Race as a social construct is a hard concept for me to
grasp. I believe race is easiest and most often identified by skin color and
physical attributes rather than social constructs. Understanding the intent
behind defining race is also a controversial area as it is difficult to
pinpoint intent. Collecting data on race for educational purposes, could if
used properly, help educators prepare to lesson plans and activities to ensure
all ethnicities are included in educational activities. However if the goal is
to learn about other cultures, curriculum inclusive of all ethnicities should
be taught regardless of the make up of the student population.
Race and Ethnicity in the education system is a polarizing
topic and has unfortunately become a subject that is often swept under the rug.
I believe this is in part due to the sensitivity of the subject, the fear of
biases being exposed and the fear of being labeled a racist. I think there is a
certain amount of shame that children begin to feel about their culture and
race because race and ethnicity are swept under the rug. The images in the
media, which thanks to technological advances expose children at an earlier age
to predominately negative imagery as it relates to races other than the white
race, exacerbate this feeling.
QUESTION: Is “playing the race card” used as an excuse to
marginalize or quash meaningful dialogue on race and ethnicity? What role are educators playing to encourage
the conversation that could be used in classrooms across the nations.
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