Is acceptance enough?

Lisa Delpit would most likely argue that while teaching students acceptance of others is a noble goal, it is insufficient. The fact remains, the language of power exists, and is not likely to disappear; therefore, all students must learn the language if they expect to be productive, successful members of society who can fully realize the American dream. Delpit is right when she states, “pretending that gate keeping points don't exist is ensure that many students will not pass through them.” For the sake of clear communication and efficiency, or simply due to the nature of the technology, many industries and businesses have their own language of power that a person must know if he is to succeed in that field. Minority students must be taught how to access it. To do otherwise is a disservice to them and the nation as a whole.

Jamie Turf