Sleeter The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies: A Research Review 6/5

“Immigration is represented as a distinct historical period that happened mainly in the Northeast, rather than as an ongoing phenomenon. Texts say little to nothing about contemporary race relations, racism, or racial issues, usually sanitizing greatly what they mention.”

This quote shows how history textbooks often oversimplify or misrepresent important topics. By treating immigration like something that only happened in the past and only in certain places, they leave out the fact that immigration is still happening today, and it affects families across the country. It also shows how racism is often watered down or ignored, which sends the message that these issues don’t matter anymore. This reminded me of Allan Johnson’s idea that privilege often means you don’t see the full picture unless you’re the one being affected by it.

If students only hear about racism in the past tense, how will they understand the racism that still exists today?

“When textbook authors bury the history of American racism within a larger narrative of inevitable American progress, students perceive race relations as a linear trajectory of improvement rather than a messy and continual struggle over power…”

This quote really challenges the idea that things are always getting better. Sleeter is saying that when we only focus on progress, we overlook the real struggles and setbacks that are also part of the story. For example, schools may highlight the Civil Rights Movement but skip over modern-day racism, mass incarceration, or voter suppression. This makes students believe racism is "solved," which is both misleading and harmful. It reminded me of our class discussions on "colorblindness" and how it hides the truth instead of dealing with it.

Why do we tell history as if it always moves forward, when reality shows both progress and setbacks?

“White adults generally do not recognize the extent to which traditional mainstream curricula marginalize perspectives of communities of color and teach students of color to distrust or not take school knowledge seriously.”

This quote speaks to the gap in understanding between those in power, often white educators, parents, or textbook creators, and students of color. If students never see their communities, cultures, or histories in the curriculum or only see negative or incomplete versions, they may start to feel like school isn’t for them. This connects directly to Lisa Delpit’s writing in Other People’s Children, where she explains how white educators often ignore the cultural strengths and knowledge of students of color.

If school never reflects your experience, how long until you stop trusting it or stop trying?

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Argument Statement:

Christine Sleeter argues that ethnic studies are important because they help students feel included, make school more engaging, and tell a fuller version of American history by including voices that are often left out.