Hey all,
Thanks again Elicia for posing the suggestion of using the Delpit "Other People's Children" reflection assignment for our blog this weekend. I think it is a great idea that meets my goals for allowing people to think and share with each other as well as eliminating the extra "blog" writing assignment in an already packed weekend. The format for your response is in the syllabus and is exactly the same as with the Montessori reflection you just completed. You do not need to bring a hard copy to class but please do print out a copy to include in your portfolio.
By the way, I am truly impressed with the quality of blogging/thinking I am witnessing with this cohort. Your efforts and engagement are not going unnoticed. I know you know this but let me repeat it - you are a gift to each other.
Happy weekend - hang in there!
Zalika
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Since I embarrassingly am the only one who still hasn’t figured out how to put my own comment up, I’m doing it this way again…..
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading through part one of Other People’s Children, there were many points introduced by Delpit that I hadn’t really thought of before. When she discussed that, “Those with power are frequently least area of - or least willing to acknowledge-its existence. Those with less power are often more aware of its existence,” (24) I had to stop and think about this quote for a second. As ashamed as I am to say it, I have never questioned the amount of power given to me as a white woman. Then, I started to think, I don’t really think I have that much power. Delpit’s point exactly! Just the fact that I didn’t realize I had power and then almost failed to acknowledge the power I possess is a perfect example of what she is talking about. If I were a black woman, I definitely would have noticed the lack of power in my life. This resonated with me because I am so embarrassed that I even thought that.
I think that the author wants people to notice that, whether they know it or not, they might have power over someone else. Because of that, there is someone who is affected by it. Delpit goes onto discuss the point that I have just proven, white teachers really don’t “…perceive themselves to have power over the nonwhite speakers,” and goes on to say, “…the white educators had the authority to establish what was to be considered “truth” regardless of the opinions of the people of color, and the latter were well aware of that fact” (26). Delpit is trying to convey that the power is there and it is the responsibility of all, to recognize it. At the end of “The Silenced Dialogue,” she discusses we need to put our beliefs on hold and essentially see other people’s perspective. I think that if we do this, we can eventually recognize that power that we might possess over someone else. How are we going to be able to see any sort of change in education if the ones at fault can’t recognize this?
I will definitely take this idea with me as I become a teacher. Not only as a race issue, but also as I talk to my students. I don’t ever want them to feel like I am more powerful than them. For if I do make them feel this way, they will feel as if they are not respected by me. In no way is that acceptable. Also, if I just recognize this imbalance in power, I can do my small part to change it.