Quote 1: ""What's it like?"... "Over there-where other people are..."" (Kozol, pg. 15-16)
Although Pineapple did not clearly define "other people" to Kozol he assumed that she meant white people. This is one of the main problems within school systems but most importantly our society today. Today's culture promotes very little integration and understanding of cultures around the world. Race has become a very sensitive subject for some people predominately in communities that are seldomly exposed to diversity. I can relate to Pineapple for the reason that I went to a school that practically had no diversity at all. What is the most effective way to teach diversity in the classroom without making it a sensitive subject?
Quote 2: "The state university system of New York was generally beyond their recognition too." (Kozol,p.17)
What is this? Tunnel vision or something? It saddens me to know that students growing up in the Bronx don't know their options in Manhattan and various other burrows. Why is it that the students that Kozol is writing about limit themselves to community colleges and colleges around the country known for their athletic teams alone. Yes, I know there is a lack of funding in schools but we can't blame everything on that. Where are the passionate teachers? Where are the qualified educators? Where are the mentors? I would assume that educators would want their students to know their options after high school. I would assume that educators would provide guidance and information to better one's future. And I would assume that people understand the obligation to not only their job as a teacher but to the kids they're educating. Am I wrong? It is an educator's responsibility to eliminate this "tunnel vision" in order for their students to know their options for success.
Quote 3: "...During the 1990s, the proportion of black students in majority white schools has decreased... to a level lower than in any year since 1968... Almost three fourths of black and Latino students attend schools that are predominately minority..." (Kozol, p. 19)
What was the purpose of the Civil Rights Movement if no one was planning on holding up their end of the bargain? Why did people lose their lives to better society when it just became worse? Aren't we taught to better ourselves and the community? Aren't we taught to embrace differences and accept that everyone is unique? The hypocrisy of this nation is what makes people angry and bitter. Encouraging and embracing diversity is what makes people stronger and reduces ignorance; does it not? Education dabbles into so much more than math, english, science, and social studies and pinpoints the characteristics that make us good people (teaching sharing, turn taking, empathy, encouragement, etc. if you catch my drift). Education is used to discover things not only about yourself but the sense of community. How do you break down a society created to shut certain people out to a society that embraces everyone for who they are? Seems like a big task. Who will be the strongest to start the revolution?
