In class, we talked about the a Arizona law that wants to cut classes that focus on the history of minorities in America. The Bordentown School in New Jersey was reminiscent of the minority classes that Arizona wants to outlaw. From 1886 to 1955, the Bordentown School was exclusive to African American students. The school was all African American (students and teachers) by choice, not by the segregation laws in place at the time. The New York Times says:
"The school was founded by a black minister, who wanted to create educational opportunities for youths as more and more blacks came north to escape the lack of economic possibility and murderous racism of the South."
However the school did have a downside; the article goes on to say that the school primarily taught its students jobs like how to be a chauffeur of a maid, etc. With that being said, one must take into consideration that during the time this school was open it was very unlikely that a person of a minority group would be doing any other type of jobs.
It seems to me that this law in Arizona is a regression in America today. If a school over 50 years ago could be solely dedicated to educating a minority, why can't these schools in Arizona have just a class dedicated to a minority's history?
I agree that there should be classes dedicated to the history of minorities in America. But I think, as we saw yesterday in class, that one of the reasons to oppose this idea is because it would involve the notion that white people are bringing these minorities down.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat connection to our class discussion. You certainly found a little gem in a hidden historical corner and brought it to light, Mad.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I agree with commenter Nick, though. I think it's a bit presumptuous to assume that these types of classes are anti-white in nature.