Together but yet unequal??

As I read the higher education articles assigned for this week: Higher Ed: Engine of Inequity and Separate & Unequal , it reminds me of segregation.  The fight for integration enabled a few “token” students through the door – in an attempt to dispel the myth that we are no longer functioning in a separate but equal paradigm.  Some claim we live in what they call a post-racial society –"a country where race no longer matters, where racism no longer exists"¹.  There is a thought that if a few people have made it, the rest shouldn’t have an issue making it too – without really addressing systematic issues.  (Some crazy pull-yourself-up-from your bootstraps mess.)  

This neglects to recognize the systematic failures of the K-12 system; that is perpetually providing a second class education – where there are families who cannot afford to live in better school districts or have one parent homeschool their children.  In reality, the question is no longer solely about race but one of socioeconomic status.  One where we have developed a class-like system based on the have and have not’s.  However, systematic injustice aligned with race magnifies the issue to allow for it to appear to be solely a race issue.   

In our effort to quickly solve the problem,we attempt to apply simple solutions to this wicked problem.  The problem isn’t just about addressing why the top select 468 institutions are perpetuating white privilege; when in fact we fail to address why K-12 has systemically failed to prepare all students regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or geographic locations with the same education.   It’s like we are fighting the old chicken and egg argument within education.  What came first – the failures of the K-12 system or the selectivity of higher education?

¹ from http://www.tolerance.org/lesson/what-does-post-racial-mean-anyway

The Butler

What?

This past weekend, I went to the movies for the first time in what feels like a century.  Okay really it wasn’t that long ago but let me first say, the price of a movie ticket is ridiculous.  I saw a matinee and it cost me $9.00, seriously!!! I mean back in the day, it use to cost $6 at the most and they aren’t offering anything more than they were back what a year or so ago.  

Ok wait, I digress…  So I went to see The Butler, a movie loosely based on a former White House butler.  The movie follows the life of Cecil Gaines as he serves from the Eisenhower administration to the Reagan administration.  The movie provides an unusual opportunity to view the White House through the lens of the butler.  

So What?

As we study diversity in a global society, this movie highlights many of the historical aspects that impact discussions around diversity.  The movie begins in the 1920’s, after slavery ended but highlights the struggle between whites and blacks.  The director makes a point to connect events of the day, such as the student-led lunch counter sit-ins, school desegregation, and Freedom Rides.  

The movie also examines class issues and underscores the tension between those with power versus those who serve.  As quoted in the movie, “the black domestic play an important role within our history.”  They in essence defy racial stereotypes and gain the respect of those in which they serve.  Cecil used his position to fight for equal pay while his son took a more radical approach in order to fight for all men to be seen as equals.    

Although the movie is loosely based, it challenged me to think about who has power to make real change within our country – the leader or the common everyday individual.  Often we expect the leader to take the stand and force change but clearly our history has taught us the real power often lies in the hands of individuals, who have taken action and made a difference in the direction of our country.  There are countless heroes who sat, stood, rode, spoke up and even died to provide us with many of the rights we have today.  However, I wonder what impact a president’s action or inaction potentially has in determining how long another American has to suffer injustice. 

Now What?

As I left the theater, I was quite inspired.  It amazes me that someone who has such a background role as a butler can impact history.  Presidents and their political beliefs come and go; but the butler stays on for years.  They have a unique opportunity to interact and challenge leadership in ways we will never fully understand.  Although, I am not a butler, in essence my work in diversity is often seen as the behind the scenes work within higher education.  The movie challenges me to push forward, to continue to do the work, to defy stereotypes, to challenge, and support another generation.