Is America Really Going Backwards

I agree with everything that was said. I first questioned the Caudillo’s belief that America was actually going backwards in its fight against racism, however, if we are not actually going backwards, I do not believe we have progressed since the Civil Rights Movement. America has finally included all people to have Constitutional Rights. However, stereotypes are just as prevalent today as they ever were. The Filipino, Muslim, Latino, and Native American families we heard from feel a sense of, if not segregation, distance from the Caucasian-Americans. Bobby Nelson, from the Crouser family, feels, “They just throw this imaginary line on the ground and say, ‘you’re not suppose to be here.’” From the videos, I got the impression, all of the

minority families that were interviewed would have agreed. Cultural insensitivity or disregard seems to be at the root of our cultural issues. It is imperative that all Americans become more knowledgeable about different cultures. I believe knowledge opens the mind to understanding and eventual respect. I concur with M. Lee Manning and Leroy G. Barth, that, “The African, American Indian, Arab, Asian, European, and Hispanic cultural groups make up a sizable percentage of our nation’s diversity. Likewise, their differences, traditions, customs, language, and dialects enrich the United States in many ways” (Multicultural Education of Children and Adolescents, p. 144). This is the knowledge educators need to impart to our students—an acceptance and appreciation for cultural diversity everywhere.