Mas

[David Ojeda]

I was also in awe that Mas distanced himself from his culture at first. However, it makes sense considering the experience he and the Japanese community went through. It is unfortunate that, due to assimilation, we gradually lose aspects of our culture (customs, traditions, language, etc). I teach 6th-grade English and Social Studies. I try to find ways of validating and honoring a student’s culture by encouraging him/her to incorporate it into class assignments and projects. I believe it is important to create assignments that validate a student’s cultural upbringing, allowing him/her to take pride in the latter. At times it can be difficult, especially if we do not have a lot of exposure to an array of cultures.