Ipod Applications Teach Acceptance?

The website Wired, an online media source directed at American youth, recently published an article discussing the creation of two Ipod apps intended target the subject of race and identity in the United States. The Ipod apps, or applications, were developed by a man named Michael D. Baran, a cultural anthropologist previously employed at Harvard University. Dr. Baran, a specializing in the relationship between children's' learning abilities and accepting race and diversity in modern society, ended his career at Harvard University as a result of his disapproval of academia's ability to address this specific issue successfully.

The first application developed by Dr. Baran is titled, Guess My Race. This application targets young adults and was reportedly sent to all college freshman being their education at Harvard University. The application is intended to spark and catalyze the discussion on race and diversity in American and develop a conversation which is less contentious and prone to ignite acceptance among American youth. The second application is called, Who Am I? The Race Awareness Game. This application is meant for much younger children. The application is intended to be used as a tool to promote conversations of race and diversity between children and their parents.

The intentions of both applications are indeed valid. Today's society still face discrimination and hate on a racial basis in many aspects of life. Dogmas created in the past still linger in the minds of many older American citizen. Change need be produced, but the manner in which this change be brought to fruition remains a contentious debate. Many ask themselves what the realistic outcome of these applications will be. Is it more productive to highlight the differences between those comprising today's society in an attempt to promote cultural understanding or is it better to allow time and societal evolution to encompass diversity as an inherent aspect which need be accepted automatically? Society will progress and dogmas will be erased, but how long will this take? It is left to the audience to decide whether patience or production be the answer to this issue.