Re: Re-multiculturalism & education
Dave Wells (wellsd@elwha.evergreen.edu)
Fri, 31 Mar 1995 19:51:44 -0800
On the issue of the term "multiculturalism," I find that term limiting
partly by its connotation and partly by the ways in which it has been
used to muddy the differences that should be acknowleged, between
different cultures. The use of this term is especially "neo-colonial" in
its use with Native American cultures since it continues to encourage the
"assimilation" of Native Americans into the "neo-colonial" culture at the
expense of the Native American culture(s). I much prefer
"internationalism" since we are people of very distinct nations and
cultures.
I should also like to add to this, that when we begin to act like nations
and not wards or rubber stamps, we can begin to shift ourselves back
toward the culture(s) from which we have been steered. As long as the
education system reflects the consumer-society, we will be in peril of
joining that even more. We must take charge and responsibility for
ourselves, our destiny and our culture(s).
Dave Wells