Other people's children: The Silenced Dialogue

For my blog post #2, I chose to showcase the quotes that intrigued me the most during my reading of author Delpit. Therefore, for the first quote, I chose the following:

 

1. Page 21-22: "You can only beat your head against a brick wall for so long before drawing blood.

In my opinion, in the context of education, the author aims to convey the idea that persisting in something that doesn't work or show positive results, such as taking continuous risks or challenges, can eventually lead to negative consequences over time, both in learning and teaching. For instance, Delpit mentions that in schools, the voices of students from different cultures or marginalized communities are not heard, letting issues of inequality increase. Personally, I appreciate this quote simply because I believe we all have the desire to be heard and valued, not so much for seeking attention from others but for emotional stability and building human connection. In clearer terms, the quote could be summarized as: "We cannot continue taking the same risks without obtaining positive results, because at the end of the day, we will suffer the consequences." If you ask me what kind of consequences, I would say that students who are not listened to could experience behavioral or emotional problems, which could also create learning issues."

2. Another quote from the author that caught my attention was the following: "Those with power are frequently least aware of- or least willing to acknowledge- its existence. Those with less power are often most aware of its existence.” 

I think the author wants to emphasize that sometimes people with more authority in an educational community, such as teachers, principals, or any other member of this community, do not fully understand how much they can impact a student's life. Every action or decision made by a teacher not only influences the school environment but also the day-to-day experiences of students. A specific example the author presents is the unconscious power that white educators may exert over black individuals, affecting how information is presented and communicated, thus influencing the recipients' perception of truth. The central idea the author aims to convey is the need to raise awareness about these dynamics, with the goal of fostering an educational environment that recognizes the diversity of perspectives and promotes equity. 

3. "Finally, the quote on page 28, 'I want the same thing for everyone else's children as I want for mine,' profoundly resonated with me. Parents are willing to do anything for their children, even extending their wishes for the best to others' children. In this powerful quote, the author reflects both empathy and a desire for equity for all. Moreover, teachers who are also parents can grasp the depth of this statement. In my view, educators assume a role similar to that of second parents for their students. It involves more than just imparting new academic knowledge; it requires active participation in their upbringing and development. As a final point of reflection, being a part of this role entails treating all students equitably, ensuring they experience an environment of equality for their growth and development." 

Updates about Lisa Delpit: HERE

Privilege, Power, and Differences

 Blog #1

Chapter 1: Privilege, Power, and Differences By Alan Johnson 

For my first post, I decided to focus on reflection, as I connected with the reading of author Alan Johnson in many aspects. Firstly, the author emphasizes the importance of working towards transformation, something I truly agree with. As a future educator, I have started to focus on shaping my identity and what I truly want to be and must be. Initially, when I chose the major in World Languages, I was only focused on my desire to teach Spanish to native English speakers. However, as time passed, I learned to know myself and questioned if that was my sole purpose. I realized that I not only wanted to teach a language but also be part of those who transform the world, working hard regardless of the barriers. But to achieve that, I needed to start with my self-transformation. That is, we cannot improve our society if we do not learn, change, and improve ourselves.

In this chapter 1, the author also emphasizes how the division between people of different races and economic differences still persists. This narrative caught my attention, particularly due to my personal experience. The reality of being part of the Hispanic community in this context led me to reflect on the challenges we face and how these divisions directly affect my life and others in similar circumstances. This personal connection has heightened my commitment to understanding these social dynamics and strengthened my determination to advocate for equity and justice in the society I live in. I recalled how, in my journey, I have faced challenges related to identity and inclusion while witnessing the economic disparities affecting many Hispanic communities in the United States. The reading prompted me to reflect on moments when I felt the influence of these divisions in my daily life, both in the workplace, education, and social spheres. If you ask me why I chose to be an educator, the truth is that this experience is one of the main reasons. My purpose is not only to teach Spanish but also to advocate for positive change and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 

Question

In your opinion, how can our community help to foster inclusivity and equity, ultimately building a more unified and fair society?

Elizabeth's Introduction

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Ayestas. I am 22 years old and I am from Honduras, a Latin American in the house. I came to the United States 3 years ago, which means that my English is not fluent, sorry about it. However, I am working hard to pursue my major in World Languages Education at RIC. I aspire to become a Spanish teacher and contribute to this great society and for that, I am working hard to develop some skills. This semester, I hope to learn a lot in FNED 246 class and further continue working on me as a future educator. As you can see in one of my pictures, I love big cities, parks, and beaches, as it is where I usually spend wonderful moments with my family.