Racism In Education

3 Pages 703 Words

One of the most troublesome areas of racism is in places of education. Finding a cure for this would be a major step towards ending racism in general. No one has ever thought of a solution yet, and racism will be strong as long as there isn't one. Slaves were never taught how to read or write, and their lack of education was facilitated by whites throughout the centuries. In the 1800's everyone's feelings about slavery, good or bad, culminated into the American Civil War. Also, during this period, the slaves were fighting to break free from their past stereotypes. A small percentage of them taught themselves to read and write and they began to teach others. The film “Glory” depicted how some blacks even fought in the Civil War. The film captures the essence of the pride that the 1st all Black Platoon carried and the feelings that whites had toward blacks, even at a time of war. The Civil War is important when looking at the origins of racism in education, because once the North had defeated the South in the war, the slaves were freed from bondage. Institutions of education were then put in place so that African Americans could have a place to learn. However, being freed from bondage did not mean that they would be freed from the terrible prejudice that still permeated the country.
The schools that sprang up in all black areas were not given the public funding that they needed and deserved. They were usually only one room and very dirty, and were given the oldest and most worn out books and equipment that was available. Plus, there weren't many teachers who were qualified and were willing to teach at an all black school. Even though education was instituted for African Americans, which was a step in the right direction, it was a very small step and still didn't give African Americans the education they deserved.
This treatment continued for many years after the Civil War. A new concept, segregation, evolved and was predominant fr...