"Lemonade or Merlot? Authentic Multiculturalism and High Culture" - 02/08/20

By: Harold M. Best

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A quote from this research that I found to be especially interesting to the topic of multiculturalism education was, ‘turn away from the kind of stealthy elitism that narrows opportunity in the name of cultural sensitivity’. I found this quote specifically interesting because of the truth in which it holds for how nationalism comes into play within many public schools. This form of celebration should be representational of all nations so when education is only isolated to westernized culture students are missing out on the opportunity to appreciate these other cultures. Creating an understanding within the classroom that all cultures bring their own accomplishments and traditions will aide in the assimilation of acceptance within schools. Another quote that describes the vital choices that educators have to make in order to best support multiculturalism is, ‘hope that teachers will continue to make decisions that serve the intellectual and artistic development of their students’. As an educator I am the first line of defense for these underrepresented individuals. There are many ways through art education for me to aide in this problem and I am very excited to take on the challenge!