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During the past few decades, academic institutional
leaders have made numerous efforts to introduce
multiculturalism into the classrooms. As a result, there
has been an increase in the number of courses that
specifically examine the issue of race, gender, and
class (Tatum, 1992). In the field of mass communication,
several courses are aimed at sensitizing students to the
issue of diversity in the media and promoting awareness
of minority groups (Ross & Patton, 2000). Generally,
most mass communication and journalism programs will
offer one or two courses that focus or touch upon
diversity issues. Although the nature and context of
diversity courses are intended to help students discuss
and understand diversity, the courses may have an
adverse effect on certain students. On the other hand,
some students may benefit from these types of courses
and are more willing to discuss and engage in classroom
dialogue. “Hot button” topics are difficult issues to
address and may trigger negative responses and forms of
resistance. Introducing these topics for discussion may
lead to the eruption of emotional responses from the
students that include anger, pain, fear, and shame.
(Rich & Cargile, 2001; Tatum, 1992; Valerio, 1991) |
