1) Select 1-2 paragraphs from “African-Born Immigrants in U.S. Schools.” Summarize them and respond to them.
“The multicultural paradigm has yet to frame a multidimensional, culturally-responsive pedagogy, so that the needs and experiences of immigrant groups from societies with an embedded cultural diversity are recognized. Although some African nations and cultures are not well known internationally, immigrant children derive a sense of identity and pride from their roots. A curriculum that is oblivious to the histories of some immigrant societies, while exalting others, may create a sense of social exclusion and intellectual intimidation. Furthermore, when a student’s culture is publicly degraded or misrepresented, the resulting feelings of shame, anger, and victimization are detrimental to his or her overall integration into the host society.”
This paragraph is essentially showing that African cultures are not represented in schools. While many students learn about the histories of different immigrant communities, African national identities are extremely underrepresented. This can have many negative impacts. It is extremely important for students to understand the significance of their own history as it relates to the history of the world at large. There is a lack of responsibility in the education system when it comes to teaching history responsibly and accurately conveying history and information. This is extremely upsetting, as students, especially those of immigrant families, should have the right to learn their truth and how it translates to their life in the United States.
2) Discuss something you learned and/ or can relate to from one of this week’s assigned videos.
In “What I learnt as an African immigrant growing up in the US,” we learn about some of the more subtle ways in which being an African immigrant to the US is different from being a black American. I was most struck by the phrase used by the narrator’s community, “we’re not Black, we’re Nigerian.” With many immigrant communities, culture and history can matter a lot more than Race. I found it really interesting that the Nigerian community viewed the Black community in the United States as one specific culture that represented the other to them. It seems really difficult to find pride while not being exclusionary in a community that seems to reinforce those as mutually exclusive. As a white American, I find that European immigrants often distance themselves from American culture, but not necessarily white culture. It would seem that African immigrants have an additional tightrope to walk, as they compare themselves not only to American culture as a whole but to Black-American culture which is a strong community and identity.
3) Share your source on this topic–let us know what it is, why you selected it, and why it matters.
I found the Article ‘We’re Self-Interested’: The Growing Identity Debate in Black America. This article focuses on the differences in experiences of Black Americans descended from slavery and those of African immigrants. There seems to be an issue with the fact that affirmative action, a reparation for slavery, has served many immigrants whose ancestors did not live in the United States through those horrific times. In fact, the article states that “41 percent of black freshmen at Ivy League colleges were immigrants or the children of immigrants, even though those groups represent 13 percent of the black population in the United States.” Cornell students wrote, “There is a lack of investment in black students whose families were affected directly by the African Holocaust in America.” This struck me, as after reading the assigned literature for this week, I learned that this issue is being brought into politics and current programs in our education system. I find myself wondering whether our system can create a way to give opportunities to Black Americans as well as immigrants from around the world, as both deserve a seat at the table in academia.
