For the purpose of this essay, I would like to define term ethnicity using the definition given in 1998 by the Sociology department of Hunter College:

“The word ethnicity derives from the Greek ethnos, a people. Ethnic identity gives a sense of peoplehood to a unique human collectivity. In anthropology and in sociology, "ethnic group"

The third and final issue that the three authors address is the idea of a “National Identity” (85). Gates believes that the only way to truly build a “civic culture” is through ethnocentric curriculum that can allow acceptance of one another’s cultures (32). Alternately Schlesinger believes that the exploration of multiple cultures will tear a nation apart, and create too much individuality. Similarly to Gates, Cofer argues that being forced to conform to nations societal constraints will tear you from your roots and cause national internal conflict.

This definition sums up exactly what I believe is the heart of ethnic and cultural diversity.

Of the three authors, Gates arguments seem most focused on education, he claims that “Ours is a world that already is fissured by nationality, ethnicity, race, and gender. And the only way to transcend those divisions-to forge, for once, a civic culture that respects both differences and commonalities-is through education that seeks to comprehend the diversity of human culture”(34). Clearly Gates is strongly in favor of ethnic and cultural diversity in the field of education. Near the end of the article Gates urges us to search for a middle ground, but Schlesinger on the other hand has a more rigid point of view. His writing is very passionate and he ascertains that there is no middle ground. When speaking of the American educational system Schlesinger writes’ “If Separatist tendencies go unchecked, the result can only be the fragmentation, resegregation, and tribalization of American life” (87). Cofer seemingly in conjunction with Gates offers up some personal experiences in an academic setting, but never truly takes a stand on the issue. Personally as an aspiring teacher I find the idea of an ethnically diverse curriculum overwhelming. How could you possibly do justice to the heritage of any culture, when you have so many other basic requirements to fulfill in order to keep your kids on a pace to graduate? Not to mention, helping them to score well on the standardized tests so that you can keep your job.

The Author who seems most focused on a “national identity” is Schlesinger (85). He states that “ The United States escaped the divisiveness of a multiethnic society by

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