This is an even better way to create fairness in schools. I disagree with the author, though, that this will lead to less dissent. I think our feelings on race make us less able to criticize race-based policies. Income based policies would face a lot more complaint. After all, think how acceptable it is to use the term “white trash” in our society. Here’s the article:

http://www.slate.com/id/2169443/fr/rss/

I do like the idea though.

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Comments

Kate (http://katiekatworld.blogspot.com)

2007-07-03T04:14:10.000Z

I thought that was an interesting approach and possibly more effective in actually achieving the ultimate goals of integration. More kids being more successful. I agree that this wouldn’t cause more dissent. In fact, I think people would feel much more comfortable complaining about poor kids in their schools since it’s still acceptable to say nasty things about poor people. When my class had that long discussion about race and politics and language we talked about terms like “white-trash” and “redneck.” A few of the kids didn’t realize how deragatory (sp?) those words were and I said they couldn’t use them in my room. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the whole “PC” thing again. Years later, it seems like we still don’t get it. It’s not rocket science people—it’s kindergarten. Don’t say anything mean that will hurt someone else’s feelings. Calling someone trailer trash is wrong. You shouldn’t need a movement of people from the trailer park to lobby for you to know that. Incidentally, this is one of those areas I struggle with most. I wouldn’t make fun of a poor black person, but if that person looks like my, why does it make them fair game? Dammit, I hate it when I start to think. It makes life so much more complicated.