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Mass Education is Rooted in the Perpetuation of Hegemonic Racism
by Rebeca Bonilla and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury
In the tapestry of Western societies, mass education unfolds as a grand design, a system meticulously crafted to provide a gateway to knowledge for the masses, often encapsulating entire populations within its embrace. Picture the centralized institutions — schools or universities — where minds are shaped, skills honed, and values instilled, all in the pursuit of preparing individuals to navigate the intricacies of modern society. It’s the bedrock upon which social mobility and economic growth purportedly flourish, a beacon guiding students toward a future ripe with promise. But beneath the surface of this noble endeavor, lies a complex interplay of power dynamics and cultural hegemony, all too familiar to the discerning eye of critical race theory.
Our American narrative of mass education unfolds with the promise of preparing students for the real world, an ambitious goal that, on the surface, seems to align with the ideals of equality and equity. We frequently see examples of active hegemonic control being used to manipulate society into believing the world is on fire, they need to be afraid of their neighbors, and carrying a fully loaded semi-automatic rifle in public is socially acceptable.
We recognize and acknowledge race…
