readings

The stereotypses that the students face in the classroon often do not begin in the classroom. These are issues that students deal with, and bring to school with them, like extra baggage.

It is hard to help students break out of these stereotypes within the classroom, if the second they leave the school, they will be bombarded with them once again. I think we can try to have a fair and equitable classroom, where everyone feels welcomed, however I don't know if we are capable of removing stereotypes that out students deal with.

Some students will immerese themselves within a stereotype because it gives them a sense of belonging. Even this causes problems. Asians- the model minority- are expected to achieve well in school, which could make people of another race react in a negative way if they fulfill the stereotype. Asians that struggle in school may not know how to get help, since they are expected to naturally be smart and excel in school.

African Americans can be looked down upon or accused of acting white if they excel in school. All this does is show how little progress we as a society have really made. Education is the best way to improve one's lot in life. What kind of message are we sending our children if we tell them that succeeding in school is selling out?