|
E Pluribus Unum |
Recently, I read an article entitled “Remember America’s Motto:
E Pluribus Unum”. The article, written by Dennis Prager, was trying to
remind the reader of E Pluribus Unum (meaning one from many), in the hopes
that the idea, E Pluribus Unum, would be better enforced in public school.
Prager feels that the main focus of public schools should be
“Americanizing” its students. He also feels that the only identity
that should matter is your own persona; and that your race, religion, or
sexual preference should not come into play.
Prager
recommends that school clubs that exclude certain students should be taken
out of public schools in order to unite, instead of divide, students with
ethnicity, religion, and sexual preference. Although the idea of unity and
acceptance are wonderful, the fact still remains that there are
differences between the people in this country, and by limiting students
the ability to express pride in who they are and where they come from is a
violation of their constitutional rights. Will eliminating clubs based on
issues such as ethnicity truly unite students, or might it make some
students feel ostracized?
Personally,
as an African-American in this country, I am quite tired of reading about
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, instead of Malcolm X or Maya
Angelou. If the main purpose of public schools is to “Americanize” its
students, then why not teach them about all of the great men and women who
helped this country to prosper. And if the school’s curriculum does not
provide that part of history for students to learn, then why should there
not be a place on campus where students are able to learn about cultures
in which they are interested? Many may say that there is no better place
to learn about your culture and history than from your parents, but when
kids spend the majority of their time at school with their teachers and
peers, it would make more sense to provide them with that education.
The way many dress expresses their personalities and makes a
statement about what kind of person they are. By restricting the way
students dress, Prager feels that the differences between students will
not be emphasized. Many will agree that the way people dresses may be how
people judge another when they first meet them. But whether you are
putting yourself in a good light or not, that is your choice and that is a
choice that should not be taken away from anyone, as guaranteed by the
First Amendment.