by Jonathan Hunter

May 1998

Dear Students of Multicultural Education:

        I am writing this letter to provide you with not only a supplemental reading, but with a little insight into the world of multicultural education.  I do not pretend to be an expert in this field, but just a person with experiences (so I am told).  I have been a teacher for the past four years.  I have taught at a middle school, at a high school, and in college.  I have lived in another country and I speak three languages.  What I have found is that this degree¹ is not going to be worth the paper on which it is printed, without an open mind.   It has been said that some people just naturally have inquisitive minds.   Those people are the ones who will benefit most from this course.  Or they may not even need this course, for they are out in the field preaching the multicultural gospel every day.

        You may learn all the theory and pedagogy to explain why the American salad bowl (formerly the melting pot) should be taught in our school system, but without the actual life experiences they are mere words.  Sure, a simple solution may be to pick up and move to another country:  learn how it feels to be an outsider, learn their language and customs, and then return to your own land as a stranger.  However, this may not be a possibility for some of you.

        What we fail to realize is that there are other worlds right around us.  I grew up, like many of you, on the Main Line.  I now teach in North Philadelphia (frequently called the "Badlands").  I am only nine miles away from my parents’ lily-white suburban home, but I might as well be in another country.  I teach a course to high school students about cultural sensitivity and accepting each other’s differences.  This course takes a special slant due to the audience.  Many of the students come from gang-ridden, violent backgrounds where racial and ethnic lines are very clearly drawn. Crossing them many times results in death.  Sometimes I feel somewhat self-righteous, thinking that my role in the educational system in America may save lives.  It seems there are not too many fringe benefits in teaching, but martyrdom may be one of them.  Every day when I return home from work, I am reminded of just how different cultures actually can be.   Somehow, though, my moral obligation to help others and my inquisitive nature have kept me interested in this multicultural puzzle of North Philadelphia.

        As you go on to teach, remember this:   multiculturalism is everywhere and all you need to do is open your eyes.   Don’t forget about socioeconomic differences as well.  Many racial divisions are unfortunately related to class.  There may be more similarities between a Black and a White student from a suburban school than between two White students from an urban and a suburban school.  If you don’t believe me, come and see for yourself.

        When pondering why you entered the teaching profession, think about students who need more help than most.  Everyone seems to be fighting for the security of the suburbs.  Sure, more money with less hassles is appealing; but for a multicultural experience that will last a lifetime, try teaching in the city for a little while.

Jonathan Hunter

Further Thought

January 1999

Dear Dr. Chang:

I read the letter again and realized it has been quite some time since the course. The more time I spend in Kensington, the more I wonder what I am doing there. I love the kids and know I am making a difference in their lives, but sometimes I am reminded how different these worlds can be. I feel I have penetrated the minds of the students and what I have discovered many times is frightening. How does one explain such a profound lack of hope? I am concerned that the article will appear to be self-righteous, and condescending to the community.  I still feel strongly about multicultural edcuation, but don't want to preach at other's expenses.  The part about martyrdom was tongue and cheek, so I hope it would not be misconstrued. Also the part about "students who need more help than most" may be too harsh. I guess for the intended audience it's ok. I'm just concerned.

Jonathan Hunter

** This original letter was sent to me in Spring, 1998.  Mr. Hunter was then finishing a Master's degree in Multicultural Education at Eastern College while teaching in an urban high school. Upon my request he re-read his letter and wanted to clarify his position added in the "Further Thought."  We appreciate Mr. Hunter's thoughtful and prompt response.  Both letters are minimally edited.

1. The author refers to the Master’s degree in Multicultural Education that Eastern College grants.

Jonathan Hunter, M. Ed. in Multicultural Education from Eastern College and M. A. in T.E.S.L. from InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, has been teaching English at Kensington High School in Philadelphia.

 

Write to the Author

Hunter, J. (1999). A letter from the field. Electronic Magazine of Multicultural Education <http://www.eastern.edu/publications/emme/1999winter/hunter.html> (your access date).