This author points out the biases that negatively affect his Native American son in the dominant culture's school system. Also known as Robert Lake, this author has been an instructor at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Watch this video made by the author. It gives some background on his point of view and on his culture : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjvB5xnfyzc
1. What is a "dominant culture" and how do you know if you are part of it or not? What are the characteristics of the dominant culture in Olympia? In the classroom?
2. Consider the biases of the dominant culture in the lives people raised with a different cultural background. Do you have experience with being part of a minority culture? Have you observed or experienced dominant cultural biases?
3. Does being "absorbed" into the larger culture harm a person? Is it something to avoid? How are people absorbed into the larger culture?
4. How can people retain their own minority cultural heritage?
5. What are the advantages/disadvantages of learning in the style of the dominant culture? What are the characteristics of the kind of learning valued by the dominant culture here?
6. How can public schools show respect for all cultures? Is it possible for schools to teach all ways of learning? Is it desireable?
7. As you read, think about how a teacher could assist a child who is not from the dominant culture.
Consider: Watch the following video about the practice of educating native American children in schools run by the larger culture. The author fears that his son's culture is not respected and that the boy is mistreated in his kindergarten class. How might history influence his or your view
Today there is an organization in Vancouver, British Columbia, that addresses the wrongs that occured with the residential Indian schools. go to this site to view video of survivors and to get information: http://www.trc-cvr.ca/