Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Education - Essay Example It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms. We come then to the question presented: Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors may be equal, deprive the children of the minority group of equal educational opportunities? We believe that it does. Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children. The impact is greater when it has the sanction of the law, for the policy of separating the races is usually interpreted as denoting the inferiority of the negro group. A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn. Segregation with the sanction of law, therefore, has a tendency to [retard] the educational and mental development of negro children and to deprive them of some of the benefits they would receive in a racial[ly] integrated school system. Author and Title: Assertions and Meaning of This Quotation: This is a persuasive argument attempting to illustrate that education is critical to youth achievement, social responsibility development, and general good citizenship. The author of the quotation tries to convince the reader that education is vital for the broader social good, a system that provides youths with far more than knowledge, but essentially serves as the foundation for the establishment of cultural and social awareness. The author then moves into the argument about segregation of students based on racial characteristics, to justify why this action leads to detrimental outcomes for youths. The author links segregation to missed educational opportunities and how this practice reiterates inferiority for colored people. The main assertion is that the process of racial segregation should be abolished as it has long-standing cultural and social consequences when educational opportunities are missed through racial isolation. Value & Importance of these Ideas: Throughout history, the debate about racial segregation has been a contentious one. Many people who attempt to remove the barriers that have been erected that prevent equality find it difficult to gain commitment to equality initiatives and diversity, therefore this particular author tries to link educational importance to segregation to gain support for this concept. Because there are broader needs in society that cannot be fulfilled without educati on, such as cultural awareness and social citizenship, segregation does not provide students with the foundation of critical knowledge needed to benefit society as adult figures. By promoting equality and integrating students of different races, it provides valuable knowledge about peer lifestyles, attitudes and needs that are necessary to be a well-rounded contributor to society later in life. Agree/Disagree? Why?: Though I hold no prejudices or stereotypes in this argument, I do not generally agree with this contention. Lifestyle and the social environment outside of the classroom provide ample opportunities for social and cultural awareness. The diversity of the United States has many rural and urban areas