Sunday, February 19, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Breaking the Silence
This is an awesome video to watch for some reason the talk does pull up as a youtube video, but this link will follow it. The book addressing the anxiety of talking about race. It is interesting looking at her book in contrast to Konzol's book. Watching both speak, it appears to be a world of difference. She gears her talks on conversation. I don't want to harpened to much on how much I didn't like Kozol, but his book seems to a cry for action. However, the use of divisive language (especially partisan division) in many ways seems to be a form of prejudiced itself. As an Ivy League graduate Kozol seems to have this extreme desire to distance himself from the stereotype he is criticizing. In contrast Tatum, honesty about the the questions of races allows the reader to feel comfortable and MOTIVATED to talk about race.
CSPAN book talk
The title of Tatum's book calls into question if we are able to talk about race. It is an interesting question to pose to a group of graduating college students. Forcing us to acknowledge racism and the role race plays in our daily lives. In a "diversity" friendly town like Asheville; the number of times I have heard in my 'diversity' intensive class the phase "I just don't see color." I wish I could have pulled out Tatum's book at the time. The phase always rubs me the wrong way; of course you don't see race...typically (when i have heard it )this phrase comes from a white individual. Being multi-ethnic, I am constantly being asked what I am...the majority of the times it is just curiosity or a desire to understand me. Now studying Chicana art and feminism (whew not a phrase you just through around at the bar) I am learning and beginning to understand the role race plays in my life. I guess you could say I am in the immersion stage on the cusp of internalization. Tatum's book connected very much with me, especially the section on Identity Development in Multiracial Families.
Tatum's definition of racism defines it as a system of advantage. Tatum admits defining racism as a term less connected to human emotion and more to the power and a system makes many uncomfortable. Forcing the white majority to acknowledge a place of "white privilege." With the question of why are all the black kids sitting together, Tatum forces the reader to first looking at their position and white privilege. Following her definition of racism, it would appear to me that in a limited class setting (being completely honest) talking about racism would primarily revolve around the question if this idea of "white privilege" still holds true. The majority of the class could only speak to case where racism was observed not experienced. I can see how this could be challenging to accept. Tatum's definition of racism places the conflict on white privilege as much as prejudice. In the end Tatum concludes that all the black kids are sitting together to as a stance against all thing white, however, though the comradeship is positive there are negatives to this coping strategy. (I also like what Tatum said about race as a circular experience that changes in non linear ways). Tatum feels like the best way to approach racism is to acknowledge and most importantly begin a dialogue about race.
CSPAN book talk
The title of Tatum's book calls into question if we are able to talk about race. It is an interesting question to pose to a group of graduating college students. Forcing us to acknowledge racism and the role race plays in our daily lives. In a "diversity" friendly town like Asheville; the number of times I have heard in my 'diversity' intensive class the phase "I just don't see color." I wish I could have pulled out Tatum's book at the time. The phase always rubs me the wrong way; of course you don't see race...typically (when i have heard it )this phrase comes from a white individual. Being multi-ethnic, I am constantly being asked what I am...the majority of the times it is just curiosity or a desire to understand me. Now studying Chicana art and feminism (whew not a phrase you just through around at the bar) I am learning and beginning to understand the role race plays in my life. I guess you could say I am in the immersion stage on the cusp of internalization. Tatum's book connected very much with me, especially the section on Identity Development in Multiracial Families.
Tatum's definition of racism defines it as a system of advantage. Tatum admits defining racism as a term less connected to human emotion and more to the power and a system makes many uncomfortable. Forcing the white majority to acknowledge a place of "white privilege." With the question of why are all the black kids sitting together, Tatum forces the reader to first looking at their position and white privilege. Following her definition of racism, it would appear to me that in a limited class setting (being completely honest) talking about racism would primarily revolve around the question if this idea of "white privilege" still holds true. The majority of the class could only speak to case where racism was observed not experienced. I can see how this could be challenging to accept. Tatum's definition of racism places the conflict on white privilege as much as prejudice. In the end Tatum concludes that all the black kids are sitting together to as a stance against all thing white, however, though the comradeship is positive there are negatives to this coping strategy. (I also like what Tatum said about race as a circular experience that changes in non linear ways). Tatum feels like the best way to approach racism is to acknowledge and most importantly begin a dialogue about race.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Dodgeball Terror
It has been a couple weeks now working at IHAD, and it is rewarding, exhilarating, and usually the best part of my Tuesdays. I have been going to the physical education time and besides getting pummeled in dodgeball last week have really enjoyed it. One the girls on my team, Maria, was saying how she didn't want to play, because Mr. Jazz hits to hard. I laughed it off...oh it will be fun. My god was I mistaken. Not being exposed to dodgeball to much in middle school (my school did scooter tag: a game that dangerously combined wheels, rope...and the human catapulting) I screamed like a little girl as soon as the games began at IHAD. Through my terror filled eyes I did get to see the unique and special interactions the students have with the adults. Physical education always seems to bring out the rawist forms of ourselves, if only for a split second. When competing to win a game you see how some students feel incredible comfortable in this environment. Individuals that sit silently during the introduction part, spring into action on the field or court. Having played with everyone for about 4 weeks now there are obvious roles that the students have and follow.
In my Theories and Methods class for art history we are looking at the influences of a Freudian psychoanalytical approaches when looking at artwork. Classically art is viewed as the best when it is closest the ideal Forms of Plato and thus consequently nature. With this as a back story, the childhoods of the famous artist are often viewed as significant for understanding their work. Not only are childhood experiences used to analysis the unconscious manifestations in the work, but the childhood in general viewed as this magical, purely inspire period. The importance of the childhood is a concept that is cherished in American societies (in my opinion). It seems to be particularly valued for its purity and beautiful honest. In a interview with comedian, Margaret Cho reflecting on her childhood, she believes that there is a disconnect between the innocence associated with childhood and the actuality/reality. In her opinion, the fascination with childhood comes from it closeness to nature in the animalist aspect. Children can be cruel, brutally honest, and their simplistic approach to problems is devoid of culturally learned social graces.
All of this theory and comedian's rambles channeled through my head as I went to tutoring this Tuesday. As I took a second to breathe. I back up to the baseline of the basketball court and watch bouncy balls being rocketed viciously through the air. Oh did I miss this. However, the purity and innocence of childhood where not the first thoughts that popped through my head. Realizing why working with children and young adults is terrifying at many points. The sometimes brutal honesty and conflict- resolution techniques are intimidating. Intimidating because my experience with children/young adults is that they know when you are lying or faking. Coded with a million ways to "put on a good face," and keep smiling, melts into a puddle sometimes when working with children. The exciting thing I saw the other day is that this honesty, closeness to nature ideas surrounding children is at the root hopeful. As you watch everyone pile back in the room they laugh and forgive quickly. Working with children you see "random acts" of kindness all the time. In contrast in the civilized adult world we have book, posters, and days dedicate to "randoms acts of kindness." Children may break you down and strip you bare of these comforting masks. However, after work with any child, IHAD, tutoring program I feel that I am more honest and less motivate by social gain. To conclude yes dodgeball is absolutely terrifying, but it provides a great way to stand on a completely level playing field with the students. And I will take a quick rush of adrenaline and swift hit from a rubber ball, just to feel the fleeting, honest terror.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
KINGPIN
I am currently a Big Sister(matched with my little sister for about 9 months) and this month is geared towards raising money for a great program! Below is a little information and a link to my site page for donations. The fundraiser this year is Bowling for Kids Sake; my little sister and I will bowl on Feb. 25th with ALL of the proceeds going to Big Brother Big Sister of WNC. If you feel compelled to give you can contact me directly or just go through the site page...or if you want to release your inner Kingpin feel free to join the team! If this is not a great time to give right now just after the holidays I encourage you to look into the Big Brother Big Sister program in your area for future opportunities to get involved. Thanks either way!
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/rebekahpineda/bowl-for-kids-sake?utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=share&utm_source=at-facebook&utm_content=eua#.Twxxl8LqWew.facebook
the event is probably going to a lot like this...
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