Diversity Event

This event was honestly sent by a saving grace. There were many events that I had wanted to attend but because of my work schedule and school schedule I wasn't able to go to them until today. 

There was a conference held in the Student Union from 10:00 am till 5:00pm. It was an all day event but split up into different sections. I went to the event at noon. It was session two titled Diversity.

I wasn't sure quite what to expect from this conference at first. I wasn't sure if it would be just facts or stories or idea swapping. I was very surprised at how much I really enjoyed it. I felt engaged in what they had to say. The main idea was how diversity can bring in a whole new realm of ideas and contributions to not only the workplace but schools, community, and government as well. IT was put into terms that diversity wasn't just a word that could be spoken about, rather a word that should be built on change. There is no reason why we cannot add these ideas to our regular lifestyle. Rather than point out the differences, accept  and embrace them. The enforced the ideas that our world can grow much more efficiently if diversity becomes a part of our lives. 

I find nothing wrong with bringing about diversity into our society, actually i see it as very beneficial. I have always wondered what it would be like to be a different race or have a different accent or live in a different country. I'm sure many people have wondered that as well. Well, if we continue to accept the ideas of diversity and act upon those ideas then we will have real life examples of the differences we once though about in ourselves. Diversity should be big in schools, children should be able to feel comfortable whenever they are in a diverse setting and by starting them off young they will adapt and it will become part of their regular routine. 

This event made me realize that when i finally do become a teacher I will embrace and promote diversity as much and as well as i can.  I will put posters up showing diversity, teach about, do activities. Each little thing counts and I want to be that someone who makes that little difference. Children today, especially now need to lean on a good foundation if they want to get a good understanding of how the world should be rather than how it has been.

Talking points...#10

Privilege, Power and Difference

What can we do?

Allan G Johnson

Johnson argues about racism. He claims that in order to fix what the present problems we need to learn from our past mistakes and take into account what has been done before. 

1> " Dont let other people set the standard for you."

This quote was short but I really enjoyed for the simple fact that it is 100% true. We need to find the power within ourselves to be ourselves and think our own thoughts. we need to be heard, seen and understood if we want to make a change. But it starts with our individual self.

2> "Its easy to have opinions, but it takes work to know what you're talking about."

So many people in this world, even our own friends and family members have done this in the past. They can spit out all they have to say but its straight air. I know I have done it before to. Sometimes its hard to have facts to back up what you really mean to say but the more we do that the more informed we will be.

3>"Its amazing how much of the time we compare ourselves to other people as a way to see how well we fit in."

I know for a fact that this occurs far too often, especially with women. People are so worried about fitting in that they forget what is really important and that is coming together to brign about change and acceptance of diversity. 

Once again as said before, all this talk about change and acceptance does no good if there are no actions, facts and will power behind this method of madness. People can talk all they want but can they do?

Talking Points...#9

Citizenship in School: reconceptualizing Down Syndrome

By: Christopher Kliewer

The issue with equality in schools has always been visible, however it is a double edge sword when it comes to children with down syndrome. Its often hard to find that happy medium for all the students. I do feel, however, that those with down syndrome should be taken out of the classroom when working in subjects with which they have a hard time understanding. this way here those students in the classroom will be able to understand at their pace and the down syndrome students wont become overwhelmed with the ideas of finishing their work at the time of all the other kids.  I understand that Kliewer wants everyone to have individual needs met and respect. In order to have those individual needs, sometimes those children need to be somewhat separated from some class situations to help them better understand. 

1.} No child was inherently an intellectual burden to a classroom, in fact she argued each student contributed a unique and potentially valuable dimension to the web of relationships that formed a school community." The quote is basically saying that students who attend shcool should receive the same treatment regardless of their diagnosis. No child should have guilt of feeling like they are hindering the other classmates. The teacher should recognize each child and what they have to offer. 

2.} "If you came into the room and were told there was a retarded child in class, a child with special needs, I dont think you would pick Lee out. The kids really agree that he is as capable as they are. Intellectually the same." I liked this quote because the kids see him just the same as they are and i feel that it allows the student (lee) to feel more comfortable in a classroom setting. 

3.} "Its about all of us working together, playing together, being together, and thats what learning is. Dont tell me any of these kids are being set up to fail." Like I said above, i feel that inside the classroom if a particular student or students are having a tough time with the curriculum then it is okay to take them aside but I dont not feel that these students should be completely shut out and sent off all together in a separate classroom. 

I think each student should be accounted for individually this way here the teacher is able to pin point they needs inside and outside of the classroom. I enjoyed this reading because it opened up my eyes to what is happened without many realizing the controversial split. 

Anita hill is a Boy

I love her argument that gender should be equally accounted for within a classroom setting. It should be implemented at a young age therefore there is no superiority battle between men and women later on in life. Those parents who freak out if their son chooses a more femanine color or toy over a matchbox car need to rethink how they react to their child's choices because that can be just as detrimental. I do however believe in some form of guidence as to gender role as far as dolls, shoes, colorful toys, and mak-up for girls and cars, sports, and dump trucks. However as much as this guidence is important it is also important to embrace if they choose otherwise.

""If i told them I was interested in women's history, theyd call me a fag, so i just take it and dont talk about it."....This quote angered me because I hate the idea that what people say controls who you choose to be as a person. Words hurt especially from people your age. I went through so much shit in high school with what people said about my body shape, being thick, i changed so much to a point where i was in an intensive care unit\ rehab center because of "words" and the idea that women are all supposed to be the shape of elegant ballerinas. 

"When boys feel like they're being forced to admire women they pick one that they behaves sort of like a man. Thats what they can best relate to."...I like this quote, I grew up with boys my whole life and they always tried to out-do their manliness and it was so funny to sit back and watch it all as a girls perspective. I feel like it is just a male instinct to be that way, it is true that you tend to classify yourself with what you know...both males and females.

"Some educators are developing strategies to break down gender and race hierarchies in cooperative learning groups."...Every person develops their mind differently. Even though it is a good idea in theory to break down these hierarchies different learning and viewing strategies need to be taken into account. Its not wrong but there is far more to it than just a "break down".

Lawrence Talking points...

Lawrence argues that sure, its great to make the change to desegregate schools but that is just the foundation to this sand castle of little grains. We need to understand that all this change cannot come at once, people need to accept that change is a progression and a slow one if it is done correctly. It goes beyond words and new rules, it is actions as well as dicipline. You cant just wake up one morning and say okay the world has changed, because that is the furthest from reality. We also need to embrace the idea that no matter how much change is implanted into our world, there will still be a select few who feel the necessity to combat this change through and through. This, once again, is reality that we must face.

"In 1954 we believed that school integration would break down racist attitudes by bringing white and black children together."......Once again this is also an issue much like Kozol and connecting to Tim wise. Clearly it is a good idea but racism goes way past good ideas, we cannot put another band-aid on a broken leg. Change needs to occur and reoccur..not just a quick fix.

"The mere placement of black and white children in the same school does not remove that brand imprinted by years of segregation."

This quote hit exactly on the head of how I feel about this whole situation. It basically is saying that we cannot just say ok, everything is fixed, lets move on from here...it doesnt work that way...this issue is like kneeding dough, oyu cant just roll over it once, it need to be worked over and over again to become one flat surface..one equal playing field for all races.

"We must devise and demand remedies that go beyond mere pupil placement."

We need to recognize that the problem of racism occurs outside of school and we need to say the right words in order for that change to occur. Things dont just happen by one change in events. It is a process and with that process change will follow. We need to 1) recognize our problem 2) say the right words to process the changes 3) take actions on our words because ultimately words are nothing without actions.

Tim Wise...Talking points..

Tim Wise makes a good argument when he say that those who are in the dominant race tend to neglect the idea that racism still exists. Those who are not reminded on a regular day-to-day basis forget about these occurences. Once again, we are reminded from previous pieces that this lack of understanding and taking part is just putting another band-aid on a broken leg. In that way he connects to Kozol but he also connects to Delpit with the codes of power and Johnson with the initiative to speak out and make a change.

"So even the truly talented students of color will be unable to access those extra points simply because of where they live." This quote is so true and yet so sad. I even see it in the Elementary school that I teach at. I see some kids there that are so great and are so smart but unfortunately the odds are stacked against them. I came from a private catholic school my whole life and I've seen kids get into different things or onto different teams just by who they knew or their social status. Its so aggravating to see that happening when those kids don't care to have the potential they just have the right status to excel.

MY BRO

" In the Service of What?"

The two main points in Kahne and Westheimer reguarding "in the service of What?", are service learning as CHARITY and as CHANGE. They argue that both are just as necessary and crucial in order for service learning to be an effective approach to education.

When I think if Charity I think of giving material things to better a community or eductional resources. It promotes a sense of sympathy, however it also provides temporary relief.  Of course it is a good thing to do by all means but like the issue with Kozol, its alot like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Charity leads to the thought of giving and donations. Even though it doesnt have to be material items, charity often in related to that more than a person giving themselves to improve a cause. Charity seems to be done because there is a slight idea that it is good and one "should"

Change has a slighty different connotation to it. It is more long term and there is a connection to deep community building. There is a more frequent presence when change is concerned because there  is a "want" rather than a should. Change also ties in with more of a educational and informative standpoint. 

"You can give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."....Charity vs. Change

"Service learning makes student active participants in service projects that aim to respond to the needs of the community while furthering the academic goals of students."

This quote puts the argument in the simpliest of terms that service learning provides anyone with skills and adaptations that will last for life. It improve and boots their ethics on how people should be aided especially in the education of children.

"The approach to service learning is taken by Mr. Johnson stresses charity in ways in which participating in service learning and reflection can develop students sense of altruism."

Service learning is an excellent and effective tool to educate those about the effectiveness of service learning and the well-being/ education of others. I like this quote because it proves that this is a cause for only good. What bad can come out of this? The children are learning and also being taught compassion.

Overall I feel as though service should start with children at a young age. There is no better feeling than the feeling that you have changed someones outlook or impressions of life and learning, service learning provides that...

this what i do in my spare time....and the puppy!

Unlearning the myths that blind us

The issue being argues here is that much of what we have been taught on how to see ourselves and others is hidden in messages of the media and cartoons. I remember watching cartoons as a kid, not thinking anything of what I saw other than bright colors and animals that made my saturdays more enjoyable.  It wasnt until  I got older that I began to realize some of the differentiations in the characters. All of the Disney Princesses are skinny and beautiful with bright eyes, slim waste and curves. the princes are always tall, well mannered, well dressed and handsome. There is much controversy on whether it has an effect on young children who are watching, my opinion...No. I truly believe that it is not the cartoons themselves that sway a childs opinion on what is "ideal" but i do however feel that it is the constant media outreach to children with make up kits for girls and dolls such as the BRATZ dolls. Seriously I would never allow my daughter to go out and wear clothing like that. Thats not how kids dress, thats not even how teens dress. Its how strippers and hookers dress. As far as the women characters always having feminine flare and girly interested being contradicting, I dont feel it is...Okay so they say well my daughter is a Lesbian and I feel that it was hard for her childhood seeing that all the cartoon women were feminine. I understand the point but in all honesty, if cartoons started making more choppy style women there would be even more question and controversy. The thing is cognitive development is essential at the childhood age and if the media began promoting more flamboyant male characters and less girly female characters children would question why they like toy cars or why girls like fluffy pink stuffed animals. Now when I say this next thing I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression...I feel as though being gay is not a normal phenomenon, when I say this I mean that it doesnt occur on a regular basis, sure there are many people who are gay and bisexual, but the majority are straight. Don't get me wrong those who are gay or bisexual are NORMAL and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. IT should be accepted however I feel that it is important to acknowledge the differences between male and female especially with toys and cartoons. Pink for girls Blue for boys, but in any case if your son picks out a pick thermos or your daughter picks out blue rain boots, there is absolutely nothing wrong with those choices. As important as it is to keep these differences, it is just as important to accept and encourage that behavior to show that their choices are not wrong. 

"If the race of the character is the only thing changing, the injustices will still remain." No matter what color you change the character the same issues will still arise, they will still be in distress, pretty and in search for true love. When Walt Disney created his characters he wasn't concerned with the race controversy, because back then it was considered "ideal" and "normal". Yes, times have changed but there is no reason why these cartoons should be getting all the back lash. I love Disney and I have nothing against anything tat he has created. In fact if his movies seemed racist its only because we see things differently now in today's standards but back then that was normal and not considered what we see now...sorry guys that's how I feel.

Gayness, Multicultural Education and Community

This article by Dennis Carlson argues that there shouldn't be a divide in speaking about gayness freely. He says that it is not talked about in schools and that it should be acceptable to talk about gayness considering that we are living in a new time and new times call for new and free expressions.

" GLBTQQI kids in support groups report they are afraid they are out of their minds, full of sin/sickness, doomed to dress as transvestites, molest children, hate the opposite sex, or contract AIDS." When I read this I felt so bad for these kids. Its sad to think that this is how these kids are forced to feel about themselves. Individuality is a beautiful thing and for that to be compromised because its a "tip-toe" subject gets me angry. I have 2 cousins and 2 uncles on my dads side who are gay and they are some of the funniest people I know. Growing up, I know for my cousins, was extremely hard. I remember them crying at my aunts house because they would get called a faggot or a fairy. I look at them now and they both work for Disney, one on ice and one as a dancer. The tables have turned now because the kids who used to make fun of them claim that they are friends because they know that my cousins actually made it somewhere and held onto their beliefs and sexuality.

 "(black, working class,female, homosexual, etc.) are dis empowered and represented as deviant, sick neurotic, criminal, lazy, lacking in intelligence, and other ways abnormal." This is the type of "coward shit" people say because they are ignorant and cannot accept that people can be different and be successful. I can't even begin to describe  how aggravating this quote is to me. I truly don't understand people who speak like this. Its words like these that make our country weaker, is it really that hard to be accepting? I haven't experienced this type of segregation personally, but it still bothers me. I know many blacks and homosexuals and I think of them and their struggles when I read things like this. Its upsetting and pointless, things need to change, if "America" is such a "melting pot" then why is there still so much bullshit?!

"English Literature anthologies still go out of their way to avoid acknowledging that certain famous writers were gay like Walt Whitman, Gertrude Stein, James Baldwin and Shakespeare." I thought about this quote for a little while because I remember reading Shakespeare in High School and we talked about his biography and the idea of him being gay was never spoken about. I feel like if we called it like it was from the start it would be more widely accepted and those who are gay would have role models to look up to. In a perfect world that would be a win win situation, however this is the world we live in today. 

More and more gayness is becoming more accepted in our society today, but in reality it shouldn't take this long. Honestly who cares, Whether your gay or straight your still a person with thoughts, feelings and beliefs. How is that any danger or threat to someone? Those who feel uncomfortable around it or talking about it, well advice for you, GET OVER IT! I'm sorry if I am ranting but I just get so aggravated because I look at my friends who are gay and I love them for they are as a person and what they contribute as my friends, not because they are gay. Also as far as gay marriage goes, let them get married for god sakes if they want to. Its their personal happiness not yours and as far as raising a family, I know some gay adults who would make better parents then a straight married couple. UHHH can't we all just get along, really its not that hard!

Talking Points* Multilingual Issues

Well Well, where do I begin? To start off I envy those who are multilingual. That truly is a gift. I find it funny how some people perceive those who speak more than one language, or better yet English is not a predominant language, to be slow learners. When we look at Rodriguez's article. I know personally I felt for him throughout the reading. He was not crying out for attention, however he was saying " listen, this is how it is, this is what I went through and after all that I realized that I gave up alot to be considered within the parameters of "social o.k.". Heres the thing, that is NOT okay. No one should have to give up what they believe, their customs, their identity for anything. Yes, I feel that a public and private life can be separate but not by force. Rodriguez had to give up his cultural customs and beliefs just to be accepted in society and more comfortable in school. He knew it wasn't going to be easy in the least bit, but he had an understanding that if he wanted to make it anywhere, unfortunately he would have to give up his private cultural individuality. He needed to remember that no matter how much he gave up his family would always be there and he would always have his culture in his heart. Being a white female from a middle class I really have no idea what it is like to conform in such a way where my cultural background and beliefs will be pushed aside. I was raised Catholic, my whole family, aunts and uncles, claim to be devout Catholics so when I decided to be more in tune with the practices of Hinduism I felt sort of out casted from my family because they found it appauling that I don't believe in God. First of all they didn't do any research and automatically assumed. As part of my religion I am encouraged to embrace other religious beliefs, so I learned to adapt. I didn't conform to the ideas of my family or the Catholic Church, but I did respect their values and embraced their beliefs and teachings. Today my mom is a little more understanding of my choice, but still pushes me to be Catholic because that's the "path" she supposes I am to walk down. In actuality I feel that there is no path and that the only path we have is the one behind us that we have made, we create our own paths as we learn and grow and if everyone was to conform to what is considered "ideal" we would all be on straight aways!

Talking Points

I read " Data show racial bias persists in America" by Salim Muwakkil. It is said that there is a racial bias still existing in our world today. It is something that will never completely diminish. One of the biggest issues is the notion that the white race sees this going on but does nothing about it. The answer that they don't care is not completely accurate, they are more negligent to what is going on. The whites are in power and have been for a while therefore generation after generation it has become more of a routine thing than anything else. It in no way makes it right, but it does make it reality. 

Jobs have become a major factor when dealing with race. According to the article, when asked if it was felt that racial minorites in this country have equal job oppertunities as whites, 55% of whites polled yes. " The study found that white and black job seekers  had the appropriate qualifications and experience for the position, whites were far more likely to be called back than blacks." Once again this is not something done on purpose, rather an issue that has just been swept under the rug and become routine.  

The next reading was "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy McIntosh.  She feels that our whole lives we, as whites, have been taught the privileges of being white subconsciously. The only way to play on the same level is to recognize what has happened over the year and make a change that will last. Privlige is a system that should be equally balanced out. It should be used as a scale, a means for a level playing ground. When that "knapsack" is unpacked then everything is laid out on the table. ITs almost like animal instinct, this racial issue we keep dealing with, yes truthfully so it wont end over night. Thats our biggest problem though, we want change immediately and if we dont get that change, we don't bother. Things in life take time and issues built up over centuries take longer so why not pick away at it today!?

Uhhh...

Uhhh....I am so ready to pull my hair out already!....I am not too good with all this electronic software stuff, It literally took me 25 minutes to figure out how to change my blogger account into a google account. I would like to say that I can talk about the Johnson piece but I couldn't get into the account again. From speaking in class and hearing the other student's input. I feel that it was a piece that came from the heart. Johnson spoke his mind and didn't sugar coat things. He was like: "Look we have a problem and we need to set aside differences and change that problem." His main arguments was to change our actions and thoughts, eliminate discrimination and he felt that the people had the power to change but many neglected to change. He is not the only one who sees things this was, because this is still happening today to a certain extent.

About...Rae Louise

My name is Raschel Louise Aubin. I am 19, will be turning 20 in August. I've been a waitress since I was 15. I love to draw, I took lessons at RISDY for a while. I went to La Salle academy for high school. In high school I was on the varsity softball and track team. I also did dance, theatre and fashion shows. My favorite color is yellow, junk food is ice cream, season is spring. I absolutely love to cook. In high school i was called Raschel Ray because three times a week I would choose a random lunch table and ask them what they wanted me to bake for them. I made everything from cookies, to carrot cake to giant sheets of corn bread to spaghetti suppers. I even began to make things for the faculty. I am a very spontaneous person and I never take anything for granted. I am the type of person to get in the car for a road trip just because it was a nice day and it, at the time seemed like a good idea. I love kids, I love their sense of life. The nature of their naivete is heart warming and intriguing. They create a special life in their minds, us as adults, seemed to have forgotten that life is as specially unique as we make it...My take on things, its okay to be a kid sometimes, let your hair down and have fun! You only get one chance to live but you have many chances to love the life you live. Why not? In life everything happens for a reason and everything works itself out in the end! So thats me...in a nut shell