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Yes I do think they should have them so that our youth will know more about various cultures inside this country and in other parts of the world.
In regards to American history, I feel they (ethnic studies like black, Hispanic/Latino/Chicano, Native American, Irish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Fillipino, and various other ethnic groups) should be wrapped up into American history since we all are a part of this country's history. I feel if this were done, ethnic studies would not be needed in general classes but should still be offered as an elective so that students would have an opportunity to delve more deeply into a particular ethnic group's contribution to our country or the world.
FWIW, I also support women's studies.
Funny that the first response would be so ignorant in thinking that learning of various ethnicities is "useless" it shows how important these studies are needed IMO as they are in no way "divisive." I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Irish history culture, literature, and struggles as a black student just as much as I enjoyed learning of black history, culture and struggles and I was surprised to learn via high school and college lecture courses how much in common all peoples in the world have in regards to political oppression, discriminatory practices based on ethnicity/race/gender, and the importance of commerce and expression shown in many different cultures around the world.
I don't care. It's up to the individual colleges and universities.
Like with anything, I'm sure the rigor, quality and value of such a degree varies from case to case.
Divisiveness would depend upon the individual actions on a school by school level.
There was a rape on my campus back in the day. So the womyns studies majors lead a big march\rally around the campus and SPECIFICALLY the frat houses chanting such gems as "cut it out or cut it off". When you have a group marching around pointing the finger at anybody with a penis over the actions of one predator. That's divisive.
The other gems I heard in college were:
-White people created HIV to kill blacks and if you disagree with me you are racist.
-If you and your gf have a drink and then sex, you raped her. (Yes, one drink and yes the blame would fall 100% on the guy)
-Blacks cannot be racist.
Just a couple things I remember from over 20 years ago.
I don't care. It's up to the individual colleges and universities.
Like with anything, I'm sure the rigor, quality and value of such a degree varies from case to case.
Divisiveness would depend upon the individual actions on a school by school level.
There was a rape on my campus back in the day. So the womyns studies majors lead a big march\rally around the campus and SPECIFICALLY the frat houses chanting such gems as "cut it out or cut it off". When you have a group marching around pointing the finger at anybody with a penis over the actions of one predator. That's divisive.
The other gems I heard in college were:
-White people created HIV to kill blacks and if you disagree with me you are racist.
-If you and your gf have a drink and then sex, you raped her. (Yes, one drink and yes the blame would fall 100% on the guy)
-Blacks cannot be racist.
Just a couple things I remember from over 20 years ago.
All of the examples you site are reasons why ethnic and women's studies are needed - to quell the ignorance and idiocy.
If the class has students and they pay for the class...then it's relevant.
If you dont take the class, you dont need or want the information presented. simple as that.
I never took a bookkeeping/accounting class. the information was not needed for my course studies.
I think all high schoolers should take bookkeeping and accounting. It helps learn about economics, something our country is sorely lacking. And FWIW, many smaller businesses need assistance with their bookkeeping. I took it and a general accounting course in college and when I was a SAHM, I took in extra work for some income doing bookkeeping for individual consultants for a fee. It is a skill that way too many lack.
Do you think schools and colleges should have ethnic studies programs or not? Do you think it's divisive?
Absolutely. People need to know America's heritage, and how very long ago that is wasn't as diverse or accepting as much as it is present time. That's not to say that all are accepting of diversity now, there are still a few Neanderthals running about.
All of the examples you site are reasons why ethnic and women's studies are needed - to quell the ignorance and idiocy.
I'm confused because those comments were made to me by students in those disciplines. Granted, they would be the fringe and I don't want to portray them as every student in those types of programs.
I also don't see a lot of ignorant types that would benefit from those classes signing up for them.
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