1) What are the misconceptions with the Mendez case?
2) Did the Mendez case end segregation? 3) Was the Mendez case successful? 4) Why is the Mendez case oversimplified? Answers to Andy's Santiago Reading 1) I think its easier for historians to link together the Mexican-American experience with the African-American experience. Also, since both movements were focused around gaining equality and equal rights many people feel as though their end goal was the same so therefore their movement was the same. However, its important to remember that everyone's journey is different and should be remembered as such. 2)The teacher failed to explain that the Mendez case was pretty much useless in gaining equality for the Mexican-American students in California. This was because instead of creating equal schools that were desegregated the state decided to claim that the schools were already desegregated and not separated based on race. 3) Language segregation is very heavy in southern states and states like California. However, here in Michigan the language segregation is still prevalent. My roommates work in elementary schools in Lansing, and experience a language barrier every day in their school. I think our ESL program is working to solve it, but I think its important for schools to focus on teaching all of their students not just the students who speak English. It would also be a big step for all teachers to get a background in ESL, especially those who are working with young children. 4) I think America always conceptualizes history in terms of progress because everyone is always looking towards the future. Also, its extremely uplifting for students to hear of history in terms of moving forward and not just learning about information that happened in the past. Its important to gain the attention of the students and help them learn why the past is still relevant.
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