We Are Not Who We Thought We Were

Authors

  • Mary S. Poplin The Claremont Graduate School Author

Abstract

Most of our attempts to integrate multiculturalism, diversity, and ethnic and women's studies have focused on adding to the existing curriculum new histories and more information about non-male and non-European cultures. Most of these attempts have been unsuccessful in affecting those who reside within the dominant culture in this country. Sleeter (1990) noted in her studies of teachers who took courses in multiculturalism that no change occurred in their teaching as a result. Required multicultural courses, such as those offered to teacher education students, tend to present content to nonbelievers who diligently (if resentfully) learn facts and then continue business as usual. Ethnic and women's studies courses generally present content to believers who are eager to learn more about their own histories, oppressions, and fellow human beings. Knowing, however, is not enough.

Published

2024-03-22