Cultural Stereotypes In Education

It is estimated that the USA is ranked twenty-seventh in the world in overall education. This is a direct contrast to the American view that the US is number one. Society sees education as the future but what quality is this future? Although America believes in equality, the reality is the opposite derived from American societal views in the educational system that results in a difference of standards and the ability to succeed in the world.

More gender stuff.

Cultural stereotypes in American breed an unequal set of expectation and norms based on one’s gender. Society as a whole needs to step back from the norms of the present and past in order to focus on teaching the mind of the student not the expectations of their gender. Children in

their early years of brain development learn at a fast rate, in these years children learn societal expectations and stereotypes. The American culture harbors subliminal messages in all aspects of life which children are easily susceptible to retaining. As a child there are specific toys marketed towards boys and girls for example Barbie is a dominantly girl toy. When growing up the toys that one plays with can effect their interest in education. Legos are a great toy that harbors creativity in mathematics, engineering and science. From the time a child is born, all the way through their educational process they learn what social norms and expectations of society are for them and their gender. It is these social norms and expectations that society needs to transcend in order to have a better measurable success of its pupils.

Does success in American differ based on gender?

Yes, gender plays a key role in the measurable success of its pupils. Men not only do better in the work force but also have more jobs in STEM related careers. AS I have grown up my interests in future careers has changed based on the opportunities that I have been afforded. I use to love history bet the experiences I have had, have left me wanting a career as an engineer. I unlike many girls have been exposed to a large variety of subjects without prejudice guiding my thirst for knowledge. An educator’s job is to teach knowledge not societal views. Societies subliminal messages have no place in the classroom: the thirst for knowledge should be the only

guidance.

More gender stuff.

Racial issues have become a barrier that controls the growth the society and it’s ever changing ideals.

Society has developed expectations based on previous members of a race and judgment of the American majority. Citizens of the untied states have grown up around these prejudicial views thus these views translate over into the educational system. Kozol stated that some schools are clearly stating which jobs they expected the students to choose (81) this direct relates to the fact that educators are not equally helping students find their potential. It is not an educator’s job to teach their personal or society’s perceived ideal for a student but to help a student find joy and passion with knowledge.

Society has several different expectations based on one’s race. These expectations start when the children start school. A student of an Asian background is expected to have a high level of academic achievement. Colleges judge a student differently based on their race. An Asian student is expected to have the highest scores, be at the top of their class and if these expectations are not met they may not get into college (paraphrasing an article). How can Americans say the educational system is equal when a student is judged based on how well they do compared to others of their

race.

Students are not only compared to their own race but to other races. A black student is expected to not do as well as white or Asian students. This expectation stems from early civil rights era white mentality. Although the civil rights movement is over many of the expectations have not gone away. These expectations and mentalities preach racial superiority. A white students expectations and mentality comes from the positivity they grow up with, in society. They are taught positivity and that they can do anything. White culture has held up educational expectations for its children. Within the educational system in America race affects all aspects of the system even though society denies this.

Finical stuff

Society is at the heart of the issues in the American educational system, multiple sides argue for their point. Many views bring up issues of safety and the quality of a learning environment in today’s world. Society expects others to change what they wear in order to adhere to the standards of a proper learning environment. Along with societies perceived standards for certain gender. It id the American culture that births the differences in educational standards for certain genders. Gender roles are not the only expectations taught, racial roles are well integrated within the educational system. America once had racial prejudice control the way its citizens conducted themselves I their day-to-day lives. The civil rights movement helped to reduce racial divide. The racial divide in American life has dispersed but can be found in the system of education. Though race in America brought great diversity to the culture. This diversity fosters the idea of the American dream. The American dream is about having a better quality of life and more money, money is what separates some qualities of education and opportunity. No matter what gender, racial background or financial situation it is the education o the youth that will lead to a better America. America must invest in the future by investing in all of its pupils.