Question 5: Racism, Sexism, and Socioeconomic Status
Both racism and sexism are human ideologies that are ingrained on the notion that one race or as in the case of sexism; one gender is superior to another. The inherent cause of racism and sexism is based on the human need for approval or need for power. This need is exacerbated in time of economic struggle or down turn. The only difference one may cite between racism and sexism is that while sexism is more prevalent between the opposite genders, racism has no boundary. It involves male, female, and children. Racism and sexism are like cancer that can eat up the fabric of a society. When individuals are allowed to have equal opportunity to aspire to their highest potential in life there will be more productivity and peace within the society.
I completely agree that sexism and racism are like viruses tearing apart the fabric of our nation. When we allow divisions between individuals based on gender or race, we are undermining the many factors that we have in common, like patriotism and pride. As educators, we must continuously encourage unity and a sense of "togetherness." Without expereriencing events like September 11th to unite us all, how will our students ever be open to working together toward a common goal in the future? We must put aside our prejudices and focus on what unties us, not divides us.
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