DOCSLIB.ORG

ED459124.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ED459124.Pdf DOCUMENT RESUME ED 459 124 SO 033 426 AUTHOR Mitchell, Greg TITLE Racial and Ethnic Tensions: What Should We Do? An Issue Book for National Issues Forums. INSTITUTION National Issues Forums, Dayton, OH. SPONS AGENCY Charles F. Kettering Foundation, Dayton, OH. ISBN ISBN-0-945639-18-X PUB DATE 2000-00-00 NOTE 40p. AVAILABLE FROM Kendall/Hunt Customer Service, 4050 Westmark Drive, P.O. Box 1840, Dubuque, IA 52004-1840 ($3.60) .Tel: 800-228-0810 (Toll Free); Fax: 800-772-9165 (Toll Free); Fax: 563-589-1046; e-mail: [email protected]. For full text: http://www.nifi.org/racialto.pdf. PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom (055) EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Citizenship Education; Controversial Issues (Course Content); *Ethnic Groups; *Ethnic Relations; Group Discussion; *Racial Attitudes; *Racial Relations; Secondary Education; *Social Problems; Social Studies IDENTIFIERS Public Discourse ABSTRACT As the United States enters the 21st century, the rich diversity of its people may be its greatest promise and its greatest challenge. The country still struggles with a legacy of racial discrimination and ethnic disparity, even if their forms are subtler today. This book is designed to promote public deliberation that can help individuals find common ground for action on the troubling racial and ethnic problems that still divide the nation. The book provides an overview of the issue and outlines three approaches. Each approach speaks for one set of priorities and views and, drawing ideas from across the political spectrum, advocates a unique and consistent way of dealing with the problem. Approaches are:(1) "Look beyond Race and Ethnicity" (focus on what unites, not what divides); (2) "Build Self-Identity First" (acknowledge and accept differences); and (3)"Open All Doors to Everyone" (take an active part in finishing the job of integration). (BT) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ,CE elAiNik Og;gag C3CDCA3 OCDP N641©fifflD O@PINg@ Farumg, 1111* r1/1 NATIONAL ISSUES CP j FORUMS thLuJJlie 1 1 0 0 14j 8co --;.,, e91,1-`-'.-2' ii C/00",,-,-,_;- 0 'L1 '..11-1',>"`-`, r U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND Office of Educational Research and Improvement DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION BEEN GRANTED BY CENTER (ERIC) /This document has been reproducedas received from the person or organization originating it. d.'cl,..),.,r-fato-Piso 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES o Points of view or opinions stated in this INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) document do not necessarily represent 1 official OERI position or policy. B3ESCOPY AVAILABLE I For the National 'issues FOrinTis This issue book was prePared by National .Issues Foruills Researcli, iicollaborat iouwill tte Kettering Foundation. Books in this series are used by dvic and educational organizations inkosted.in addressing public issues. These organizations use the books in locally initiated forums convened each year in hundredS of commu- nities. For a description of the National Issues Forums, see Page 32. Individuals interested in using National Issues Forums materials as part of their own programs should write National Issues Forums Researdt at 100 Commons Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459-2777, or eall 800-433-7834. Kettering Foundation The Kettering Foundation, a nonprofit,nonpartisan research institute I.)ased in Dayton,Ohio, (with offices in Washington,D.C., and New York) was founded in 1927. It has provide(' books, materials, and moderator train- ing for the National Issues Forunis since this nationwide network was started in 1982. It is engaged in a wide : range of7activides to promote civic participation and enrich public life. For information about the Kettering Foundation, contact the foundation at 200 Commons Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459-2799. Phone: 800-221-3657. .Ordering Information Additional copies of this book may be ordered from NI F Publications, P.O.Box 41626,Dayton, Ohio 45441: phone 1-800-600-4060.1t is part of a series that includes other topics such as violent kids,cam- paign spenchng,public schools,urban sprawl,privacy and free speech on the Internet, gambling,jobs, al coltoLphySician-assisted suicide,and Social Security and Medicare. For more information,or to place orders for these books, contact Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 4050 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.Phone: 800-228-0810. Acknowledgments Our thanks go to colleagues at theKettering Font idation,and Natioiml Issues Forums associates and others around the nation for their help in defining the issue framework,clarifying the presentation,or reviewing the manuscript: Beatriz Amberman,Leland Borcleaux,Lan Calderon,Alfredo Carrasquillo, Ram6n DaubOn,Edwin Dorn,Richard Elkins,Cheryl Gibbs,Damon Higgins,Dennis Hartig,Ellis Hinnant2Will,Bob Kingston,Chris Kloth,Betty Knighton, Jesus Lechuga, J. Roger Lee,Ceasar McDoWell,Bob McKenzie,Estus Smith,Susan Willey, and Ruth Yellow Hawk. Publisher:Edward J. Arnone Design: Long's Graphic Designinc. Writer:Greg Mitchell Cover Art: Long's Graphic Designinc. Editor: Fannie Fl0110 Inside Illustrations: Long's Graphic Design.ltic. Research: Deborah Witte,Diara Fleming Copy Editor: Betty Frecker Questionnaires: Julie Fisher, Ilse Tebbetts, Racial and Ethnic Tensions: What Should We Do? John Cavaimugh Copyriglite 2000 Production: George Cavanaugh National Issues Forums Institute Production Assistant: Elizabeth Hensley ISBN: 0-945639-18-X A note about this issue book EaCh book in this series for the National Issues Forums outlines a public issue and several choices, or approaches to address- ing the issue. Rather than conforming to any single public proposal, each choice reflects widely 'held concerns 'and principles. Panels of experts review manuscripts to make sure the choices are presented accurately and fairly. By intention, issue books do not identify individuals or organizations with partisan labels such as Democrat, Republican, I conservative, or liberal. The goal is to present ideas in a fresh way that encourages readers to judge them on their merit. Issue books include quotations from experts and public officials when their views appear consistent with:the principles of a given approach. But these quoted individuals might not endorse every aspect of the approach as it is described here. 6 Racial aid EthicTensians What Should We Do? By Greg Mitchell Introduction 2 As this nation enters the twenty-first century, the rich diversity of its people may be Ameri- ca's greatest promise and its greatest challenge. We have made great strides in breaking down barriers that once separated us.But we still struggle with a legacy of racial discrimi- nation and ethnic disparity, even if their forms are subtler today. This book is designed to promote public deliberation that can help us find common ground for action on the trou- bling racial and ethnic problems that still divide us.It provides an overview of the issue and outlines three different approaches.Each approach speaks for one set of American priori- ties and views and,drawing ideas from across the political spectrum,advocates a unique and consistent way of dealing with the problem. [Approach 1:Look Beyond Race and Ethnicity 8 In this view, we must focus on what unites us,not on what divides us. We will all benefit if we stop seeing everything through the lens of race and ethnicity. There has been much progress in bridging racial and ethnic divides,proponents of this approach say, and there will be even more if we eliminate racial preferences,which are unfair to everyone. What Should Be Done? 9 We must also insist that recent immigrants assimilate rapidly. In this view, we should Dangers, Drawbacks, provide equal opportunity for everyone,and treat everyone the sameas Americans. Trade-offs 13 Approach 2:Build Self-Identity First 1 5 _ _ We should acknowledge and accept differences,not blur them,say supporters of this view. The way to reduce ethnic and racial tensions is to first build racial and cultural identity. We will never learn to get along well with others until we first know who we are as indi- viduals from different cultural backgrounds.Only through ensuring that our particular What Should Be Done? 16 group is strong and well regarded,can we relate to others. We must allow minority commu- Dangers, Drawbacks, nities and schools to set their own course,even if it means accepting some self-segregation. Trade-offs 20 LApproach 3:Open All Doors to Everyone 22 This approach calls for all of us to take an active part in finishing the job of integration.It is a job that we will have to work at by making continuous efforts to meet,talk with, and understand each other better. Proponents of this view oppose policies that encourage or What Should Be Done? 23 accept racial or ethnic separation.Only through living, working,and going to school togeth- Dangers, Drawbacks, erand setting common goals through community dialogue will prejudice subside. Trade-offs 28 In Your Community... 29 Issue Map 30 What Are National Issues Forums? 32 Questionnaires: Register Your Views 33 Racial ad EthricTersias: What Should We Do? - f Los Angeles Police Department officers lead Often, however, racial or ethnic conflict shakes children to safer ground, A s Americans we are far more unit- this common ground and twists the threads that away from the North Val- ed than divided. Whatever the ley Jewish Community bind us together in this American democracy. As Center, where a gunman our country enters the twenty-first century, diversi- wounded five people. color of our skin or country of origin we ty may be America's greatest promiseand our share many common values: a belief in gravest challenge. fairness and justice and opportunity, a Today, more than ever, we are truly a society in transition. Race relations no longer focus narrowly passionate desire for freedom.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • UNIVERSITY of the DISTRICT of COLUMBIA Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog 2008-2011
    UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog 2008-2011 Volume 14, Number 1 Published by the University of the District of Columbia 4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Web site: www.udc.edu ThisUndergraduate and Graduate Catalog has been prepared for the benefit of students, faculty, and administrators of the University, and others wishing to know more about the University’s programs, services, and activities. This Catalog is the primary reference for information about the curriculum, academic policies and procedures, and courses. Updated and supplemental information can be found in the following additional publications: The Student Handbook: Available online and from the Office of Student Affairs, published annually. The University of the District of Columbia web site, www.udc.edu : Updated regularly, with a variety of information about the University’s programs, particularly upcoming activities and events, and links to departments, programs, students, and faculty. The information in this Catalog is accurate as of the date of publication, and the authors know of no significant changes to be made by the University in the near future. The University, however, reserves the right to make changes at any time, with or without prior notice, including, but not limited to, changes in rates and fees, deadlines, program offerings, course offerings, and course and program descriptions and requirements. UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE SEXUAL HARAssMENT AND RACIAL HARAssMENT POLICY STATEMENT It is the policy of the University of the District of Columbia that all acts of sexual harassment and racial harassment of its students, faculty, staff and applicants for employment or admission to the University are prohibited.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioneersconference 2005 Program.Indd
    Second Annual Chesapeake Bioneers Conference October 14-16, 2005 at The University of the District of Columbia Visionary Practical Solutions for Restoring the Earth and Its People “Despair shows us the limit of our imagination. Imaginations shared create collaboration, and collaboration creates community, and community inspires social change.” – Terry Tempest Williams, from The Open Space of Democracy, Bioneers 2004 Bioneers Mission To disseminate environmental solutions and strategies to national and global audiences to educate, inspire and equip individuals, groups, companies and institutions toward effective action to restore the Earth and her peoples; To develop and spread model economic strategies for ecological agriculture, environmental restoration and community self-reliance that conserve biological and cultural diversity, and that strengthen traditional, indigenous and restorative farming practices; To promote understanding of the human-nature relationship and revitalize our cultural and spiritual connection with the natural world; To conduct public education designed to engage people through conferences, workshops, and the media and by creating model projects; To bring together people and information for the purpose of creating an effective program to restore health to the Earth and her peoples; To develop and spread model economic strategies for ecological agriculture, environmental restoration and community self-reliance; and To promote understanding of the human-nature relationship in order to revitalize our cultural and spiritual connection with the natural world. This event is hosted by the Agriculture Experimental Station at UDC. For information about the program, see: www.UDC.edu. Dr. Bobby William Austin is Vice President for University Relations and Communications at the Univer- sity of the District of Columbia.
    [Show full text]
  • Tuition and Fees
    UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog 2008-2011 Volume 14, Number 1 Published by the University of the District of Columbia 4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Web site: www.udc.edu ThisUndergraduate and Graduate Catalog has been prepared for the benefit of students, faculty, and administrators of the University, and others wishing to know more about the University’s programs, services, and activities. This Catalog is the primary reference for information about the curriculum, academic policies and procedures, and courses. Updated and supplemental information can be found in the following additional publications: The Student Handbook: Available online and from the Office of Student Affairs, published annually. The University of the District of Columbia web site, www.udc.edu : Updated regularly, with a variety of information about the University’s programs, particularly upcoming activities and events, and links to departments, programs, students, and faculty. The information in this Catalog is accurate as of the date of publication, and the authors know of no significant changes to be made by the University in the near future. The University, however, reserves the right to make changes at any time, with or without prior notice, including, but not limited to, changes in rates and fees, deadlines, program offerings, course offerings, and course and program descriptions and requirements. UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE SEXUAL HARAssMENT AND RACIAL HARAssMENT POLICY STATEMENT It is the policy of the University of the District of Columbia that all acts of sexual harassment and racial harassment of its students, faculty, staff and applicants for employment or admission to the University are prohibited.
    [Show full text]
  • Abstract Department of Political Science Etson, Sr
    ABSTRACT DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ETSON, SR., TIMOTHY DEMORRIS B.S. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, 1988 M.P.A. CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY, 1999 AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE POLITICS OF BLACK MALE ENROLLMENT IN GEORGIA’S PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Committee Chair: Dr. F. S. J. Ledgister Dissertation dated July 2012 Between 1998 and 2008, in the African-American community and for black men in particular in the State of Georgia, attaining a post-secondary education and its corresponding benefits has proven to be challenging. With the abrupt transition of policies and programs such as the HOPE Scholarship, Affirmative Action, and African American Male Initiatives during this period, came a corresponding transformation of the composition of number of black males enrolling in Georgia’s public colleges and universities. Along with the wider gender and race changes that occurred during this period, as of March 2004, black males represented 16.6 percent of the national numbers as compared to 18.5 percent of their Black female and 32.9 percent of their white male counterparts 25 years and over who attained bachelor’s degrees. I Despite many impediments to improving the education levels of citizens in the State of Georgia, it appears that the widest educational gap was among African Americans. Fewer black males graduated from high school on time, compared to almost two-thirds of the black females. Many scholars of educational policy attest to the fact that college enrollment levels are a problem among all students. One example of this research is highlighted to show how African-American males have particularly low rates and are even vulnerable to dropping out of high school.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Aid to the Historymakers ® Video Oral History with Bobby William Austin
    Finding Aid to The HistoryMakers ® Video Oral History with Bobby William Austin Overview of the Collection Repository: The HistoryMakers®1900 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60616 [email protected] www.thehistorymakers.com Creator: Austin, Bobby William Title: The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Bobby William Austin, Dates: August 5, 2004 Bulk Dates: 2004 Physical 6 Betacame SP videocasettes (2:45:21). Description: Abstract: Foundation executive Bobby William Austin (1944 - ) is the founder of the Village Foundation, established to mentor young African American men. Austin has been recognized for his work, with listings in Who’s Who in Black America and Outstanding Young Men of America, among others. Austin was interviewed by The HistoryMakers® on August 5, 2004, in Washington, District of Columbia. This collection is comprised of the original video footage of the interview. Identification: A2004_119 Language: The interview and records are in English. Biographical Note by The HistoryMakers® Foundation executive Bobby William Austin was born in Jonesville, Kentucky on December 29, 1944. His father, Herschel, worked as a porter on the L&N Railroad, and his mother, Mary, was a homemaker. His mother also instilled in him a passion that would remain with Austin throughout his life: literature. As a child, he would receive books for Christmas instead of toys, and he would carry them everywhere with him. After graduating from the High Street High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Austin went on to attend Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Austin went on to attend Western Kentucky University, also in Bowling Green, earning his B.A. degree in economics and sociology in 1966.
    [Show full text]
  • A Model for Reaching African American Males in Southeast Atlanta with Seventh-Day Adventism
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2005 A Model For Reaching African American Males In Southeast Atlanta With Seventh-day Adventism Ralph P. Peay Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Peay, Ralph P., "A Model For Reaching African American Males In Southeast Atlanta With Seventh-day Adventism" (2005). Dissertation Projects DMin. 415. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/415 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT A MODEL FOR REACHING AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES IN SOUTHEAST ATLANTA WITH SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM by Ralph P. Peay Adviser: Clifford Jones ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A MODEL FOR REACHING AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES IN SOUTHEAST ATLANTA WITH SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM Name of researcher: Ralph P. Peay Name and degrees of faculty adviser: Clifford Jones, D.Min., PhD. Date completed: August 2005 Problem Churches in America are on average 60-70 percent female. Attracting and integrating African American males into church life is a grave challenge. This study focuses on African American males in Southeast Atlanta and seeks to design a model for addressing their sociological and spiritual needs in anticipation of their accession into church membership. Method The setting for this study is the Atlanta Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southeast Atlanta.
    [Show full text]
  • By Elisabeth (Lisa) Kone
    By Elisabeth (Lisa) Kone Introduction This research paper fulfills the requirement of the Library Fellowship for Undergraduate Students of Color for the 2021 spring semester. It is based on the lives of African American individuals from Kentucky and/or those who have spent several years of their lives in Kentucky. Many African Americans across the state of Kentucky have proven to be educated, skilled and talented. From the 1800s to the last generation, these people lived to become great in their specific domains such as literature writing in its different forms, music as well as photography. They have gone through different challenges to make history and be examples to the generations after them. This research includes 55 African Americans from Kentucky; 22 authors, 26 musicians including two groups of two and four individuals respectively and finally 7 photographers including a group made up of two individuals. This is a total of 50 bibliographies. The cover photograph incorporates some of the authors and musicians discussed in this paper; Lionel Hampton, bell hooks, Frank X Walker, Alice Allison Dunnigan, Valerie Coleman, Houston A. Baker Jr., Suzan-Lori Parks, Charles H. Wesley, Boyce D. Watkins, Crystal Wilkinson, Bobby William Austin, Lyman T. Johnson, Daniel Burley, W.C. Handy, Bryson Tiller and Gayl Jones. 2 AUTHORS FROM KENTUCKY Adams, John Quincy Birthplace and date: Louisville, KY May 4, 1848 Deathplace and date: St. Paul, MN September 4, 1922 Parents: Reverend Henry Adams and Margaret Priscilla Adams Education: - Ohio’s Oberlin College Jobs/Career: - Adams had a teaching career - Clerk for the Arkansas Senate (1873) - He served on the Republican Party’s State and City Executive Committees - Delegate to the Republican National Convention (1880) - Granger and storekeeper in the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Racial and Ethnic Te Nsions
    An Issue Book for National Issues Forums RacialRacial andand EthnicEthnic TTeen n s s i i o o n n s s WhatWhat ShouldShould WeWe Do?Do? For the National Issues Forums This issue book was prep a r ed by National Issues Forums Research , in col l a b o r ation with the Ketter i n g Fou n d a t i o n . Books in this series are used by civic and educational organizations intere s t ed in addressing public is s u e s . These organizations use the books in locally initiated forums con vened each year in hundreds of com m u - ni t i e s . For a description of the National Issues For u m s , see Pag e 32. In d i viduals intere s t ed in using National Issues Forums materials as part of their own prog r ams should write National Issues Forums Research at 100 Commons Road, Day to n , Ohio 45459-2777, or call 800-433-7834. Kettering Foundation The Kettering Foundation, a nonprofit,nonpartisan research institute based in Dayton,Ohio,(with offices in Wa s h i n g to n ,D . C . , and New Yor k) was founded in 1927. It has provided books, ma te r i a l s , and moderat or trai n - ing for the National Issues Forums since this nationwide networ k was started in 1982. It is engag ed in a wide ra n ge of activities to pro m o te civic participation and enrich public life.
    [Show full text]