“In conclusion, the preceding statistics indicate that the United States income is related to educational attainment but that discriminatory factors in the labor market related to gender negate some of the advantages gained through increased education; equality of opportunity depends on equality of opportunity in the labor market.” (Pg 41 Spring)
This is unfortunate information that I am embarrassed to admit I didn’t know pay was still such a significant difference between genders. Seeing the updated statistics is sad that it is known to the public that women are getting paid less when they have the same education. It is so discouraging as a female to know that even being equal in education doesn’t mean equal in pay when we get out into the job market. When thinking about why this is true made me think to who could let this go on for as long as it has, I could only think that the people that have the power to make this change happen must not care because it doesn’t affect them directly. Most issues that people face, are because of the people who are aware and in power do not care. People’s main focus is in the wrong place, money, which we learned in American does not equal happiness based on the amount of material things that we all possess and still have high levels of depression.
“ Children as young as three and a half or four are also given tests and interviews as part of the admissions process for some of these schools, and educated parents coach their children for these interviews and frequently enroll them in expensive pre-test programs which are not provided by the schools themselves but must be purchased privately.” (Kozol 136)
I can’t imagine how difficult it would be for a parent of low income and limited education would be able to put their child through this process to be able to get their child the best education like these parents do that are described in this chapter. The advantage that white affluent parents have is so significant. These parents probably don’t realize that their children right for the get go are up against a much smaller number of students than what should be possible because of the number of parents of Latino and black children that are unaware or unable to afford the steps it takes to get into a private school. Three or four is such a young age to be prepping children for interviews and testing, it seems unnatural at that point in their lives to put that much pressure on them to go to elementary school. I wish these schools put more of an effort to offering their education and opportunity to every child in the area by providing information to strengthen the awareness of parents.
“The early advantages one may have had become irrelevant to most of us once a plateau of high achievement has been reached. The years we may have spent when we were three and four years old in a superb developmental preschool, the strategies our parents may have used to win us entrance to a first -rate elementary school, and all the other preferential opportunities that may have introduced us to the channels in which academic competence has been attained -- all this falls out of view once we arrive in a position in which we can demonstrate to others, and ourselves, that our proficiencies are indisputably superior to those of other students of our age who may not have had these opportunities.” (Kozol 141)
This quote really made me think after reading it, because it says that these children have no idea the advantages that they have received the get where they are. They are under the impression that they are just exceptional children and better than others. This ego that is developed by these parent’s crazy efforts to wiggle their children into these private expensive schools is propelling racism and unawareness of white privilege further. Who is to say that if these black and Hispanic children weren’t given all these extras that they could not be successful. I feel like middle class public schools are similar issues at a smaller scale or advantage. What I mean is when students are recognized and placed in different levels of courses that they will stay in for the four years of high school. Those who are in AP courses can easily look down and say they are just more intelligent than those not in their classes, but if the motivation and opportunity was there I think people who be surprised.
“ Children for low income families do not attain so high a level of education as children from rich families. From this standpoint the school reinforces social stratification and contributes to intergenerational immobility.” (Spring 58)
Families that consistently are unable to move past a certain level of education will remain in poverty because of requirements in the job market that they don’t have. This again shows who has the power and who is choosing to keep people of color low from generation to generation. This solidifies that racism will live on because there are people in power that will pass down their beliefs and methods to others. You would think that at least school systems would do what they could to break through these continuing issues but this information says otherwise. Power can really skew people’s minds on what is right and wrong.
To comment on the Kozol pg 136 quote, about children as young as 3 and a half getting preped for tests, etc. I think that it is so unfair that some of these children get such a jump on the unpriviledged at such an early age. Many of these parents do not get these memos, and those kids start behind the eight ball at least a year of two. This is in no means equal opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree! It is hard for me to look back at the laws that are technically in place and then read about the obvious differences that these children are facing. I'm not saying that there should be control on income differences but most certainly on the schooling that children receive. If public schooling in urban areas were up to par with the education of suburbs and wealthy districts then this private schooling prep would not be as absurd. I see this crazy early prep almost as if these parents and schools are just boasting and using their money to keep pushing the best to be better when what they have is already so much more than other children of color. In most cases I don't think that it is really intentional but it really appears that way especially being that child who doesn't even have a clean bathroom to relieve themselves in or a lunch room that has a capacity for all of the students or teachers who are certified to teach. These are necessities that children are not getting so when students are getting above and beyond what is necessary it is just unfair and unacceptable which can result in an array of emotions.
ReplyDeleteI guess you really can not blaim the parents that have the means necessary to give their students the best education possible, it is just sad for those students who do not have that same opportunity. These less fortunate students have enough to face with their struggles, and to have to deal with less of an education is just sad. The go through life with less of everything else, so a good, solid, equal education is not much to ask for.
ReplyDeleteYour right, how can it be that there is such a clear difference and obvious inequality when it is THE LAW first to at the very least be separate but equal and second to not have the children segregated! This reminds me greatly of the words Tim wise said when speaking to a college. Kathy your right when you say the parents of the privileged can not be blamed because it is not their doing. They have the privilege as does any white person. It seems impossible for there ever to be a universal understanding of this issue of segregation in education because so many are unaware and continue to be unaware because many don't need to be aware because it does not affect them. So the question is how can we reach the right people that can implement change?
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