Do you feel that schools should participate in diversity months?

I believe in honoring the diverse cultures in each school. It is a vital part of educating children. It gives them self esteem, and improves the image they see of people like them. Should schools honor the traditions of cultures during the respective months set aside for these activities?

Parent Answers to "Do you feel that schools should participate in diversity months? "

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I am learning constantly, I consider myself to be a life long learner. I don't take offense easily, but your choice of words comes across as minimizing to a population that you have not seen or experienced. The truth is, our nation is a wide variety of people that are immigrants of some form. Everyone here migrated here from another nation with the exception of those that have traced their heritage to this land directly (native americans) other than them, we all have history from another land. The reason it is important to me as a person with heritage from Africa is because history is something we ALL need to learn from in order to be educated fully. If you feel that the groups represented in heritage learning are not fully inclusive, maybe you should advocate for the heritage that you see underrepresented. This discussion could go on all day, but as long as it is something I am passionate about I will speak out supporting it. We have been blessed in this nation to be able to speak freely. In that right we are able to voice our opinions and seek the opinions of others. I feel that this exchange is healthy. Despite the differences I think in conversing about it we are creating diversity right here in this group. I honor the words you choose without being rude or condescending. I hope that you are able to do the same. I'm not here to argue, simply to learn how we can honor cultures in schools. This is about more than just race.

As I mentioned in previous statements in this dialog, I was exposed to several cultures other than my own. I attended a German Immersion school, we had global programs at the school, including my favorite India week. I participated in German Dance Groups and German Fest every summer in elementary school. And I participated in several programs that focused on African traditions. I am seeking programming that will reflect this diversity for my own children. In the Milwaukee area some of these programs still exist, but are difficult to find. So I am wondering if there are any stories of unique cultural experiences you recall other than your own? And what about the experiences of cultural programs that you are a part of? Just some things I wonder about.

See-I don't get that it's a challenge in this country at all. Perhaps a few small groups here and there-I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, but for the most part-we celebrate diversity everyday.
What creeps me out is how eager some are to pick and choose for me and my kids which groups to celebrate, learn about, respect and which not to. I'm just not into selecting any group for any reason. I don't think anyone should be given a gold ribbon or made to wear a gold star. Instead of pointing out differences-we need to focus on being American. Hello-how are we doing in the world market, are our graduates equal to or better than those of other countries, are we safe from terrorists or nations who want to bully us? Let's concentrate on educating our nations future first. Hope you got a chance to learn something!

Thank you for sharing your views. I am not at all offended, just continuing the dialog, and seeking understanding. Why does it creep you out? These are things I am curious about.

And yes it was part of my upbringing. So I do find heritage and history to be relevant and important.

I agree there should be time for all cultures to be represented, so my question is to find out how. These are questions I have, so I am in no way offended. I am simply enlightened. I learn through this dialog. I am thankful to those that were willing to express their honest opinions. I am doing my best to be respectful of the views of others, I simply posed a question.

I can only express myself from the point of view that is my own. I am trying to learn why it is such a challenge to value diversity in this country.

LaShawndra-
there have been other posts who related the first time in American history a black man is President. What I think Metdad attempting to relate is being black doesn't make a difference if you first consider yourself an American. When I see someone take offense over things like you just did, I wonder what it is they feel they have to prove and to whom. I don't care what your skin color is. It seems to be a big thing for you-ok-maybe that's the way you grew up or what's important to you. Not everyone feels the same way. If you respect their feelings and opinion they will be more apt to repay the favor.
I don't feel we need diversity months-it kind of creeps me out. Let's spend a whole month on African Americans, alot some time to Arab tradition, Hindu beliefs and fight to have Judeo-Christian holidays and beliefs taken out of school- It's never equal and no one is ever satisfied-usually because they are so ready to take offense and start a fight to begin with. Sad but true-so the next time a kid graduates who can't add, remember where the money for his education was spent.

Metdad,

I'm not sure why you placed that here, I don't think this was about the current president. This was about diversity celebrations. It was a PTO concern. Not about the first black president. And he is black, despite what you may think.

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