This blog sets out to bring together issues and concerns within the discourse of multiculturalism and social texts which i define as texts that generate public interest including news, editorial, popular literature and other popular texts in the media such as songs, advertisements, videos and movies. The coming weeks and month will present opportunities for me to draw on the discussion of multiculturalism from various parameters including ethnic studies, gender studies and cultural studies to facilitate how multiculturalism can be a useful tool to study social texts, and what these texts inform us of the state of our diverse world.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Black or White: Politics of Association

captures the continued struggle by the minority Black community to provide better education for their children:

"An Ohio mother of two was sentenced to 10 days in jail and placed on three years probation after sending her kids to a school district in which they did not live."

To add salt to injure, she is given an added punishment:
”Because of the felony conviction, you will not be allowed to get your teaching degree under Ohio law as it stands today,” the judge said. ”The court’s taking into consideration that is also a punishment that you will have to serve.”

The ridiculousness of the crime aside, the fact that the mother had to take such drastic measures speaks volumes for her personal struggle as a member of a race who aspires for the same opportunities for her children as her mainstream White counterparts. In 21st century America, where the current mood of things appears to be more inclusive and tolerant of diversity, and in a land that continues to pride for its equal opportunities for all irrespective of race, colour and creed, one is left to wander why politics of association continues to show its ugly face. Does it still matter whether you are Black or White? Obviously it does!

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