Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: De-emphasize Differences. I was recently assigned to the middle school in the Warren School District. The district serves a community that had once been an all-white middle-class enclave, but has recently become more diverse in its ethnic makeup. I am very interested in multicultural education. I instituted the use of dialog journals in my adviser group, telling the students that they can write anything they want. Some journal entries cause me concern. Warren Jackson, an African American, complains that my emphasis on African American culture embarrasses him. Gail Smith, a white girl, writes that her parents object strongly to her affection for Warren Jackson and that she is considering suicide. My problems come to a head in my first meeting with the principal. The principal suggests that I decrease his use of small groups, that I abandon my dialogue journals, and that I de-emphasize the multicultural aspects of my classes. He suggests that I emphasize similarities, not differences. I don't know what to do. I do think that my methods have some value but I cannot go against my principal. Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) In response to Gail, I would have the counselor and principal take a look at the journal response. It is our responsibility to keep the students safe and telling higher authorities will help. Also, I would have a personal conversation with Warren. There must be a deeper meaning on why he is embarrassed to talk about his culture. He may be out numbered in the classroom and too much attention on one race or culture can be hard on a teenager. I would reflect on the use of the journals and think if the use of them is helping or hurting the students. I would also think about how cultural differences can be talked about differently. I do think that embracing cultures is important, but it must be done in a caring, safe way. Feelings could get hurt, otherwise. Perhaps having a culture day would be great bonding for the students and each can bring in art, music or food that represents them. This would allow everyone to share something about them and learn from others.