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megatsunami's review
2.0
Problematic, though interesting. I appreciated that at least Petrilli (for the most part) speaks directly rather than in code. He acknowledges that he's actually talking about race and class, rather than pretending it's all about test scores and self-expression. That said, the book is entirely focused on the point of view of the middle-class white parent. For example, there is a chapter called "How to Gentrify A High-Poverty Public School." Other than a couple of brief acknowledgements, the perspective of the low-income African American families who were already attending the school isn't really represented here, only that of the well-meaning but entitled white parents. Also, the author quotes from a dissertation which describes how "parents wanted their children exposed to diversity but not contaminated by it." Yeah, I think that kind of sums up my concerns with the viewpoint this book represents.
This review addresses some of the book's questions in a way I appreciated.
Oh, also,
This review addresses some of the book's questions in a way I appreciated.
Oh, also,
Spoiler
big surprise: The author chooses to buy a house in an area with a non-diverse school. He claims they might want to move back to their urban, diverse area, but it seems unlikely.nostalginaut's review
2.0
Interesting insights, but possible fuel for racists/classists
My initial reaction to this book was negative, but the insights and data proved interesting as it went on. While the book itself posits few to no actual suggestions as far as closing achievement gaps, increasing diversity, or anything of the sort, it doesn't really purport to - which was maybe what worries me, in the end. As a "guide" for parents, I worry that it really only fuels already-racist and -classist beliefs of parents who want to keep their fragile kiddos away from the poorer and the darker-skinned.
Maybe the questions throughout could be removed and placed at the end of each chapter for parents to reflect on their own existing prejudices?
My initial reaction to this book was negative, but the insights and data proved interesting as it went on. While the book itself posits few to no actual suggestions as far as closing achievement gaps, increasing diversity, or anything of the sort, it doesn't really purport to - which was maybe what worries me, in the end. As a "guide" for parents, I worry that it really only fuels already-racist and -classist beliefs of parents who want to keep their fragile kiddos away from the poorer and the darker-skinned.
Maybe the questions throughout could be removed and placed at the end of each chapter for parents to reflect on their own existing prejudices?
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