America, Land of Opportunity?

When thinking about differences in education of minority children, we have
to identify the minorities first. Some minorities assimilate easier than
others. There are many different types of minorities in the USA, such as
West-Indians, Puerto Ricans, African Americans, Chinese and many more. In
Germany there are less “varieties” of immigrants: nearly all are Turkish,
Arab, Kurdish or East-European people.

America - the land of opportunity? This may or may not be true. Firstly, let
us examine the structure of the two education systems. In Germany education
is generally free for all, also including universities. In the States money
plays a much more important role. This decides who will and will not receive
a good education. Who has a better chance? Which type of immigrants? Second
generation immigrants have a better chance in both countries for a good
education because of the support of the first generation. Factors such as
income and family support are not major issues for them anymore. The
difficulties arise where minority groups have not assimilated very well into
society.

Access to higher education for minority groups in Germany is relatively
uncomplicated. A determining factor is the ability to speak the native
language. In most cases this is not a big issue. As the state provides free
education, money is also not a big issue. In contrast to America where it is
sometimes difficult to get loan approval. Another important point is that
in America minorities tend to assimilate easier into society because most
students will have a family history of immigration. This is not the case in
Germany and this can cause difficulties for minorities. Parents of
minorities can sometimes have difficulties when taking an active interest in
their child’s education because of work commitments.

It is not always easy for minority kids to come to terms with a foreign
society. They are forced to make changes in order to overcome the culture
shock. There will always be problems of integration. America wouldn’t be
America without immigrants, who have made an enormous contribution to the
American society. Immigrants have in general adjusted very well to American
society.

What´s your opinion? Do you think education of minority kids in the USA is
better than in Germany?

NPR

NPR