Empowering Education: Critical Teaching for Social Change 

Quotes:

"A curriculum that does not challenge the standard syllabus and and conditions in society informs students that knowledge and the world are fixed and are fine they way they are, with no role for students to play in transforming them, and no need for change."

 

I agree with this quote, because if students are not challenged, or are not allowed to try new things in the classroom then they get bored. If the curriculum doesn't make students become more curious about a subject, then it is not serving its purpose. Why should kids learn if they aren't allowed to think outside the box and try anything original? I feel that in elementary school children are more eager to learn, because the idea of learning is still fresh and new, but in high school the kids dread it because it feels just like another chore they have to do. It shouldn't be this way, but that is what education has come down to. If students were able to learn about areas in which they were interested in, rather than be forced to take certain classes, they might actually want to go to school. 

"In a participatory class where authority is mutual, some of the positive affects which support student learning are cooperativeness, curiosity, humor, hope, responsibility, respect, attentiveness, openness and concern about society."

In an ideal world, every classroom would have all of these things going on, to encourage the students to learn. It is sad that most classrooms are not positive, and participatory and the students are not reaching their full potential because of this. I would hope that classrooms at least start out with these effects happening, because they could create a great learning environment. If the students are put into an environment in which they are afraid to participate, then respect, curiosity and openness can never be achieved. A participatory classroom, is one that gives the students a voice in their education, and that is something that not many classrooms allow.

"The syllabus was built upward, from student responses, instead of downward from my comments. This political change of direction in the making of the democratic curriculum is the way to authorize students as co-developers of their education. 

If the students are taking an active role in their education, then they are more likely to be interested in learning. It is important that they have a say, and the education is becoming more "democratic" in this way. That is they way that it should be, because there should be a balance between what the teacher has to say, and what the students have to say. The level of respect in this situation was great, and that allowed the curriculum to form in a more beneficial way for the students to learn more about the topic of journalism. 

Question: Why is it that all of these values; participatory, affective, problem-solving, situated, multicultural etc. are not being stressed enough as ideal models for classrooms? Is it that it takes too much time for these values to be incorporated, or is it that the education system doesn't acknowledge that these values could help students and classrooms to be active in social change?

http://www.knewton.com/flipped-classroom/

The link is about a concept called flipped classrooms, which takes technology and uses it to teach in a more effective way. It is similar to the way our class is run with the readings and videos online being discussed in class. 

From Belly Dancers to Burqas: Media Representation of Muslim Women 

I thought this discussion was very interesting, and 

Dr. Afshan Jafar did a great job speaking about how the media portrays Muslim women, without an identity and in a stereotypical way. The beginning of the talk included the audience finishing the sentence Muslim women are... The most common words were oppressed, unequal rights and covered up. I had never given much thought to how the media always represents Muslim women as being a weak and timid group, oppressed by their religion or country. This is not the case for all women, and people need to educate themselves about a religion or culture before they make assumptions. Society defines people by their race, religion, or appearance and the fact that everyone is an individual with an identity is forgotten. 

The first thing that Dr. Jafar talked about was Disney's Aladdin, and the way it stereotyped Jasmine.  The entire movie she is in a belly dancing outfit, which isn't even a dance that all Muslim women do. It  is performed throughout many cultures.  The outfits that she wore sexualized her, which associated Muslim women as being overly sexual and wearing little clothing. This reminded me of the reading "Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us" by Christiansen about gender stereotypes and societies standards about how both genders should act. The way Disney depicted this character was degrading for arabian women and their culture, where often they are more conservative in what they choose to wear. This movie instilled the idea, that women from this culture use their looks and sexuality as a means of power, and this is something that children can notice. I found a blog that talks about the different stereotypes found in the movie Aladdin, and how they can affect how a child  perceives this culture. 

http://mediatheoriesandeffects.blogspot.com/p/disney-stereotypes-arabs-in-disneys.html

Dr. Jafar also talked about a picture of a refugee girl, that was put on the cover of National Geographic. The photographer got all the fame and recognition for the picture, but the girl did not. This was because he didn't even ask her what her name was or include it in the caption. The fact that her name was not even mentioned, showed the lack of identity they gave her. The caption for this described her eyes as being haunted, but the photographer never asked her what she was feeling. He just assumed that because she was a refugee, she was afraid. She didn't have a voice in the matter, and it portrayed her as being weak. Years later, that same woman was found again, and photographed but again this time they chose the picture when she is fully covered. They couldn't even put her face, which once again didn't show her identity. This covering, only reinforced the lack of voice that this women had. I could connect this, with the "Silenced Dialogue" by Delpit that we read in class. This women was silenced and the stereotype of her religion and culture was reinforced in a negative way. I found an article about the man's interview with the woman after the second photo shoot. It was funny that in the interview, the woman stated that she was actually mad that a stranger was taking her picture. Her reaction was completely different than what the man thought, and therefore the readers of the magazine got the wrong perception. The magazine published what they believed her to be, based on her appearance and situation. 

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text

This cartoon, really got me thinking about the differences in beliefs between different cultures. Dr. Jafar talked about how both of these women are judging each other, and whether they actually have the choice   to wear what they want, or is society influencing their decision. She talked about how most Muslim women are not forced to wear burqas and that is is a personal choice. They may wear it for religious purposes, or to celebrate their identity or culture. Only some countries mandate that women be covered from head to toe. This stereotype that all Muslim women don't have a choice, is a present theme associated with the Islamic religion in the media. This reminded me of the "Literacy with an Attitude" by Finn, because if people don't educate themselves about other religions and cultures, then they will continue to be ignorant. Knowledge is what we need to change a situation, and this is a good example of that. What is considered visually appealing in the United States is different from other countries. We cannot assume how a person is, if we do not know them, and the same goes for people of a different religion or gender. Each women thinks in a different way, and neither is wrong in what they choose to wear. It is society that is at fault, in making them think that others are different. I found an article, about Muslim women, and their perspectives on why they choose to wear a burqa or hijab. It is a personal clothing choice for many, and wearing it is not a form of oppression, but rather a celebration of identity.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11120588/Muslim-women-reveal-why-they-wear-the-veil-burqa-school-debate.html

I really enjoyed this presentation, because it opened my eyes to learn more about Muslim women, and the islamic culture. If we do not educate ourselves, then nothing will ever change and the media will continue to dominate our ideas and our right to think for ourselves. 

"Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome"

Hyperlink:

I thought this text about children with down syndrome in schools and the struggles they face in the classroom was very interesting. I never really thought about how different the classes are in high school for kids with learning disabilities. and the fact that they don't need to be segregated at all.  I agree with the author that is is more beneficial for everyone to learn together and learn from each other. The fact that a child has a learning disability, doesn't mean they can't contribute to a classroom with students who do not.  The examples that the author gave, about children with down syndrome and their experiences was a great way to show two ends of the learning spectrum. One way was in which to segregate the children, which isolated them and didn't benefit them in any way. The other was to have them in a classroom with other children, and to develop ways of teaching in a way they can understand and relate to. 

The example of Shayne Robbin's classroom and Isaac Johnson, was a great way to show how a teacher can alter her teaching style in order to benefit everyone in the classroom. Teaching styles that get children interested and engaged are usually ones that seem unpractical or out of the curriculum. The unit her class did on the book Where the Wild Things Are, was great because it got the kids learning and working together in a comfortable environment. The fact the Isaac got up and danced, didn't mean he didn't understand, but that he learned it in a different more exciting way.  He showed his classmates, that they can all learn in different ways, and that learning can be fun. Christine's story was another great example, because she was involved in so many activities, and the fact that she has down syndrome never slowed her down for a second. One of my mom's good friends has a grandson with Down Syndrome, and he so smart and the sweetest kid you could meet. When I was younger we did a walk for children with down syndrome, and it was such a good experience being there for him. I think this all relates back to the fact the people fear what they don't know.  If a teacher doesn't understand a child with a learning disability and the way in which they learn, then they might fear what the child could do. If they took the time to truly see what the child can bring to the classroom and they way in which they learn, then things would be very different for children with down syndrome. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOwDfnoek6E

The link above is to a video about a girl who is sending the message not to limit children with down syndrome. Her story reminded me of Christine's and the other children in the text. 

I have an aunt who is mentally challenged, and it has been tough for her at times, but she works and has made a great life for herself. There was never any need to separate her from the other children, because she could learn just as well as them, but just in a different way. If schools let children with disabilities be with those who are not, both groups would benefit from the interaction and learning together. 

Question: Children can benefit one another just by learning alongside each other in the classroom. Why should children with down syndrome be segregated, when they have the ability to learn like their peers? 

Literacy With Attitude 

Quotes: 

"Teachers who see themselves as allies of their working-class students can help their students to see that literacy and school knowledge could be potent weapons in their struggle for a better deal by connecting school knowledge with the reality of working-class student's lives." 

I agree with this statement, because I believe that knowledge is power. The more you know about a topic and study it, the more likely you can use it to your advantage. Teachers are the people who are able to inspire students, and get them to want to learn to better their situations. The more these students know and learn about, the greater chance they are able to make something of themselves, and reach their full potential.

" Don't look down your nose at people out there teaching real children in real and sometimes dreadful circumstances. Don't question their intelligence, or their commitment, or their motives."

Sometimes, I feel that society doesn't give teachers the credit they deserve. I can only imagine how hard it is to control a classroom, and to make children listen to you. These children are going through tough times, just like everyone else but that doesn't make them bad kids. The fact that they are from a rough neighborhood or learn at a slower pace, doesn't mean they shouldn't be given the same opportunities as someone from a wealthy area. Mr. Finn recognized that these tough teachers were able to respect their students and teach them in a way that the students benefitted.

" Anyon observed that in the middle-class school the children were developing a relationship to the economy, authority, and work that is appropriate for the white-collar working class and middle-class jobs; paper work, technical work, sales, and social services in the private and public sectors." 

I had never thought about how schools set you up for the type of job that you may be doing in the future. These children were already learning about how to work for jobs that they would most likely be going into. This is in contrast to the way the children behaved in the working class neighborhood schools. Those children resisted the idea of learning, because they knew that they had the option of becoming a part of the working class in the future.

Question: How is anything supposed to change if working class students are not given the same resources as those in middle and upper class schools? 

Becoming Something Different: Learning from Esmé 

Connections: 

I could connect this reading to two others that we have discussed in class. The first, is "The Silenced Dialogue, because that reading talks about teaching methods that do not work for students and their voices being silenced. Esmé had to be put into reading classes, that at some point in her education she didn't need to be in. When they discuss her time in sixth grade, she says that one of her teachers explained the assignment to her but she still did't understand. Her questions, were silenced in a way because the teacher assumed she understood even though she did not. The teaching methods, need to be altered obviously if these children are not understanding and failing major tests that they need in order to graduate. Esmé was silenced when she was in middle school, because she didn't have to resources to change anything. In high school, she was able to get into classes that she was comfortable in, but that was only after she learned how to find and use resources, such as her friends. 

The second text that this reminded me of was "Aria", because it was about a similar situation. Both people came from spanish speaking homes, and it was hard for them to adjust to learning english in schools. Esmé had and easier time than Richard, but the fact is, that the teachers and schools didn't make it any easier for them to adjust or learn by the schools standards. It is sad that a person has to hide their culture or language in order to learn english and be educated here in the United States. I think that embracing ones culture and language should be valued in schools, because that is the only way to keep language and traditions alive. I intend to be a Spanish teacher, and hopefully one day I will be able to teach spanish speaking students and not only teach them, but also learn from them. In this way, they can feel appreciated in the classroom, instead of feeling lost or confused about what is being taught. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17hvPhRf9ik

talking point:

The link above, is about a school in Texas, whose principal banned the students from speaking spanish. They said that the language was causing disruptions.  I found it ridiculous because half of the students speak spanish as a first language. I think that is basically taking away human rights, because how does anyone have the authority to dictate what a person can or can not say? The country is in for a rude awakening if schools start to ban any other language other than english. English is not the only dominant language in this country anymore, and everyone should be able to speak whatever language they choose to. 

Between Barack and a Hard place: Challenging Racism, Privilege and Denial 

Hyperlink 

After watching this video, I thought the speaker, Tim Wise made a lot of interesting points about racism and ideas that we as a society never speak of. We need to make the fact known that racism exists, whether we like it or not, and it needs to be addressed. I liked the analogies that Tim Wise made, in particular the one about people not considering themselves racist because they have black friends. The fact that a person has friends of another color, race, or nationality doesn't necessarily mean they are not racist towards others. people brush off this topic because it is taboo to talk about in public, so they make up an excuse that isn't even logical. The fact that so many people still obsess over the hatred of another race is ridiculous. The racism did not end when Barack became president. It was a large step for African Americans, but there are still people with cruel and nasty natures who will never understand what it means to accept everyone. These people obviously don't believe in progress, because instead their mentalities are going backward in time. 

When he spoke of a student of color going to a mostly white college, and how they may feel, I could connect that to when I attended Salve Regina for a year. My best friend and roommate, was from

Puerto Rico, and the came to Salve on a full scholarship. I have never met someone who works so hard, who is organized and who has been through many struggles such as herself. She was part of the minority on campus, but that never bothered her. She constantly puts herself out there and fought for union workers rights on campus. She has inspired me so much, and she deserves to be there as much as any white kid does. Yes, it was hard at first for her because she came from a school which was mostly made up of minorities, but she has worked hard and taken the opportunities she earned.  Salve has very little diversity, and that was one of the reasons I left, among other things. I admire her courage and I know she will do great, even if there are obstacles for her because of her background. I have seen white

privilege at work, and it is sad because sometimes the people who work hard are not given the same opportunities. That is why this issue needs to be addressed in teaching and in society. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/11/minority-students-worse-teachers_n_5135153.html

I have a link to an article, that talks about how minority students, usually end up receiving and education from teachers with less experience, and how this is less effective. It is sad, that these teachers don't care, and that the students are not getting the education they should in order to learn and grow.

Question: How are minority students supposed to achieve, if they are getting a second rate education. They won't be able to compete when it comes to getting into college, because they will not have received the same knowledge as children in other schools. 

In Service of What?

Reflection:

This text, made me reflect on the times that I have gone and done service learning in my community. There are so many opportunities in the community and through school to help others. I remember volunteering a lot in my community when I was younger for school and other extra-curriculars. I enjoyed doing different things, such as working at a food pantry. The people were some of the nicest I had ever met and so grateful for the food they received. I looked forward to going every week and seeing the people who came. It is so easy to be wrapped up in your own world, and be blind to the struggles that everyone faces. I agree that service learning should be a part of the curriculum, because it gives students an experience to reflect upon. Education is important, but without real world experience how are students to grow as people. 

The service learning that we are doing in this class is great way for us to branch out and get into the world of teaching.  I know that when I go into the classroom, everything we have talked about can be applied and its easier to visualize because we are actually in a school. The different projects that those kids did, were a way for them to connect with others, and we are doing the same by working with students. This class is one that has prepared me for the real world, more than most of my other ones. I think this is because we talk about controversial issues that we will have to face, and that will help us to be prepared. 

http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/youth-topics/service-learning/what-are-benefits-service-learning

The link I have given talks about the benefits of service learning for students. I think that service learning should be required for students in every school. The more we make connections, the more we will grow and learn. 

     

Unlearning the Myths the Bind Us 

Hyperlink: 

I really liked this article because I agree that people don't see the influence that the media has over them. We watch television and we accept  the images that we see as normal, but in fact they are destroying who we are. The media wants us to all think or act a certain way, and its sickening. I never really thought about how fairy tales and cartoons can have such a impact on children.  When I go back and watch these movies, I can see exactly what this text is talking about. The subliminal messages are all throughout books, movies, any form of media. The problem is, that growing up, we don't see the damage it causes. It is only when we are older, that we see how it affected us as children. Its sad that programs meant for children would be made to be racist, all about money,  or lacking diversity. We are taught to accept others for who they are, but even television isn't doing that. Although there are some disney princesses now, of different races and cultures. I think that the lack of diversity has made Disney think twice about the stereotypical princess. They actually have princesses who don't end up with a prince now, so the stereotypes of how women are portrayed are changing. Even though media is changing in small doses, it is still degrading and unrealistic. The worst thing to do is sugarcoat reality and brainwash the people, but that is what the media does. 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/04/01/disney-princes-princesses-slaves-stereotypes/

The link I chose was about the gender stereotypes in Disney movies, and how they have changed over time. There are influences for girls that are more than just a dress and heels, but about being strong and fighting for what you believe in. The movie Mulan and Brave show these ideals, that a woman doesn't have to take on a traditional role to be successful or happy. The princes, are also not as macho as they used to be, which shows boys that being tough isn't the most important thing. 

Question:

How is anything supposed to change? We can't control the media, all we can do is make sure we educate ourselves and our future students about these stereotypes. Racism isn't going to end by students analyzing media. The media is always going to be presenting these ideas to the public. It is a sad thing to have to witness, but at least we can acknowledge it. 

Speaking the unspeakable in forbidden places

Quotes: 

"What is interesting to note, however, is the way in which these relations constituted and were constituted by social space; the ways in which the school corridors, in particular, were being recognised as public, mobile, child-inhabited and, therefore, dangerous spaces to talk about sexuality"

 (McGregor 2004).

This topic is tricky to talk about in schools, but it doesn't have to be. The methods in this text are helping to educate children in a way they can understand without giving to much detail. The fact that the teachers have to consider this topic of sexuality as dangerous in the classroom, shows that it needs to be talked about. Children should be able to talk about anything within reason, in the classroom. If it isn't discussed even a little bit, they won't be able to understand a situation concerning sexuality and then they won't know how to react to it. Informing the children that it is ok to talk about these things is a way for them to share their own thoughts and feelings.

"Arguments suggesting that LGBT teachers refrain from discussing their relationships within the school fail to acknowledge that children themselves might benefit from the openness of LGBT role models for a variety of reasons: because they may identify (or eventually identify) themselves as LGBT or just ‘different’, because they have gay or lesbian parents (Letts and Sears 1999; Kissen 2002) and because one of the duties of school is to prepare all children to live in a diverse society" (DePalma and Jennett 2007). 

I agree with these arguments about how a gay or lesbian teacher can be a role model for students who are LGBT. If these children don't see anyone in their situation or cannot talk to someone who understands, then how can they understand themselves? They might want to talk to someone, but they may be shy or embarrassed to say what they feel to their parents. If children don't learn a little about the real world while in school, they won't be prepared for situations that they may face in the future. The teachers may be afraid to come out to students, but they would feel more comfortable like Katie did. 

"As suggested, the session prompted a ‘meaningful’ discussion between one child and her mother that might not have happened otherwise."

If children can come home and discuss controversial topics with their parents that they would not have beforehand, then that is a good way for them to communicate. Learning about sexuality in school, makes it easier for them to relate and bring questions home to be answered, so that their parents don't have to explain something that they might not have felt comfortable doing. I think that it is better that it is taught in school, because they need to be taught about it someday, and if it isn't at home then it should be at school. 

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/321



The link I have provided is an article about introducing the teaching of gay history in schools in California. There is controversy behind the bill, but it might be beneficial to students who identify as LGBT. They would learn about leaders who fought for gay and lesbian rights and that isn't an option that many students have. 

Question: How are students supposed to become educated and caring adults about controversial issues, if they are never informed throughout their education? The prejudice and ignorance that forms, is because people act and speak without being educated or educating themselves. If this topic was discussed more in schools, then it would be easier for children to acknowledge that it exists and understand it better. 

"Aria" by Richard Rodriguez 

Hyperlink: 

I could really relate to this text, because I have been taking language classes for a long time, because I want to be a Spanish teacher.  Often times, I have been so lost in what is going on in the classroom. because of the language barrier. It makes it much more difficult to learn the material. I can't even imagine what he felt, by not understanding a language that he had no prior knowledge of.  It has taken me a long time to adjust and become fluent, but I think that knowing more than one language makes you more well rounded and aware of different cultures and perspectives. The fact that he lost his fluency and ability to even think of spanish words is sad.  He lost a part of himself, that the can never get back. His native language was what comforted him when nothing else did. It reminded him of home, and then it was taken away because it was too "different". I wrote a paper about how the U.S should be encouraging bilingual education. It would benefit children very much, if they could obtain knowledge of many languages at a young age. Children are at the best age to learn a language, and if they already speak another one, then that should definitely be encouraged. The fact that the encouragement of different languages in school isn't happening, is a poor reflection on the education system. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=I6Y0HAjLKYI

The link to the video I have provided, reminded me so much of this author in relation to the struggles that he faced trying to learn english. Moises in the video, has such a hard time learning but unfortunately he cannot be given the test in his own language. How are students expected to take a test when they don't even know what the words mean? It astounds me that these children cannot even be given any extra help. The child's mother and father did not speak English, so they couldn't even help  their son. The fact that they can't speak it, is not their fault, although many americans think that people from other countries and cultures need to assimilate right away. I have to disagree with this notion, it goes back to heritage and being proud of the culture you come from. No one should have to banish their native language from their lives, just because another one is more prominent in society. 

Question: Why aren't language programs being incoorperated into schools more now, when the demand for being bilingual is so high in this country? Some schools across the country are already adding these programs and that is great, but I think it needs to be stressed more in schools. Connecting globally is the key to success and understanding others, and that can be done through language. 

The Silenced Dialogue 

Quotes: 

"What the school personnel fail to realize is that if the parents were members of the culture of power and lived by its rules and codes, then they would have to transmit those codes those codes to their children. In fact, they transmit another culture that children must learn at home in order to survive in their communities."

This quote relates to the fact that many teachers think parents are not helping their children in the home, when it comes to encouragement in school. They don't realize that every culture is different and the parents don't know how to help them, if they don't live the same way that the teachers do, and they don't have the same power. If they aren't given the same power, then how are they expected to give their children ideas and encouragement that coincide with this culture of power they cannot obtain. 

"Actual writing for real audiences and real purposes is a vital element in helping students to understand that they have an important voice in their learning processes."

Students that can't relate to what they are learning, won't be interested in the lessons they are being taught. The example of the children analyzing rap music in relation to learning patterns, was an interesting approach that helped them to understand in a way that was relatable and relevant in their lives. If the teacher can't make the students relate and learn in a way that can they connect to themselves or their community, than how are they supposed to apply these lessons in their everyday lives. If these children have a voice in the classroom, then they can transfer that voice to make changes and advances. These changes can then benefit themselves inside and outside the classroom as well. 

"I prefer to be honest with my students. I tell them that their language and cultural style is unique and wonderful but that their is a political power game that is also being played, and if they want to be in on that game there are certain games that they too must play."

Acknowledging that fact that the culture of power exists and that to be dominant you must conform to it isn't fair, but it is somewhat true if you want to obtain this power. The fact that this teacher tells her students this, is very smart in helping them see the ways in which society creates this power. She is valuing their cultures, but also saying that they need to adapt these strategies in order to compete with these people who hold this power already. This advice could help these children to see the injustice they face, and also to discover how they can be just as powerful. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecwFetYMy5Y     

The link that I have provided is a video of a forum theatre at the University of Puerto Rico. The video demonstrates the oppression of ideas that the education system puts on teachers and students. The  teacher is not able to use her own ideas which would benefit the students, rather than always sitting down and using the textbook constantly. The principal in my opinion is brainwashing the students into thinking there is only one way to learn and also telling the teachers there is only one strategy in teaching. I thought this video relates to the culture of power and shows that students can't be expected to learn in a way in which they cannot relate or have fun. The teacher is being silenced, and her opinions are not being taken into consideration like the teachers in this Lisa Delpit's book. 

Question/ point to share:

How is the culture of power ever to be acknowledged by the people who have this power? Things cannot change if these people don't recognize how this affects students and their ability to learn. This concept is similar to white privilege, but if that can't been recognized, then how can this be recognized as well. The only people who notice it, are those without the power and they don't have the ability to change it. Authors like Delpit are helping to educate others on this abuse of power, and maybe if more people read books like this, then a change could occur. 

Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" by Jonathan Kozol

Hyperlinks:

This article is brutal, but it shows that there are places like the Bronx in urban areas. I didn't think that the Bronx was that bad, but I was very wrong. This book tells the public exactly what they should know which is, not every place in America is lined with white picket fences and glorious dreams of success. These people are in a cycle of poverty, and are unable to get jobs and the rightful care they need and deserve in institutions such as hospitals. When I first read about the conditions of the residences and stories of people with AIDS or addicted to crack, it reminded me of a book I had read for an anthropology class. This book is titled "In Search of Respect: Selling Crack En el Barrio" and it was one of the most interesting books I have read. The author lived with his family in an apartment in East Harlem and became friends with local drug dealers. He observed their lives and wrote about their culture and challenges that the people in the neighborhood had to face. Both books have similar themes about drug addictions, poverty, prejudice, violence and lack of opportunities for the people that live in urban areas. Both books were also written in the 1990's and set in New York City.  

The hyperlink that I chose for this blog post is an interview with the author Philippe Bourgois about his work as an anthropologist and his experiences living in East Harlem. He talks about the poverty he saw and his opinions on street culture and limited amount of opportunities that these people have. His ideas are similar to those of Kozol and I think that both books can have a large impact on the reader, and can change general assumptions about urban areas and stereotypes. I found his research and experiences to be very interesting and I would recommend his book to anyone. 


http://anthropologyworks.com/index.php/2010/11/24/in-search-of-respect-an-interview-with-philippe-bourgois/

questions / sharing points : 

My question is how are these people supposed to make better lives for themselves if they aren't given any opportunities and are being put into the harshest conditions and violent neighborhoods? The cycle of poverty will continue for these people and it just isn't fair. There is nothing that they can do, without the help of others in higher positions of power. Clumping these groups in one area and forgetting about them won't solve anything, 

Hello everyone! I'm Olivia and I'm a transfer student from Slave Regina. This is my third year of college but my second year at RIC. I want to be a secondary education teacher with a concentration in spanish. My semester is going great so far, and I love all my classes. When I'm not at school, I like hanging out with friends, reading, and traveling.