I have always found one thing about suburban American schools to be particularly upsetting; they continue to focus on Western European holidays. While my family is of Western European decent, through and through I am American. Being that I am American, one thing I am proud of is our acceptance of cultures from around the world. The actions of Ms. Star in Chapter 5 truly rubbed me the wrong way. She celebrated most of, if not all of, Western European American Christian holidays. I understand that most people in America do recognize and celebrate these holidays, but we cannot allow them to over shadow the other holiday's people of our country celebrate.
One perfect example is Christmas; a holiday that seems to overrun every other culture and holiday in our country. For Peley, "a Christmas gift for her parents was meaningless (p.78)." Her family had no semblance of a Christmas theme in her house, according to the author. As for Raji, whose family was in India, we have no idea how his family celebrated the season, if at all. I feel Christmas, while I do celebrate the holiday, has become too big and diminishes the other holidays that are celebrated around that time. America was founded as a place to celebrate and welcome people of all beliefs and as a place to keep personal religious beliefs separate from state run agencies.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDominick, good point. The epilogue does reveal that Mrs. Starr eventually changes the holiday focus from Christian majority to world holidays / traditions. What is difficult about such a change is resistance from the majority - a lot of families consider these holidays to be a big part of what it means to be American and they believe that if they are not present in school, their children will somehow be less American. It is true that Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, and July 4th are uniquely American and because they are secular (and in fact rather nationalistic and capitalistic), one would see no harm in including them in schools. If other holidays are presented at school would it be too difficult for the majority to connect with them when the do not apply them in their lives, i.e. celebrate them?
ReplyDeleteIt would be tough to do, but why not incorporate what others believe into the classroom as well? I think that maybe bringing one or two major public holidays into the class from these two childrens history, you could also educate the class as well. Mention Ghandi's birthday or Cambodian New Year and why they are important. I know she is feeling the pressure of the area but she could have done a better job, in my eyes, or making those holidays only one day possibly? It wouyld have made Peley and Raji feel less isolated.
ReplyDeleteI believe that you both have made good suggestions. I hink this points to the key that you need to know all of your students. I noticed a lot of assumptions are made by Ms. Star and that she hasn't made the earnest effort to know her students well. If she did she might have realized to adapt her curriculum and discuss all the holidays celebrated by each cultural group in the homes of her students. It would be educational for all students and help give them all a sense of being a part of a global community.
ReplyDelete-Beth
One idea I have always had, sticking with the Christmas holiday, have a "holiday" room. Post things from muliple nations that happen in December or multiple religions. What do you think? Use it as a tool to let the children learn about other cultures and religions.
ReplyDelete