After reading Chapter 5, I ask myself, “Why am I proud to be an American?” This chapter provides information on the discrimination specific ethnic groups faced upon arrival in America. Each group was given obstacles to overcome in order to “survive in America “As the chapter mentions “the common school movement was primarily designed to protect the ideology of an American Protestants culture. Most of the common school reformers,…were native-born Anglo American Protestants…”The Protestants expected to form an equal, general public policy: this created “more cultural values and political values which revolved around the Protestantism, republicanism, and Capitalism.”Chapter 5 gives great example as to how America discriminates and how it affects the education system amongst students.
Although the Protestants wished to be the center of attention in the educational system during the 1830-1840.The immigration rates amongst the Irish and Germans made it impossible. However, these groups of individuals were useless in American society at the time. They faced discrimination in the worst way. For example the text mentions rejection of Irish Americans upon employment. In addition to psychological abuse to these individuals, Irish Americans also faced stereotypes which stood beside their names for a while. This worsened their status in society. I feel like the Protestants Anglo Saxons felt intimidated by the immigration rates and instead of embracing the growth of population and working alongside the Catholics, they preferred to degrade them. This ensured a higher status in society. In addition, common schools were a form of creating such status.
I agreed with the actions of Governor William Seward, he tried his best to create better learning conditions for Catholic students. He believed a “centrally controlled and expanded system of education was necessary for the health of society.”The rulings of the Protestants remained in charge. The effort was worth a try. I was aware of the treatment African American faced, after taking an African American English course last semester. Segregation played key role in the educational experiences amongst African Americans. I feel these students could’ve received a better education, however it was impossible. They received less funding amongst schools, lacked the resources many white schools had. Discrimination in society is an ongoing issue till this day, in the education system per say, do you think it still exist amongst schools who have predominately African American students? Since there are more resources in schools compared to the past, do you think these schools, in poverty driven neighborhoods, are receiving the resources necessary in order for promotion to higher grade levels? Lastly,As a society, do specific groups feel intimidated to express their thoughts on specific issues occurring in society? It is very obvious nowadays riots, meetings, social networking sites are used to oppress certain actions…however is that making us stronger as a society? Most importantly, should the understanding of freedom of speech be taught more in the classroom or should we continue to express ourselves in other ways than in the classroom settings? Compare to the past situations we read in the chapter.
