Alright. I'm finally caught up with this class in figuring out what I need to do...
I owe 4 blog entries reflecting my thoughts on the conversations we had in the last 4 classes. Here are my reflections:
Readings from 6/28 & 6/30
I knew oppresssion existed, but I never read it as described by John Bell. It's crazy how an idea can become institutionalized and then inevitably become interpersonal and internalized without realizing that it's actually happening. John Bell suggests that one way to eliminate institutional oppression is by undoing the internalized beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that stem from the oppression. But how can we do that when there's a systemic cycle that seems to come from generations (identified in Jones'article as well)? As a teacher, I have to remind myself that because these ideas are institutionalized, I have to cling to something "greater" that will sustain my ideas of justice and advocate for the oppressed. Personally, this "greater thing" is the idea of love - I believe that all mankind deserve love b/c God loved me first. I hope that my personal belief will be reflected through my actions and it'll be one step closer to eliminating institutional oppression.
Readings from 7/5 & 7/7
I agree with Joe Gauld's message to students that each individual has a purpose on Earth and the unique potential to fulfill it. I would want to encourage students not to place their identity in a society whose opinion is constantly changing. As I read Delpit's conversation with Carolyn, I cannot help but feel anger and almost guilty. I wonder how many times I'll accidentally slip into the same mindset as Carolyn. The conversation feels natural - that's how much I've allowed ideological opression to be okay. As Fanon quotes, "The habit of considering racism as a mental quirk, as a psychological flaw, must be abandoned." And as I reflect on Friere's writing and some of the classroom discussions, I feel confused with feelings like there's hope ... but then there really isn't. If the oppressors are the ones that think they are "human" and everyone else are "things" - how do we change that? How do we force someone to see or change their view when it's already engrained in them - even from colonization?
No comments:
Post a Comment