studies away its simply racial profiling its wrong to take that away form people that isnt right its good to learn about differnt ethnic groups because this country is very diverse there are all diffent kinds of ethinictys int his county and by saying no alot of people like learning about all kinds of ethnic groups its just simply worng and si another power grab by the government to controll everything because what is real freedom in america how is it diffend by the goverment compared to its diffition to us

jordan coe · Veteran Member

they are not justifedi think that it is wrong to take the ethnic studies away its simply racial profiling its wrong to take that away form people that isnt right its good to learn about differnt ethnic groups because no i dont think the diversity education ia threat because this country is very diverse there are all diffent kinds of ethinictys int his county and by saying no alot of people like learning about all kinds of ethnic groups well i dont think az represnents attitudes or potentioal policy cnages in teh otehr parts of the naion its just simply worng and si another power grab by the government to controll everything because what is real freedom in america how is it diffend by the goverment compared to its diffition to us

jordan coe · Veteran Member

Sarah Labelle wrote:

1. I think that the Governor believes it is the way to stop prejudice, but I think that people need to see what happened in the past to understand why it is not acceptable now.

but what if people do see what happend in the past and still do nothing

hsalk18 · Member

No. I believe that is was a good idea to do that. Everyone needs backrounds of other cultures to understand it, and that is helping them understand what other cultures are truly like

I do not think that diversity education is a threat to the majority because America is here for people to come and be able to be free. It is a place where people can express themselves. Learning about other cultures will help people to understand what other people went through and why America is so important.

I think it represents attitudes and/or potential policy changes in other attitudes and/or potential policy changes in other because other places should be following this example and teaching about other cultures so it is known to everyone and maybe one day it will help with discrimination.

montille25 · Veteran Member

I dont think they even need the class, because only "hispanics" are taking the class. Whats the point for the class if only " hispanics" are taking it, mostly they are learning their culture, i dont have a problem with someone learning their culture and history. With the Arizona law, that just pass this is not helping then in any way, its just going to ster up more problems.

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

jordan coe wrote:

Sarah Labelle wrote:

1. I think that the Governor believes it is the way to stop prejudice, but I think that people need to see what happened in the past to understand why it is not acceptable now.

but what if people do see what happend in the past and still do nothing

More people will change their attitudes by learning about diversity and its history than if they didn't learn at all.

JacQuieee · Member

No Arizona was not justified for ethnic solidarity because that’s a class that there takin away from students to learn about different culture and religion in the U.S. It’s like they don’t want them 2 know about other religions and how its different from their very own, and No I don’t think it’s a threat. I think it’s a very good idea to learn about other cultures.

ericaaaa3 · Veteran Member

BiancaDee925 wrote:

No, Arizona was not justified in preventing 'ethnic solidarity' because students have right to learn about different perpectives of other cultures that live in the United States. Even though someone might have a different perspective on an event that occurred in history, the students shouldn't be sheltered from listening to an excellent perspective that someone in history might have had, just because it is upsetting to some people.

I don't think diversity education is a threat to anything because America is a country that is composed of various different cultures, and we should all be able to learn from each other. I don't think there really is an "American identity" except for being able to speak the language.

Arizona was an exception because I don't think that other states will follow it's example or its behavior regarding the situation.

I completely agree with you =]

ericaaaa3 · Veteran Member

Arizona governor signs bill targeting ethnic studies

· No I don’t think the Arizona was justified in preventing ‘ethnic solidarity’ in public school classes. I feel that they shouldn’t deprive students from learning about different cultures. We live in the United States the one of the most diverse country in the world. Also in Arizona 56% percent of the students is Hispanic or Latino with nearly 31,000 students. Students shouldn’t have a limited view on the world they should be exposing to other races, cultures, religions etc.

· I don’t necessarily believe that diversity education is a threat to either of them because classes like multicultural helps students understand and gives them awareness about other countries in the world. It’s not the classes that teach students about oppressing white people, it’s based on the individual and how they interpret the information.

· I think that Arizona represent some attitudes and potential policy in other parts of the nation. Especially in the south like Texas and New Mexico where illegal immigrants are much higher than other states. I feel that there is going to be more policies on ethnic studies and illegal immigrants that are going to be in effect in the United States.

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 5/28/10

Glorieeeee · Member

1. No I don’t think the Arizona was justified in preventing ‘ethnic solidarity’ in public school classes. I think they need to let them learn about different cultures. With the United States being so diverse everyone should know about different cultures and everything.
2. I dont think learning about different cultures or people is a threat at all. Education is supposed to be a good thing, so why not learn about whatever possible?
3. No i feel like other states will not support this.

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 6/02/10

LEENA23 · Member

- No I don’t think the Arizona was justified in preventing ‘ethnic solidarity’ in public school classes. I feel that they shouldn’t stop students from learning about different cultures.Whats so wrong with that? For the simple fact we live in the united states, which happens to be very diverse.
- I don't think diversity education is a threat. America is made up of many cultures and we should be able to learn about one another, and be familiar with other races. The only 'American Identity i really see is being able to speak the language.
- Arizona has got to be an expection, other states will not support this.

-- Edited by LEENA23 on Thursday 3rd of June 2010 08:30:56 PM

engine of souls | forum 3

Arizona gov. signs bill targeting ethnic studies