Other Peoples Children-Lisa Delpit

 Argument

This week's reading is titled "The Silenced Dialogue: Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People's Children", written by Lisa Delpit. Delpit discusses ideas in the greater sense, like power, culture and home life, and communication. She identifies and describes the five aspects  of power, those being

“1. Issues of power are enacted in classrooms.

2. There are codes or rules for participating in power; that is, there is a “culture of power”

3. The rules of the culture of power are a reflection of the rules of the culture of those who have power

4. If you are not already a participant in the culture of power, being told explicitly the rules of that culture makes acquiring power easier. 

5. 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.”

She then continues by explaining the five aspects. The issues mentioned in aspect one include teacher/student dynamics of power, curriculum developers, etc. The codes brought up in aspect two are related to self expression, speaking, and communicating. Aspect three says that success in places like school, work, and life in general, is assumed by the “culture of those who are in power”. For example, students from middle class homes do better than those from lower class homes because the “culture of the school” is based on those in power (the middle and upper class). While elaborating on aspect four, Delpit discusses how much easier it is to understand a culture when it is explained to you by a member of said culture. Aspect five is about how those with less power are hyper-aware of their lack of power, where someone with more power is less aware. Delpit explains that while it is uncomfortable to mention participation in the culture of power, however, those with less power can recognize it immediately. 

Delpit uses the rest of the reading to elaborate further on how the culture of power is seen specifically in schools. An example she gives is of a black teacher and a black Southern student (Joey) discussing the difference in language in a Black English children's book. Joey says that although it is different from what is typically seen in a schoolbook, it should not matter as long as everyone understands it. Delpit closes, stating that “Teachers are in an ideal position to play this role, to attempt to get all of the issues on the table to initiate true dialogue”. She then references the five aspects mentioned earlier, like understanding your own power. She reminds us to be mindful of what we say and what we teach, and to be mindful of our power. 

Privilege Power and Difference: Allan Johnson (8-28)

 Argumentative:

Author Allan Johnson writes about the various types of privilege and how different races, genders, etc, have more privilege than their counterparts. However, everybody is affected by this privilege, not just those who have the upper hand. Privilege has affected people all throughout history, and by ignoring the past of privilege we perpetuate the future of it. To fix the problem, society must first address it. These deeply rooted problems cannot be fixed without first acknowledging where they came from. But it is not just the minority that need to address history and begin to mend the rift that privilege has caused. The majority must check their own privilege and their own history to begin to dismantle the pillar of power they rest upon. 

While I understand what the author is saying, I doubt society’s abilities to actually change. In todays world, it is so rare to see anybody admit to even the most minor mistakes. To expect them to then try to change is pointless. For example, there are radicals who believe the election was rigged, or that police brutality is not an issue, or that vaccines are a hoax. Even when presented with ample amounts of evidence, they refuse to acknowledge or accept the facts. As an optimist, I believe that human beings are capable of change. However, they need to be willing to put in the effort to make the necessary changes. Not only that, but people need to band together to change, it can not ride on one person alone. Because of that, realistically, I do not see those changes being made any time soon. 

A question I have for the class is how can we encourage these changes? How can the more tolerant influence the less tolerant to reflect on their history and their privilege? Again, to make these changes, it falls on all of us. How can we disrupt the tradition of power and privilege?

All About Me :)

     Hi! I’m Liv Landry! I am a sophomore here at RIC and I am a music education major. I spend a majority of my time practicing clarinet. I am also a member of the RIC woman’s swim team! Other than that, I enjoy kayaking, roller skating, and hanging out with my dogs. 

me and one of my music ed friends

roller skating !

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me and my boyfriend at a concert this past summer:)