Secondly, I know you have felt my tension around time. There is so much to do and a finite amount of time. While attempting to honor your time to verbally process with each other while also offering activities designed to help us think deeper or differently I have not structured time well enough.
In both Friday's class and Wednesday's time we left off with so many questions still to be asked and ideas yet to ponder. Although I do believe we must at times suspend our natural desire for a "concluded" thought or experience, I also recognize that when I go over class time I am asking a lot of each of you without providing a time of closure to release the energy and allow for the shift out of whatever emotional place we have touched. I will do a better job of negotiating our time schedule as we move toward the end of class.
One of the things that differentiate the first half of this course from the second, is the personal nature of equity work. By positioning teachers as agents of society we are inviting a discourse inclusive of critical analysis of that society. What culture are we crafting in our classrooms? What messages are we solidifying or challenging? What kind of citizens are we engaged in creating? What would it take for all students to thrive in the now? What would we need to understand about our history, about our present? What do our student's need to know about their role? What will it take for a diverse society to thrive in the future?
I am not sure of the answers but I know we need to be able to talk about it. REALLY talk about it and wrestle with the contradictions and questions. I have noticed, that when engaged in these conversations people often suspend their inclination to question or "critique" the "traditionally disenfranchised" cultures', ideas, behaviors, or points of view. Well, not exactly suspend the inclination, just not feel comfortable voicing it.
I'm going to suggest that until we do voice our dilemma's regarding these issues, we are engaged in a "romantic" notion of culture and difference that is still not mirroring real relationship. When we are in a respectful personal relationship we do ask when we are confused, because we really want to know! We do argue when we have another experience that conflicts, because we are authentically invested. We listen and stay open because we are honestly engaged. We are not afraid to push back because we genuinely believe in the strength of the person to withstand a little heat. We are respectful and loving and full of admiration but we are not willing to swallow our words, merely to think carefully about how to use them.
That said,
Blog post today: Chose any of the readings due for last class (Delpit chapters or White privilege) and follow the following protocol.
- Give a quick summary of the thesis of your chosen text so we can be "with you" as we read your reflection.
- Please write one statement you can "agree" with and why.
- One statement you would "argue" with and why and
- One statement that spurs you to "action" in some way.
"When I use my power in the service of my vision I am less afraid." Audre Lourde
See you Friday,
P.S. This is a powerful video reminding us why we must educate, not just teach. Watch when you feel strong. http://youtu.be/IT6H00U_p7w
Zalika
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