This chapter was a good read but was another example of how Nakkula puts things into single categories without really integrating other factors into the mix. The topic at hand for this week was racial identity. I was engaged from the first line which states, "despite our best efforts to the contrary, the ways in which others see us profoundly influence how we see ourselves"(pg. 119) I know from a personal perspective this is true and not just based on physical characteristics but also gender, the way people dress, and perhaps the overall behaviors in social situations. I do not believe this is the fault of any individual. It is something that has been adopted through society through the means of stereotypes. I do believe that some people may not be as affected by others' opinions but many do especially adolescents that are forming their own ideas and perspectives of who they are. Every student has a story and a background so how can we as teachers take this student for who they are and make the lessons relevant and meaningful for each one. I like how Nakkula asks us as teachers to take our identities into account and not just the students. Our own identities are going to be a factor in our classrooms and we must give thought to how and why. Every situation in school warrants a certain kind of behavior. With that being said, are we as teachers being genuine with our students?
As I read this chapter I wondered how I would open the dialogue with students about racial identity. It was established that race does not truly exist in nature but is everywhere in our social realm. It is clearly something, in my opinion, that should be addressed in schools which for some kids is the only social situation they are in on a day to day basis. These students understanding of their own identities and how they see others would be formed solely in schools. I believe that naming it and talking about it is important but how? I would want my students to "keep it real" but how can we open the dialogue in a way students will respond to. I feel like once again I have more questions than answers.
I was in disbelief as I watched this video. What are your thoughts?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIM7VSf5rgk
Rachel - I agree that schools are important places for these conversations to occur - it took me right back to the concept of coauthoring. What I realized after reading this chapter is that I think that my students are the ones who are opening the dialogue and (up until this point) I have steered away from having difficult conversations. Perhaps we don't have to start the conversations, but instead listen to what our students are sharing with us and go from there?!?!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Christina...it's not necessarily about starting the conversation, but being prepared to respond to an issue surrounding race. or gender. or whatever. If students are preoccupied with anything that prevents them from focusing in the classroom, resolution of the preoccupation needs to happen eventually for successful student learning to occur.
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