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I think what's happening in EP is part of a larger systemic problem called white privilege. There are many forms of racism: covert, overt, systemic, individual and many combinations of these. When people think of racism we often think of overt individual racism or prejudice and many people would say they're not prejudice. However, there is also something called white privilege. White privilege happens when the dominant group actively seeks to oppress or suppress other racial groups for its own advantage. Most whites don't realize how or to what extent white privilege affects them. I conceptualize what is happening in this school district (that is predominantly white and upper middle class) particularly with the parents who object is, in fact, white privilege. White privilege is a systemic advantage to whites and it's hard for white people to acknowlege that it benefits them - or that it even exists because really who wants to give up their privileges and benefits? - Even if it suppresses or oppresses another group of people. This is exactly why the school district needs to get involved and change things up a bit because those who experience the benefits of white privilege certainly won't change the status quo, (why give up a privilege?) while those who experience the disadvantages of it CAN'T change the status quo (because of a lack of power and privilege). I encourage people to look up white privilege, read books or scholarly articles about it. Talk to people who are not considered a part of the dominant white culture. Even though it's a systemic issue, there are tangible things you can do to end white privilege and make things better for everyone.
Dac-make it better for yourself why don't you? Whining won't make it so. Go back to school, find a job or a trade that pays enough for you and/or your family to live on. Most wealthy people have worked their butts off for it, like the Obamas.
Perhaps the parents, regardless of color in Eden Prairie don't want their kids attending class with kids that don't speak English as a first language. Maybe they like the fact that most of the parents in their neighborhood school attend all conferences and PTA meetings. People should live where they can afford to live and the kids should be able to take a very short bus ride or walk to their neighborhood school.
I think what's happening in EP is part of a larger systemic problem called white privilege. There are many forms of racism: covert, overt, systemic, individual and many combinations of these. When people think of racism we often think of overt individual racism or prejudice and many people would say they're not prejudice. However, there is also something called white privilege. White privilege happens when the dominant group actively seeks to oppress or suppress other racial groups for its own advantage. Most whites don't realize how or to what extent white privilege affects them. I conceptualize what is happening in this school district (that is predominantly white and upper middle class) particularly with the parents who object is, in fact, white privilege. White privilege is a systemic advantage to whites and it's hard for white people to acknowlege that it benefits them - or that it even exists because really who wants to give up their privileges and benefits? - Even if it suppresses or oppresses another group of people. This is exactly why the school district needs to get involved and change things up a bit because those who experience the benefits of white privilege certainly won't change the status quo, (why give up a privilege?) while those who experience the disadvantages of it CAN'T change the status quo (because of a lack of power and privilege). I encourage people to look up white privilege, read books or scholarly articles about it. Talk to people who are not considered a part of the dominant white culture. Even though it's a systemic issue, there are tangible things you can do to end white privilege and make things better for everyone.
ReplyDeleteDac-make it better for yourself why don't you? Whining won't make it so. Go back to school, find a job or a trade that pays enough for you and/or your family to live on. Most wealthy people have worked their butts off for it, like the Obamas.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the parents, regardless of color in Eden Prairie don't want their kids attending class with kids that don't speak English as a first language. Maybe they like the fact that most of the parents in their neighborhood school attend all conferences and PTA meetings. People should live where they can afford to live and the kids should be able to take a very short bus ride or walk to their neighborhood school.
ReplyDelete