With all the extra time I’ve had lately I have been reading articles on “other than” awareness, that is, a deeper understanding and acceptance of those different from ourselves. Initially I thought for my MGRP I would investigate the problem of bullying and how children’s literature responds to this epidemic. However, as I looked at root causes I began to realize that responding to bullying is much like responding to the symptom of an illness. And any good medical practitioner will tell you that preventative measures are far more effective for promoting good health. So, how does this relate to bullying? It turns out that preventative measures against bullying can also be used to against other forms of aggression, injustice and intolerance.
I believe in an energetic approach, which not only challenges and rejects all discrimination, but that also proactively teaches diversity awareness and acceptance at the primary level. I realize that there are many wonderful children’s books dedicated to diversity. However, often instruction aimed at teaching diversity highlights superficial differences such as diet, holidays and clothing leaving children with overly simplistic ideas. What about questions about racism, social and gender inequity, and the marginalization of different groups the deeper, more complicated issues of cultural identity and associated complexities are skimmed over or skirted entirely. Educators need to facilitate learning engagements that highlight the complexities of culture and cultural identity.
Some may say this is overly complicated for elementary school children. I would argue that through the media and social interactions they are already being exposed to these issues. Both schools and educators should take the initiative and at least begin the process of genuine diversity awareness and acceptance through children’s literature.
“Multicultural Education is not merely a subject to be taught to others; it is also a philosophy of education that involves total school reform. It touches all subjects, should occur at all schools at all levels.”
Sonia Nieto
Professor Emeritus
Professor Emeritus
With you 110%! Very exciting and necessary. It's funny actually. With how diverse our society is getting it is going to become virtually impossible to stay superficial. How can you be superficial about a culture when you have a quarter of them in your classroom? The more we become diversified the more we are going to have to change the way we approach multicultural education to maintain relevancy.
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