Assimilation is not an arcane or archaic idea, as popular belief may dictate. What we as Americans must realize, especially educators, is that assimilation of ethnic and indigenous groups are not occurrences of a bygone era, nor is it unique to the American experience. Since we may encounter students who have been subjected to systematic and institutionalized attempts of assimilation of their cultures into the mainstream culture, it is important for us to realize that this occurrs everywhere. I recently had the privelege of taking a class entitled Modern Indigenous Resistence of Latin America, which opened my eyes to attempts at assimilation in this area. I now have a much deeper respect for indigenous Latin American cultures as well as all cultures in general. I think as educators it would be beneficial for us to try to learn at least a passing knowledge of some groups who have been victim to assimilation techniques in addition to studies of Native American and African American assimilation experiences.

I definitly agree with you Michael. We should talk about assimilation experiences of indigenous peoples, Americans, and SO many other groups of peoples throughout history. Also, we should address the question of assimilation- when is it "good" and when is it "bad"? The topic of assimilation is SO revelent to what is going on in the world today. Especially- the question of whether or not it is possible to maintain cultural diversity amidst globalization.


Again, I agree with you that teachers should not ignore the harshness of assimilation. Also, we should not only talk about how groups have been victimized but how SO many peoples have fought to resist- fought to maintain their cultural identity.