Diversity, Ideology, and Teaching Writing Essay -- Maxine Hairston Col

Diversity, Ideology, and Teaching Writing People come from many different environments which brings or doesn’t bring many different opportunities. These two essays highlight the multicultural, multiethnic, multiclass salad bowl that this world and this country possess. The first essay discusses the social demographics in the college classroom. The second essay is from a person who was not able to attend college, probably because of the lack of opportunity to do so. When I read these two essays it helps me realize the reason that I have chosen my major. The essay " Diversity, Ideology, and Teaching Writing" written by Maxine Hairston discusses the diversity in college classrooms in 1992. She highlights the idea that these students come from different backgrounds and have a lot to offer the class through their experiences. Also, they come in at different levels of writing and understanding. She believes that these students can learn from one another. They can learn about the diverse society that we live in. She states that " Real diversity emerges from the students themselves and flourishes in a collaborative classroom in which they work together to develop their ideas and test them out on each other." She looks at this diversity as an opportunity for students to learn and collaborate about society. Their papers and analysis would come from experiences that the class has had in life. The second essay, written by Kathy Camper also discusses diversity in our society. It is from the point of view of a person who was not given an opportunity to attend college. This essay is written about the future where almost everything involves computers. Persons that were not given the same means for a better education fall behind and c... ...I do want to make a difference for the people who write essay two. I want to help provide everyone an equal opportunity starting in the first grade, not waiting to college to level the playing field. I believe that a diverse community is great for everyone as long as everyone is given the same opportunities. The professor in essay one is asking "how can I provide these students the best education so they will succeed in our competitive society?" In essay two the question is "can I receive an education just to survive?" Providing college students an education that challenges their analysis of writing, involving computers, and involving a compassion for all individuals will help the students be competitive in society and the future work force. To answer question two we must require and provide the ways and means to an equal education across class, race and ethnicity.