The role of the federal government in the creation and maintenance

Full Answer Section

      Textbooks Ignoring the Issue: Rothstein's observation about textbooks omitting this history is concerning for a few reasons:

• Incomplete Understanding: Students are left with an incomplete understanding of segregation's roots. They may mistakenly view it as a natural phenomenon or solely a result of personal prejudice.
• Perpetuating Myths: Omission allows existing myths about segregation, like it only happened in the South or was solely driven by individual racism, to persist.
• Lack of Solutions: Without understanding the historical role of government policies, it's difficult to identify and address the systemic causes of segregation that continue to impact communities today.

Consequences of This Silence: The practical consequences of failing to educate students about the history of residential segregation are significant:

• Limited Ability to Address Inequality: Without understanding the historical roots, it's challenging to develop effective policies and solutions to tackle present-day residential segregation and its associated inequalities.
• Reduced Empathy and Understanding: Students may not understand the lived experiences of people from segregated communities, hindering empathy and fostering social divisions.
• Repetition of Past Mistakes: Without acknowledging the government's role, the risk of repeating past mistakes in housing policy and urban planning increases.

Conclusion: By including the history of residential segregation, including the federal government's role, in textbooks, we can equip students with a more complete understanding of this complex issue. This knowledge is essential to address present-day inequalities, promote social justice, and build more inclusive communities.  

Sample Answer

     

Surprise about the Federal Role:

The extent of the federal government's role in creating and maintaining residential segregation can be surprising. While many associate segregation with discriminatory practices like "redlining" by lenders, the government's explicit policies and actions played a significant role.