Blog Assignment Part 3 - March 10

 

Minority communities amidst the 1950s, felt the separation system in America. Different communities bundled together and stuck with one another not intertwining with another ethnic group. Such as, the minority community and the white community. There was a clear superiority in one of these communities that the American society favored. The white community had control of the American society which included the most important network, the education system. In the 1950s, this created variations of equal education and opportunities for citizens. The promise of public education was a standard that American people held onto but there was a clear factor that minority students. Author, James D. Anderson from School: The Story of American Public Education, discusses how a separate but equal system began forming to balance this separation (in the education system). However, it did not process well. In America, a separate but equal system does not work for the education system and society for various reasons.  

Separate societies and communities held foundation in America. Amongst the 1950s, the ideology of public schooling was a promise the American societies held onto. Citizens understood the importance of education and how it was the ticket to a brighter and stronger American society. Especially, the minority community. Although an understood statement, opportunities for the minority communities were limited but labeled hopeful for their children. White students prospered in the education system as they had access to all types of schools and opportunities. While was, ethic communities could not even attend white schools since it was dangerous and illegal in 17 states (Anderson, 2002). Dreams for the less fortunate students created negative impacts that form structure over the decades.  

Integration of all students in schools sprouted from the Brown vs Board of Education. This case highlighted the separation in classrooms from white and minority students. An integration that we take for granted as a society today because it is considered a universal standard in schools. However, during the 50s, it was not acknowledged as a mainstream problem. Anderson state, “In 1950, people had to risk their lives and futures for equal educational opportunities.” In modern society, we recognize the importance of fights like these for the integration of all students regardless of their backgrounds.  

Equal systems for all students were created from various boycotts and call for actions in the education system. As described by the author, James. D Anderson, there were black teenagers that attended a white school. Melba Pattillo Beals, an African American teenager (one out of nine), was chosen to integrate to Little Rock’s Central High School. To protect her from discrimination and racism, President Dwight David Eisenhower sent a protection division for her safety. As a black teenager in a white school, she would be treated cruel by the students and faculty. The protection squad, 101st Airborne Division, was sent for her to survive a basic day at the school. All these students wanted was a better education and were treated poorly for this hope and wish. This example solidifies how an attempt at having equal schooling and education for this student was such a difficult task because of what type of background they come from.

Throughout America, a separate but equal system does not work for the American education system and society. During the 1950s, there has been separation rules set in place to create barriers for different citizens. This created a disruption between equal education and opportunism for various people, especially students from other backgrounds. In modern society, we have developed rules that integrate all types of people with one another. The crusade for minority communities excelled once legal recognition took place. After all, America is recognized as the melting pot of the world.