The Silenced Dialogue
"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.
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.
