Disadvantages of western education
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From kindergarten to grade five it was a great experience. I got no complaints. From grade 6 and onwards, I have a different perception now as an adult. You see, when I think back, I can’t help but reflect on how Eurocentric our curriculum was. In history class, we learned about World War I and II, and how the Allied forces defeated the Axis powers. However, when class was in session, the only time people of color were even mentioned was to point out that they were intentionally placed on the frontlines of battles, whilst men of European descent were glorified as heroes who 'saved the world'.
Shortly after, I attended a high school catered for both adults and young adults (fyi not a top rated school by any stretch), and took World History. My teacher was of Italian heritage and was quite passionate about speaking on the conquistadors in Latin America, and how they were misunderstood as ‘cruel savages’. In his version of events, the Spaniards were basically pleasant towards the Natives and helped their society/civilization advance (yeah right). Although we did learn about West Africa briefly (Mali empire), and also about indigenous cultures of North and South America (mainly Azteks, Mayans and Incas) and et cetera, the curriculum was mainly centered around Europeans and the history of Europe.
We need schools to focus not just on European history and all of the great achievements Europeans have accomplished, but also other cultures as well (African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic etc). Not to digress, but even Hollywood is quite Eurocentric up until present times. Imagine the impact on the psyche it must have on the average white male and female when your forefathers supposedly pioneered literally everything and were the ‘champions of human advancement’ (give me a break). On the contrary, our Education system may be creating racism instead of preventing it. Eurocentrism in this context also breeds ethnocentrism.