Marginalized Groups...

Think about the chapters on African-Americans, Native Americans, and women in terms of what lessons can be learned from developing an understanding of the history and educational experiences of each marginalized group.  For example, how was the marginalization of this group legitimized?  What did “equal educational opportunity” mean in terms of this group and how was it actualized?  Are any remnants of or similarities to this type of marginalization evident in our system today?

     History in general can teach us a lot about life.  It is the great expression "learn from your mistakes".  I think that anyone who wants to make themselves or something better has to first look at what has been done before and where (if any) it went wrong.  Concerning minorities and education, a lot can be deduced and interpreted.  What was once considered 'equal' may not mean the same thing today.  African-Americans have been treated poorly from the onset of American colonization.  They have faced hatred and bigotry.  They have endured racism and fights for equality.  Some could argue that today African-Americans are equal.  The truth is that in some ways they are not.  Women have faced the same uphill battle.  They continue to fight the same fight today.  Men continue to make more money, hold higher level jobs, and consider themselves superior.  A group not mentioned in this response question is that of the Mexican-American.  This is the fastest growing group in our society.  They face constant criticism in the media and a lack of support in the school systems.  Learning this history makes people more aware.  We can learn from our mistakes as a country or society and move towards true equality.  The marginalization of these groups is not legitimate in any sense of the word.  We must go forth in fighting for educational rights and opportunities for minorities.  It starts with us as educators and trickles into the home.