Blog Post #2
The Silenced Dialogue/Overview Handout
By: Lisa Delpit
Arguments
In the article, Delpit argues that there is discrimination within the school system.
This is a powerful argument because unfortunately there is still discrimination in today's society and within our schools systems. For example, there are many students who do not use English as their primary language when they are at home. However, when these children come to school, there is an assumption that they will not only speak English, but they will speak it well. This assumption can be very harmful because while some children are just coming to school to learn, children of color and different cultures not only have to learn the material, but they are required to learn it in english. It is because of circumstances like this that children become victims of a culture of power. A requirement like this denies students of their own knowledge and overall disempowers them. Instead of forcing children to learn in only one way, we need to change the way we teach. It is not the children who need to change, but the school system. As a society, we need to provide teaching strategies that work for ALL children.
In this article, Delpit argues that oppression can arise out of warmth, friendliness, and concern.
Delpit's argument is powerful because she makes it known that sometimes the people who say they are helping to make change, are really the ones attempting to make sure things stay the same. For example, when discussing discrimination to a white person in power, they listened, but they did not hear what had to be said. They acknowledge this plea, but do not do anything to make a difference because it does not affect them. To not acknowledge that they have power, ensures that the power status quo remains the same. Due to circumstances like this, it is important to have adults who share the same cultural backgrounds as the students, have a voice in what is best for them. Adults of these backgrounds should be allowed to participate in discussions about the child's best interest. How can they know what is best for culturally diverse students if they themselves are not culturally diverse?
In this article, Delpit argues that students must be allowed the resources of the teacher's expert knowledge, while being helped to acknowledge their own "expertness" as well.
This argument is relevant because it is important that students of different cultural groups have the right to their language style. Many of these children's parents were also victims of the culture of power. Instead of trying to diminish cultural diversity, we need to embrace it. As a society, we need to stop forcing people to fit into boxes. There should not be a standard that the only way to learn is the "english" way. It is important to empower students with this reality in order for them to create a better future.
Reflection to Share in Class:
As a future educator, I want to know what I can do to help culturally diverse students. How can I make sure that I am not ignorant of the power status quo? I want to be a teacher who not only listens, but one who hears my students. Instead of pretending that gatekeeping does not exist, I can acknowledge that it does and therefore help students pass through them. This article further confirmed my beliefs that I want to be a teacher who advocates for ALL children. I want to make their voices heard in my future classroom.
This is a very motivational video that resonates with me.
It will have you rethinking the school system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqTTojTija8
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