peacetraveler22 | Tolerance and Cultural Integration in America (Reply)

The school year in America is coming to an end, and many classes celebrate with parties or graduation ceremonies. Last week, one of my friends posted this photo from her son's preschool graduation. Having no children of my own, I'm completely removed from the school scene, but was happy to see this presentation on the wall. Complete integration and celebration of the diverse student population, from all over the globe. Some of these flags I don't even know! Then I remembered a recent post by

rider3099 about English meetings, where local immigrants gather to practice English speaking skills together at the library. These gatherings are held at almost every library across the USA, no matter how small the town. You can read Olga's report about the gatherings here. We have a real problem with many immigrants not learning basic English skills, and in my nephew's kindergarten class some of the kids had almost no knowledge of English when the school year began (only Spanish). I have no idea how the teachers work with them, but somehow they manage.

One of the things I love most about America is the diverse population. People from every corner of the globe living in the same place, for the most part in harmony. Of course, there are intolerant people here as in all other countries, but I think in America they are the minority. Does Russia have public displays like this at schools to celebrate diversity? Or, local gatherings for immigrants to practice and learn Russian? Just curious. I know many people who have immigrated from Russia to America, but have no acquaintances who immigrated from the West to live in Russia.

I mentioned before that I do free legal work for select immigrants seeking asylum and U-Visas in the U.S. I'm a big advocate for this population, even illegals, provided they are working and contributing favorably to American society. So far, I've successfully helped two immigrants become U.S. citizens - a gay man persecuted and tortured in his home country of Cameroon, and a domestic abuse victim from Honduras. My proudest days as a lawyer. Perhaps one day I'll share their stories.

What do you think? Should diversity and cultural heritage be celebrated in public schools?