Initiative

“But both sides do need to be able to listen, and I contend that it is those with the most power, those in the majority, who must take the greater responsibility of initiating the process .” (p. 46)

• What do you feel the author wants us to think about, consider?

Lisa Delpit suggests that the white, progressive authorities cannot make appropriate decisions for the education of black minorities without the input of black teachers and parents. In the above quote, she states that given the existing hegemony in society and schools, those “with the most power” are obligated to initiate the process of communicating across cultures to give children a voice. This is important because not only does Delpit offer great ideas on how to reform black education, but she also identifies a good starting place for change. She suggests that it is the obligation of the party in power to begin the process of the cross-cultural dialogue. She expands by advising that it will require more than just listening, however. It will require hearing.

• Would anything from what you've currently read influence your future teaching? Discuss.

This reading will definitely influence my teaching. Having been raised and schooled in a predominately white community, I have had an ongoing, quiet fear that I will be on of those narrow minded teachers who listens, but doesn't really hear. I simply don't want to be like that. Delpit offers ways to avoid blind hegemony. Even though as a teacher I will not be in a position of administrative power, it will still be my obligation to initiate the process of cross-cultural dialogue to find a voice for minority students. I am also interested in Delpit's ideas about minorities needing to be taught Standard English for economic success. It makes sense, but I would like to hear other perspectives on it.