Jack Gabrilowitz, Blog Post #6, Tatum: Defining Racism

  

   Throughout the text, Beverly Daniel Tatum discusses the importance of recognizing not only what racism is, but also how it plays a role in our everyday society. We learn from the text that for the most part people do not actively have racist attitudes towards others. However, much of what we are taught about others is distorted in some type of way. For instance, in text, Tatum describes the example of the preschoolers drawing Native Americans. The way they knew how to visualize them was with a feather head-dress with weapons such as a bow or an axe in their hand. This is not how all Native Americans appear, but the preschoolers did not know that. They did not have outwardly racist attitudes. But they had to have gathered this information from somewhere. It turned out that the source of their information came from the popular movie "Peter Pan." This is important to keep in mind because it shows how popular media can shape the way we think about others. Racism should be avoided for obvious reasons, but what some do not experience is the part of internalized oppression. Tatum tells the reader that this is when an individual in a stereotyped group internalizes the stereotypical categories about his or her group. This leads to false narratives being written about a person which only leads to more hate and ignorance. 

    Racism however, is more than just an ideology. It encompasses aspects such as power and privilege. Someone may not outwardly be racist but they may benefit from systematic advantages more than others. For instance, whites have a greater access to jobs and housing.  Advantages such as these must be recognized. Sometimes, it is not always easy to consider, but as Tatum describes, it is something that must be done in order to promote justice. One way we can go about doing this is by acknowledging its existence. This is seen as the first step. Then, Tatum tells us that we must ask ourselves questions that make us think about how to approach a situation in order to take appropriate action. 

         Finally, the video we watched as homework entitled Precious Knowledge highlighted instances of unfair treatment towards individuals living in a Hispanic community. There was one girl who described what it was like being what is called a "Chicano." She told us how others think of her. This is unfortunately not in the most positive way either. This can be linked to what my group read about Tatum. This is because the girl experienced internalized oppression. 

Here is a link to an article that talks about the systematic advantages of racism in our society. 

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/systematic-inequality/

Jack Gabrilowitz: Blog Post #5: Intersectionality

     During the video, Kimberlé Crenshaw speaks about various instances where injustice has occurred. This injustice she speaks of revolves around police brutality towards black people. It is well known that numerous instances of this have occurred. For example, the names "George Floyd", "Eric Garner", or "Tamir Rice" may ring a bell for most people. However, as Crenshaw mentions, names such as "Michelle Cusseaux", "Tanisha Anderson", or "Natasha McKenna" may not be as familiar. This is due to the fact that there is not as much media spotlight shown on these cases in comparison to others. Crenshaw attributes this to the fact that these individuals are not only people of color, but are also women. These two overlapping characteristics reflect a term that Crenshaw coins as "intersectionality". This basically means that when a person has more than one minority status attached to them, they become even more vulnerable to the injustices seen in days and years past.  

    It is a tragedy when there is loss of life. It is despicable when people such as police officers abuse their power. Hearing Crenshaw speak of those black women who lost their lives struck a nerve with me. I felt deeply saddened for them and their families. But also, I felt anger. Those women should not have died. They should still be alive and healthy today. It was the actions of the individual police officers as well as the larger institution who are at fault. This should not be tolerated. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or anything, should be able to freely live out their lives. 

Here is a link to a website that gives information about the number of African Americans that are killed by police officers. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/investigations/police-shootings-database/

Jack Gabrilowitz: Blog Post #4, Kohn and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

  

  Alfie Kohn is the author of the text What to Look for in a Classroom. This text is a chart that shows the reader exactly what the title says. For instance, in order to find what we should look for in a classroom, Kohn says that we should break it down. By categorizing things we should look for, it becomes a lot easier finding what is good or not so good in a classroom. For example, the first category Kohn discusses is all about furniture. He says a good classroom has open spaces where furniture is set up in a way that "facilitates classroom discussion." On the other hand, if desks are set up in rows or all facing one direction, this might be a "possible reason to worry." Kohn talks about what is on the walls next. For example, he mentions that it is a good sign when students have their artwork and other work on the wall. He also mentions that it is not the best sign when the only work on the walls is the ones belonging to the most talented students. The third category discussed by Kohn are the faces of the students. Quite simply, he says it a good sign when the students faces are eager and willing to learn, and not a good sign when their faces seem blank and bored. Next, Kohn talks about sounds. He mentions that in a classroom, it is always a good sign when you hear a frequent "hum of activity." On the other hand, it is not the best when the only voice heard is the teachers. The next area of discussion that Kohn begins to talk about is the location of the teacher. On one hand, he mentions that it a good sign when the teacher is working with students, and on the other hand he also says that it is not always the best sign when the teacher is front and center. After this, the next category is the teachers voice. It may seem obvious to the reader but Kohn still includes this information in his chart. He says that it a good sign when a teacher has a "respectful, genuine, or warm" tone. On the other hand, it is not a good sign for a teacher to have a "controlling or imperious" tone. Kohn's next idea in his chart describes the students reactions in response to visitors. For example, if students seem to be welcoming, this is a good response. On the other hand, if the students seem unresponsive to the visitor, this may be a bad sign in a classroom. In regards to class discussion, Kohn describes the best classrooms having discussion based not only on the teacher teaching. For instance, he describes how it is a good sign to see students being the ones to facilitate discussion. On the other hand, he states that it is not the best sign when it is apparent that the only one leading the discussion is the teacher. Kohn's next area of interest is simply known as "stuff." The author says that in regards to "stuff," it is a good sign to see "purposeful clutter." Kohn describes a bad sign to be a sense of "enforced orderliness." Kohn describes tasks next. He said, a good sign of classroom tasks involve many different activities or assignments going on all at the same time. It is not the best sign when students are working alone all on the same thing. Finally, Kohn's last area of discussion revolves around what is around the school. He says when a school has a welcoming environment and staff, it is a good sign. Kohn also mentions how that a not good sign would be if a school is felt to be stark or institutional. 

    In the video titled Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, it was apparent that the teachers classroom setup reflected values set out by Kohn. For example, the teacher in the video had pictures on the walls of her classroom. These pictures were bright, colorful, and even of herself. This helped make her classroom feel more personable. Others posters were also important. For instance, posters showcasing human rights were on display highlighting the importance of equal treatment among everyone. The classroom in the video felt welcoming and warm. A colorful board of rules and expectations decorated the wall giving students a sense of what behavior they should have in the class. In addition to this, a board was posted in the front of the room detailing the daily schedule. Having this bright poster of the schedule front and center of the room helped highlight what activities the students had for that day. Finally, everything that was previously stated helps play an important role in the classroom. That is, these things help build a community with students. This is perhaps the most important thing to think about when setting up a classroom. 

Here is a link to a website that lets you design your own classroom online, I thought this idea was pretty cool.

https://www.kaplanco.com/resources/floorplanner.asp

Jack Gabrilowitz: Blog Post #3, Amazing Grace: Kozol

    

 Jonathan Kozol is the author of Amazing Grace. In this text, he writes about people living in the South Side of the Bronx. Kozol begins by describing the area. He mentions that Mott Haven is home to some of the poorest people in New York City. Living conditions for these people are beyond poor. Families are unable to afford the basic necessities to survive. Things such as heat or air conditioning are at a premium. In addition, people are described to be living in very close proximity from one another. In these houses, Kozol tells the reader that people would have to put up with cockroaches and rats living in their house. 

    By talking and listening to members of the community, the author learns about the hardships and tragedies that affect the area. People living in this area are plagued by violence, drugs, prostitution, and disease. Many times, people who are seriously sick cannot even get the help that they need. Hospitals in this area are understaffed, full of disease and squalor, and do not even have the medical supplies needed to help save lives. Tuberculosis, AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases are all too common. Anxiety and depression take over with violence and crime filling the streets. 

    People here need saving and no one is helping them. Not the state, not the federal government, not a soul. It is truly unfortunate that those with power decide to do nothing. On a personal level, I cannot begin to understand what members of that community are going through. However, I can recognize that I have many things in my life that I am thankful for. Recognizing what I have and seeing how privilege plays a role in my daily life is crucial in beginning to fully understand the world and others around me. One day, I hope power for all people will be equal and shared. Only then will we live in a just society. 

Here is a link to a website that shows pictures and information about the history of Mott Haven. 

https://www.mcny.org/story/mott-haven-historic-district

Jack Gabrilowitz: Blog Post #2, Delpit Reading and Lake Roleplay

     

    Our class reading by Delpit was one of serious importance. It helped highlight the importance in how power plays a crucial role in the classroom. For instance, the first way in which power shapes the classroom is in regards to the issues that it creates. Power issues stem largely in part from the larger "system" otherwise known as society. For example, if a student is to get a good grade in a classroom, he or she must abide by the rules and curriculum provided by the teacher and the state. If a student has a difficult time in following these standards, then the aspect of them fully graduating becomes more and more slim. Additionally, it is of the utmost importance for the student to succeed in school, because the education system is the entire basis of what we consider important to become hirable and make an honest living with. In other words, with no schooling, it becomes almost impossible to make a comfortable living for you and your family. The next power dynamic displayed in Delpit's reading was the issue of individuals needing to follow a set of rules or codes just to participate in this aspect of power. For example, the way one presents himself/herself is a crucial point here. This can be in regards to the clothes that they wear, from the way that they talk, to the way that they interact with other people. All these play a role in being able to participate in power. The third way that power plays a role in the classroom coincides with the notion that "the rules of the culture of power are a reflection of the rules of the culture who have power." (Delpit) This quote essentially describes the power dynamic of those in power to begin with to the outside society. Basically, those who already follow in what society tells them, will fare better in the overall workings of life and what they can achieve. The next premise of power in the classroom relates to those who do not have power. These individuals may find it hard to adjust to not having power in this environment. However, when others direct them to what they should do/behave, life becomes easier to become accustomed to. The last aspect of power has perhaps the largest impact on society as a whole. That is, "those who do have power are often the least aware of its presence." (Delpit) Additionally, Delpit says that "those who do not have power are often the ones who are most aware of this dynamic." (Delpit) Therefore, it becomes necessary for those who do have power to be aware of it in order to better help who do not possess it. 

    Our class presentation detailed how the school community treated the Lake family during a PTO meeting. The five characters in this included the Father, Mother, Principle, teacher, and PTO board member. During this presentation, the Father and Mother told the members of the school board about how their son was being bullied in school. As a result, the young child was no longer interested in his family's rich culture. His classmates made him feel bad about simply being himself. Our presentation addressed these issues and eventually came to the resolution that the child should be kept in school and that the teacher should do something to prevent his classmates from bullying him. Thankfully, in our mock presentation, the bullying was dealt with. However, in the larger scope of society, it generally is not as easy to get rid of. Unfortunately, what usually happens is the more powerful groups will keep their power and it becomes more of a challenge for those in the lower power bracket to maintain a powerful voice. 

Here is a link to an article about power dynamics within the classroom. 

https://achonaonline.com/editorials/2021/04/power-dynamics-in-the-classroom-necessary-harmful-or-both-editorial/