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.