THE AMERICA OF YESTERDAY VERSUS THE AMERICA OF TODAY
INTRODUCTION
Teachers have always been on the front lines of change in America. As many teachers know, student populations are more diverse than ever before. This parallels a demographic transformation of unprecedented proportions in the United States. The Year 2000 Census reflected these changes:
% of Population Number (Mill) % Increase/Decrease since 1990
Whites: 70.0% 198.00 + 5.0%
Blacks 12.5% 35.40 +21.0%
Hispanics 12.5% 35.30 +57.9%
Asians 4.0% 11.50 +74.0%
According to a recent National Research Council Report, current population trends suggest that within 50 years there will be no single ethnic majority in America ,a huge change in an America that was 90% white in 1950. For many teachers, understanding diversity has been a challenge, even as diversity itself creates new opportunities for growth .
The goal of this course is to help teachers understand the extent to which America has changed from a nation with strict limits on immigration to one which now embraces diversity and welcomes immigrants, many from Third World countries .
By adding a historical , cultural and social dimension to the question, this workshop aims to help participants understand not only how America has changed but also why America changed, identify what has not changed, assess the pros, as well as the cons, of a more diverse America and examine what the America of tomorrow might look like.
With this enhanced understanding, educators may feel more comfortable and more confident in their dealings with their students some of whom may be new immigrants----and others whose families may go back to the Mayflower!
HOW AMERICA HAS CHANGED
The America of Today is very different from the America of Yesterday and diversity includes diversity along lines other than racial and ethnic differences. There are economic divisions ( the haves vs. the havenots) ; digital (knows vs. the know nots) and moral ( stricter vs. looser cultures).While diversity has led to a more vibrant and exciting America, there are concerns that these divisions may lead to the "disuniting" of America , a concern noted by President George W. Bush in his inaugural address in 2001 ( see panel).
In this session, we will examine more deeply the extent to
which America has made the leap from a bi-racial (and racist)
society to a multi-racial and much more tolerant one.
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EXCERPT FROM GEORGE W. BUSH INAUGURAL SPEECH:
"Sometimes our differences run so deep,it seems we share a continent, but not a country...We do not accept this,and will not allow it. Our unity, our union, is the serious work of leaders and citizens in every generation"
January 20th., 2001
