Class Discussion #4
(10 points)
Check the “Announcement” section daily.
This is where I provide TIPS regarding weekly assignments, as well as important information.
Weekly assignments are not accepted late.
* Do not use contractions in this course. Contractions will be counted as grammatical errors.
Clear and professional writing is expected.
Correct = “Do not”, “will not” etc…
Incorrect = “Don’t”, won’t”, etc…
.5 deduction for every 3 grammatical errors.
*All reading assignments are located in the “Course Schedule” in the Syllabus, as well as in weekly modules. If you have questions or concerns, please do e-mail me well before an assignment is due.
Do not solicit or offer to complete any work for any student in any Troy University program.
Do not solicit or use any website where you pay or provide course materials. Included but not limited to Course Hero.
Be very, very aware that plagiarism of any kind will result in an “F” in this course, as well as possible removal from SWK/HS programs.
Have pride in who you are. Your character will follow you throughout your life.
Week 4
Our textbook points out on page 51, that “schools and the media [are] two powerful agents of socialization, regularly projecting U.S. institutions as color-blind and as presenting as equal opportunity to all participants. Consequently, because our social system is assumed to be fair, if one does not succeed, he or she is assumed to be at fault because of laziness, negligence, or another personal failure. When we function under this assumption, an individual’s lack of success is never blamed on the society that fails to develop reasonable opportunity structures that are viable for all concerned rather than solely for members of elite groups”.
After completing the three (3) reading assignments, address the following questions. Reading assignment directions are located in the module.
Meritocracy is defined as:
“An elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class, privilege or wealth.
A system in which such persons are rewarded and advanced.
Leadership by able and talented persons.”
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/meritocracy
A). Statement: “The United States is a meritocracy of equal individuals.”
Do you feel this statement is true or false? Provide an example that will support and explain your position. (2 pts.)
B). Washington Monthly posted the following statement: “Inequality starts in the crib”.
Critically think about this statement and address the following in paragraph form.
Do you feel that this is a true statement? Does “inequality” start in the crib so to speak? Make sure to address class, privilege or wealth when responding!
Explain your response. (2 pts.)
Statement: “An elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent.”
Think about this part of the definition of meritocracy and explain how this part could be consistent with “Washington’s Monthly Statement”: “Inequality starts in the crib”. (2 pts.)
In part b, 1 and 2, we are challenged with looking at the definition of meritocracy two different ways. This is good because often times things are not simply black or white. Does inequality start in the crib? Maybe and maybe not! Does class, privilege or wealth have any bearing on advancement? Maybe and maybe not! I look forward to your responses and if you have questions remember to e-mail me! I will be happy to assist!
C). After reading the article titled “Immigrant Children in U.S. Schools”, explain (your opinion), how the concept of meritocracy can affect the students that came to the United States from 70 different countries. (2 pts.)
D). In week 2, we discovered that the term “Melting pot”, has been replaced with the term “Mosaic society”, because it is time to respect differences in cultures and individuality. However, the students at J.E.B Stuart High School seem to be assimilating to mainstream culture and this is not always welcomed by their parents!
1). Explain the meaning of “Assimilation” and address the evidence of assimilation by the students and/or their families in the article titled “Immigrant Children in U. S. Schools”.
Provide at least 2 examples. Provide the page number and section number from which the examples were selected. (2 pts.)
Because there is evidence of students assimilating to U.S. culture, we can dispute the false assumption that the U.S. does not have a culture!