A reflection on a current educational issue in Sydney relating to culture and identity

Due to a offensive racial comment made by a professional and public figure, it has been brought to the attention of society that even people with such high positions can be racist. With society failing to deal with cultural competence, these are the results. The article discusses that if we can stamp out the racism out of students at a young age, then these kinds of incidents can be avoided in the future.

Universities should be targeted first as it is the place where we produce our next generation of teachers, politicians and CEOs. By applying such ideals to the whole of the curriculum over the university, we can only hope it makes an impact on the future relationship with racism. A lack of cultural understanding can be disastrous to the next generation of students who looked up for role models. We hope to avoid racist jokes or comments, stereotyping, unfair treatment and negligence.

Next would be the schools, which play a major role in forming attitudes towards such values. It has been observed that some students feel disconnected and different to students from different cultural backgrounds. Media would also play a large role in cultural awareness. If the parents and role models, who are exposed to this media carry on those ideal to their students and children, we can hope that that will make a difference too.  

Racism in schools damages both the students and the environment. Students that have been on the receiving end of racism can develop low self esteem and insecurity of their ability. Some even reject their identity and culture because they feel targeted. What kind of school would a student be scared of attending? Of course a school that had racial abuse and harassment. If schools do not address these kinds of issues, some students may never step out of line or contribute to the school in fear of being judged. Some may even avoid school and eventually drop out at an earlier age, wasting potential all because of some racial disputes. It is not fair for students to be targeted for any reasons, let alone racism. Students need to be educated in our schools to be respectful and understanding of different cultures, a skill that they will use through out their whole life. Education and the impact it has on a student needs to be sustained regularly or the balance is broken, then problems arise.

So if we teach our teachers the importance of equality, will they carry that on to their students? Or must it be taught by a generation of teachers that are passionate about what they teach? Teaching such competency can provide self-assessment tools and racial awareness to the students. Students can then be more sensitive to differences and be able to treat each other with respect. These skills are essential to such a multicultural environment.

Reference:

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/education-is-the-key-to-stamping-out-racism-20130530-2nep5.html

http://www.racismnoway.com.au/about-racism/understanding/schools.html