Cultural Insensitivity by Christina

Cultural Insensitivity by Christina - August 2015 Scholarship Essay

Almost all of the American population can trace their ancestry to other countries, making for a diverse demographic with a multitude of cultures. In an ideal setting, these cultures come together in school and community growing, learning, and thriving with each other. However this never has been the case on a large scale in the United States for many reasons throughout history. One of the reasons for this is because of racism and cultural insensitivity.
Currently, American news and social media continually ignite over sensitive topics about race, religion, and culture. It’s not just the news either. Schools and entire communities face many issues because of ignorance, lack of education, and biases. This brings me to my point of bringing about a change in our country through school. I believe that Culture and Culture Insensitivity should be a mandatory part of our High School curriculum.

While children are still young, they should teach them about the other cultures that surround them with an emphasis on other cultures dominant in their communities. Knowledge gives the ability to end cultural ignorance, fight racism, and understand cultural insensitivity. If the adults and teens of this country had begun to understand and love each other long ago, many of the tragedies linked to culture and race would not have happened and would not continue to happen. We are all filled with prejudices and ignorance about our neighbors in this country. That needs to change as quickly as possible before another murder or suicide takes place. Culture and Culture Insensitivity can be the starting point for healing in our country that can affect every generation.