Erasure in school curricula is a crucial issue that has been widely discussed among educators, policymakers, parents, and students alike. It refers to the omission of certain topics from the curriculum that are considered controversial or taboo for various reasons such as politics, religion, gender roles, culture, etc. This type of censorship can have significant implications on individuals' lives since it prevents them from gaining knowledge about these subjects, which may eventually lead to prejudice towards those who identify themselves differently. In this paper, I will discuss how erasure contributes to prejudice later in life and its impact on society at large.
The first section of this article will focus on the history of erasure in education. It is important to note that schools have always faced pressure to conform to societal norms, including religious beliefs, cultural values, political ideologies, and social mores.
Sex education was banned in many countries until the late twentieth century due to conservative views on sexuality. Similarly, homosexuality was once deemed immoral, and thus, excluded from textbooks and classroom discussion. These examples show that erasure has been present in educational systems for centuries and reflects broader social trends.
In the second part of the article, we will explore the consequences of erasure on individual development. When students grow up without being exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences, they develop biases against groups that do not fit their own cultural expectations. They may view members of these communities as "different" or even inferior to their own group. This perception is rooted in ignorance rather than genuine understanding, leading to discrimination and marginalization.
Erasure limits access to accurate information, which perpetuates misconceptions and stereotypes. Students lack a complete picture of the world, which can negatively affect their ability to make informed decisions about personal relationships, career choices, and future plans. By failing to provide comprehensive and inclusive instruction, schools reinforce negative attitudes towards difference, such as racism, sexism, and heteronormativity.
The third section of this paper will discuss how erasure impacts society at large. It is important to note that prejudice based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc., can have far-reaching effects beyond the school environment.
It contributes to economic disparities, health disparities, political polarization, and social unrest. It also hinders progress toward equality by suppressing diversity and promoting homogeneity. In other words, when individuals are limited in their knowledge and experience, they become less open to change, making it harder for them to embrace new ideas and concepts.
Erasure in school curricula has significant consequences for individuals and society at large. By preventing students from learning about diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities, schools reinforce harmful biases and limit opportunities for growth and inclusion. To address this issue, educators must actively work to create more inclusive environments and promote critical thinking skills that allow students to challenge assumptions and preconceived notions. This requires collaboration between policymakers, teachers, parents, and communities to ensure all voices are heard and represented in the classroom.
How does erasure in school curricula contribute to prejudice later in life?
Erasure of certain groups and cultures from school curricula can have long-lasting effects on an individual's perception of these individuals and their importance in society. Children who do not see themselves represented in school may feel marginalized or less valued than their peers, leading to a lack of self-esteem and confidence. This can lead to internalized prejudice as they grow up, where they begin to believe that they are inferior to others and deserve negative treatment.