Scott Martin - Creative Connector: Chpt. 7
“What is the new idea we have been waiting for that will free us from the entanglements of White dominance and the tragic persistence of educational inequities for children of color in our public schools?”
It is completely obvious that there is no “silver bullet” or we wouldn’t be having grad level classes such as this one or a Social Foundations. It’s hard to think that we will ever find a solution to this inequality issue. It hurts to think that this cultural divide will continue for centuries to come, I just wonder how deep White dominance has its roots dug in. But as the adage goes… the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
“those of us who have benefited from the history of White privilege do not have to perpetuate it into the next generation.”
Perpetuation. This is such an easy idea to wrap your head around, but not so easy to instill. It is pretty undeniable that many, if not all, Whites have in some shape or form benefitted from that privilege. The classroom is an extremely powerful forum for the creation of a culturally diverse society. Mostly white teachers, infinite cultures of students and a lesson. The issue at hand is this: I could become the single most accepting and progressive white teacher… helping all of my students understand each other and their ideas… but it cannot stop there. I tend to believe that the family and that social dynamic need to change as well or all would be for nothing.
“The assumption of rightness, as related to the achievement gap, often leads teachers to assume that the problem of school failure lies in the students and their families and not in the structure or functioning of schooling.”
I actually couldn’t agree more with this statement. There are many times I have to take a step back and think about this concept. I can’t count the times I have assumed I was right, and whomever else was wrong. We all do it, maybe not on racial issues, but we have our opinion and ideals. And to us, they are the right answer. Schools and the politics of schools have to change, not just the ideas.
Scott Martin - Essence Extractor: Chpt 7
This chapter is finally starting to put theory into practice. Giving a critical look at how we as white teachers tackle this history given to us and begin to map out a cohesive path into the future.
Scott Martin – Rigorous Researcher: Chpt 7
Tim Wise clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C55zE_qJd2g&p=4F9F55E38E9C981C&playnext=1&index=4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7h08wL5Z2w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV3m-2utW10&feature=related
A VERY moving speech from Dr. Martin Luther King:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlvEiBRgp2M&feature=related
Scene from the movie “Crash”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr-vqKH56w8
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