Describe and explain the controversy involved in the representation of women and cultural minorities in the curriculum. Include both sides of the issue in your response, and describe the history that has led to the controversy

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Historically women and minorities have been under-represented in the curriculum. Some critics charge that cultural minorities remain under-represented in the curriculum, and the contributions of men of northern European descent is viewed as out of balance and irrelevant to cultural minorities. Counter-critics argue that too much emphasis on the contributions of minorities leads to racial and ethnic separatism and that we've already gone too far in emphasizing cultural differences. They also assert that we are all Americans, and the increased emphasis on diversity has resulted in the failure of students to develop a shared national identity.