Names have been changed to protect the innocent...and my husband...and me...but not the dog. His name is Dexter.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Thoughts On Diversity

Personally, I think diversity is a good thing.  Although I do realize that not everyone agrees with me.  But it seems to be coming up a lot lately.  A lot.  And in less than fantastic ways, I might add.
Quite a few people around these here parts are relocating their children to different schools.  There's lots of hemming and hawing and excuses about how the school is just not good enough for their brilliant child, but the one of the reasons I'm hearing lately is that "they don't like the diversity of the school".

They don't like the diversity of the school.  

Call me crazy, but that seems like a fancy way of describing racism.  It would be just wrong to say something along the lines of  "my white child is too good to go to school with kids that aren't white", but somehow it's acceptable if you say that you "don't like the diversity".  But, really, it's not any different.

It's disgusting.  Appalling.  Ridiculous.  Ignorant.  Racist, for heaven's sake.  It just makes me feel sick inside.  Honestly, in this day and age with all the rich racial diversity of this country, people still feel that they are better because they are white?!  And that somehow if there are children of a different race in the class room, then their children are not getting a proper education??

There does seem to be a few tricks to making racism socially appropriate though.  If you hide behind your concerns for your children's education then that makes it okay.  Even though you're too lazy to teach your kid the alphabet you are still superior to the Hispanic woman who doesn't teach her kid the ABC's.  Because you are white.  Also, make sure you go to church every week because a good Christian woman would never be racist.  She just won't be comfortable with the diversity at the school.

Yes, as long as your racism is veiled with an insincere smile and a condescending heart, you will be fine.  You're only looking out for your children, after all.

9 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I think you hit the nail on the head. And honestly, I think "I don't like diversity." sounds just as ignorant as blatant racism.

Living the Scream said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Living the Scream said...

Love this article! So true!

Happy Granny said...

It would be nice to think that in 2011, we have grown up enough as a society to put away the racist attitudes of the past. Unfortunately, they still do exist with some people, thinly disguised in "Politically Correct" phrases. They are not PC, they are wrong, and we still need to conscientiously teach our children racism is wrong. Period. Of course the first step is realizing it exists, and speaking against it. So, well done, my dear. xoxoxo

The Leonard Family said...

Thank You! Those have been my thoughts exactly lately, but I couldn't quite put it into words like you. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who feels that way. Thanks again!

Lady of Perpetual Chaos said...

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I had nightmares all last night about this post!

hairyshoefairy said...

People have actually said this!? Wow. That's insane. As far as schools go, when we were in the area I was considering sending my kids to another school, not because of the "diversity" but because I wasn't thrilled with all day long kindergarten. The ethnic diversity is something I actually really miss about living in Oakland.

Emily said...

I know quite a few people in our neighborhood who still haul their kids to faraway schools due to the reputation of our local middle school. On the other hand, I think it's great for my kids to experience life outside their little bubble.

Perfectly said. Perfect post.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps this is stating the obvious, but in addition to racial diversity, there is economic diversity, religious diversity, cultural diversity, moral diversity, etc. I think it's a bit harsh to assume that when someone changes to a less "diverse" school they must be racist...or that you're lazy if you don't teach your kids ABC's....or if you smile, it must be insincere.

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