Ethnic and Racial Diversity From Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Ethnic and Racial Diversity Donna M. Gollnick and Philip C. Chinn Merrill/Prentice Hall (2009) Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition ISBN: 0136154743 Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

ETHNIC AND RACIAL DIVERSITY The United States is comprised of almost 300 ethnic groups. The indigenous population (170 American Indian tribes) plus Native Hawaiians account for less than 1.5% of total population. Immigrants comprise 12% of the population. Descendants of immigrants are 86.5% of the population.

AFRICAN AMERICANS African slaves developed a new culture out of African, European, and American Indian influences and experiences. Initially, Africans were confined primarily to the South. By the middle of the nineteenth century, industrial jobs in other parts of the country spurred migration. By the twenty-first century, reverse migration took place as some blacks moved back to the South.

MEXICAN AMERICANS In 1848, the United States annexed sections of Mexican territories, including what is now Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and southern California. Mexicans and Native Americans became oppressed minorities in these regions where they had been the dominant population. Mexican labor was sought by farmers and industries. Then and now, these laborers face hostility, low pay, and subordinate status.

EUROPEAN IMMIGRANTS Immigrants from impoverished areas of Eastern and Southern Europe were brought in to fill industrial needs in the nineteenth century. Immigrants from Poland, Hungary, Italy, Russia, and Greece arrived through the early twentieth century. Leaving to escape poverty or for political reasons, many faced worse living conditions in the United States. Racist policies used against blacks and Mexicans were also used against these new immigrants.

60% OF IMMIGRANTS LIVE IN: New York California Florida Texas

ETHNICITY Most basic definition focuses on an individual’s national origins Character of ethnic groups changes over time In 2006, 22% of the U.S. population identified with two or more national origins

ETHNIC IDENTITY One does not have to live in the same community with others of same ethnic group to continue ethnic identity. Ethnicity is often ascribed to individuals because they have black, Asian, or Latino physical features. An adopted child from Korea with a white family and last name will still have Korean ethnicity ascribed even though no Korean cultural identity exists. Degree of ethnic identity is determined by recognition and promotion of ethnicity in the family.

RACIAL GROUPS Racial groups are comprised of many ethnic groups: conversely, ethnic groups may include members of more than one racial group. Race is a social-historical concept used to classify individuals based on difference. Pan-ethnic classifications impose artificial and limiting boundaries for individuals from specific or multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds.

RACISM To understand racism, one must understand and acknowledge that there are differential levels of access to prestige, power, and privilege based on culture, ethnicity, and race.

HATE GROUPS There now are over 844 organized hate groups in the United States, most located east of the Mississippi River. They often target areas of the country that have experienced economic and racial change. Most have sophisticated websites and some reach out to school-age children in spreading their message of hate.

TARGETS OF HATE Every hour, a hate crime is committed. Hate crimes are committed against all groups, including whites. However, African Americans, gays, and Jews are primary targets. Attacks are increasing against Muslims since the Gulf War and events of 9/11.

EDUCATION AND RACE The vast majority of U.S. teachers are white (90-92%). The majority of teachers are female (70%). In several states (Texas, California, and Hawaii, for example) the majority of students are of color. There is often incongruence between teachers and students in terms of race, gender, and social class. High school graduation rates are considerably lower for non-White populations than for Whites and Asian Americans.

COLOR BLINDNESS Many educators claim color blindness. Color blindness perpetuates white privilege because it fails to recognize racial identity and racial inequalities in schools. Teachers often do not address issues of race because of their own discomfort. Race does matter to students and families and should be appropriately addressed.

RACE AND ETHNICITY IN THE CURRICULUM Schools should help students to learn about participation in the dominant society while maintaining their own ethnicity if they choose. Students need to know that educators respect their ethnicity. Students should be able to function biculturally. G