Comments on John Willinskys Learning to Divide the World: Education at Empires End

Abstract

John Willinsky’s view that imperialism and its legacy remain the driving force that divides the world into “superior” and “inferior” cultures fails to take into account other forces that also encourage peoples of different cultures to emphasize the differences between themselves. He is correct in noting that imperialism led to much injustice and inequality in the world, but he is insufficiently attentive to some of what can only be considered to be positive outcomes as well. The real strength of Willinsky’s analysis lies in his view that education must be reformed to account for and temper the tendency of different peoples to develop affinities with those most like themselves and to be suspicious of contact with those perceived to be outsiders. Key words: Civilization, Colonialism, Dividing the World, Education, Imperialism, Multiculturalism.