This chapter definitely made me more aware of the exclusionary practices of the common school movement during its early inception. Much of the common school movement was driven by the fear of the growing multicultural society in early America as there was a significant increase in immigration, most notably among the Irish and Germans. The particular hostility and hatred towards the Irish immigrants from the Protestants was particularly disturbing. Of course it didn’t surprise me that the common school did not do much to ease this tension as they were dominated by Protestant religious values. The religious tension in New York City in the 1830’s and 40’s between the Catholics and Protestants was very interesting because it was the start of the “great debate” which revolved around the idea or belief of using state education funds for religious use, in this case it was for the Catholics to operate their own schools. Although I am completely against the use of Public school funds being used for any religious purposes, in this case I believe it was appropriate given the dominance the Protestants had of public schools. It would have been unfair and unjust for Catholics to be subjected to Protestants beliefs and ideas.
The trail of tears was definitely one of the most infamous moments in American History. It was unfortunate that early settlers of this country had such a misunderstanding of Native American culture. The Native Americans were viewed as savages and barbarians who needed to be civilized and were targeted for their land. I find it very ironic that the early founders and settlers of this country came here to escape the monarchical rule and oppression in England yet treated the Native Americans in the same manner. Much of this occurred because of the lack of exposure to other cultures and groups of people at the time. This seems to be the major reason why common schools never appeared to be “common to all children”. Do modern public schools do an adequate job of promoting tolerance among different cultures, races and ethnicities? Is there still in existence, any form of a particular religious or cultural influence in public schools today?
