Western education is the basic education that all Americans use. There are many expectations and social norms that Americans are expected to follow in Western education, such as their physical appearance. However, all cultures have their own education that they go by. Robert Lake and Sherman Alexie explain how the Indian education is one that is very important but deemed unimportant by Americans. Many of their aspects are overlooked and frowned upon by society. If people see any difference from themselves they are quick to judge and slow to accept others. Oddly, this helps the Indians learn the values of their own culture’s education and how it is important to their own identity. In Lake and Alexie’s works, they are portraying the struggles
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In Reay’s article, Youdell “argues that identity categories- of ‘race’, ethnicity, disability, class, gender, sexuality-become meaningful through interaction with other categories, and that these ‘constellations of categorizations’ may be seen as shifting and not necessary” (Reay 279). However, a child needs to have social interactions to feel comfortable around people and to work well with others. Those of an Indian education see this aspect of schools as a very important part of the well-being of a child. Additionally, students of a Western education are also expected to follow social norms that are expected of them by those around them in their society. Reay explains how “social norms, practices and expectations provide key symbolic materials that students draw on to make sense of their experience and define themselves” (Reay 277). Students of an Indian education are taught to accept others as they are and not judge based on what is “normal”. Although they do have certain expectations to follow, they try not to let it get in the way of their education or their …show more content…
All of the things that make up a culture, such as social norms and expectations, have an impact on students as they transition from one educational system to another. Differences between people should be seen as an opportunity to learn about new qualities of others and their customs. Alexie and Lake’s stories helped to show how Indians sometimes struggle with accepting who they are as they face the endeavors of growing up with people that treat them differently in their schools. Schools are not just important for learning, but for helping a child to grow emotionally and socially. Embracing their differences is an important part of growing up and realizing their own identity. An Indian education should not be about differences and stereotypes, but about being proud of their background and culture. The acceptance of others is an important way to grow as a person and embrace your own Indian
In Reay’s article, Youdell “argues that identity categories- of ‘race’, ethnicity, disability, class, gender, sexuality-become meaningful through interaction with other categories, and that these ‘constellations of categorizations’ may be seen as shifting and not necessary” (Reay 279). However, a child needs to have social interactions to feel comfortable around people and to work well with others. Those of an Indian education see this aspect of schools as a very important part of the well-being of a child. Additionally, students of a Western education are also expected to follow social norms that are expected of them by those around them in their society. Reay explains how “social norms, practices and expectations provide key symbolic materials that students draw on to make sense of their experience and define themselves” (Reay 277). Students of an Indian education are taught to accept others as they are and not judge based on what is “normal”. Although they do have certain expectations to follow, they try not to let it get in the way of their education or their …show more content…
All of the things that make up a culture, such as social norms and expectations, have an impact on students as they transition from one educational system to another. Differences between people should be seen as an opportunity to learn about new qualities of others and their customs. Alexie and Lake’s stories helped to show how Indians sometimes struggle with accepting who they are as they face the endeavors of growing up with people that treat them differently in their schools. Schools are not just important for learning, but for helping a child to grow emotionally and socially. Embracing their differences is an important part of growing up and realizing their own identity. An Indian education should not be about differences and stereotypes, but about being proud of their background and culture. The acceptance of others is an important way to grow as a person and embrace your own Indian