Blog #3
/in /by Alejandro's BlogThis week’s readings were emotionally straining. As I read through them I was rattled with number of thoughts and emotions. The statistics presented in each article were not only alarming, but despairing. One of the stats that was especially startling was that black males are 50% less likely than white males to make it to 20 years of age. I knew that conditions were bad for the minority, especially for blacks, but I failed to realize that it was that bad. I was was also disturbed by how quickly I accepted what I read, because while alarming, these statistics are not very well hidden in our society. My thoughts went from, “Wow that is terrible, its that bad?” to, “well I guess that makes sense, when you think about it. Why are you shocked?” in seconds.
The article progressed from statistics to history and presented evidence of court cases and discussed slavery. I particularly enjoyed this part of the article because it provided history, which I love, gave more facts, stirred my emotions, and presented a very compelling theory. I was a deeply grieved as I was reminded about slavery, and exposed in detail to the mechanics of such an inhumane ideology. But the author, Toby Jenkins, argued that slavery is in the framework of the current cultural, educational, economical, and psychological structure that is prevalent in the black community. For example slaves were not permitted to marry, and when they had children the babies were ripped from their mother’s arms, during infancy, and given to an older slave woman to be raised. The slave owners felt that less focus on family would result in more efficiency in labor from the slave. The results were not simply more efficiency in labor, but a conditioning of morality in family structure of entire race of people in America. Strong family values for black Americans today are scarce, because of their conditioning.
Jenkins presents the idea that all the oppression that Black Americans have endured has had long term effects in their culture. He goes on to say that America is not equipped to deal with the pressing issues of Black America. Instead of helping to create change America cultivates the horrendous cycle of black oppression.
I agree with almost everything that Jenkins presents, in fact my only disagreement is in the hip hop section of his essay. I do appreciate that he touched on the subject of hip hop being a useful tool to educate black youth. I agree that it is healthy form of expression, it encourages healthy competition and demonstrates intellect. I also love the songs Jenkins chose to place in his article. Brown Skin Lady, and Mr. Nigga are prodigious songs in artistic ability, and, more importantly, in content of the American experience of a black male. What I can’t agree with, is Red Man and Method Man being in a conversion of hip hop. Jenkins’ point is valuable and astute, but Red Man and Method don’t make hip hop, they Rap.
blog #3 by Scott
/in /by ScottReflecting on last Fridays class, I enjoyed the different topics we covered and discussed. Writing down my goals and sealing them in an envelope was a first for me, I believe. I liked the idea that it made me think hard about what some of my most important goals are. I think it helped me by making me step back and re-evaluate what my goals are at this time of my life. I also liked the fact that we were able to share are personal goals with the class, as I need all the practice I can get at conveying my thoughts to a group of people, as I plan to teach math to a group of students someday. I find this class very comfortable to discuss things with and I think that this class will help me become prepared for the future situations I will encounter. I also enjoyed discussing the no child left behind program and the new program recently implemented in our public educational system, common core. I feel the standardized testing of no child left behind held schools accountable and improved education, however, if that led to schools just cramming their students with the necessary tools to master these tests, and not actually learn all of concepts of these particular subjects as well as many other subjects not being tested, then that would be good reason to abolish this program. I like some of the things I have heard about common core, such as the increase in the teaching of critical thinking in the subjects. I hope it is a great success. During the last part of class we discussed some of the greatest cases ever decided by the Supreme Court. I had heard about most of these cases for many years and I thoroughly enjoyed reading and discussing these cases.
It is hard to believe that as recently as 1962, people rioted at a university in this country because a black man enrolled. It is equally hard for me to believe that as little as 139 years ago it was illegal to teach a black person to read or write. Have we come a long way in this matter? I think so. Do we have a long way to go in becoming an assimilated and civil country? I think so, as well. By reading the perspectives of other African Americans, it has helped me to understand their struggles with getting an equal education. Even after the legal end to segregation in 1954(Brown vs. Board of Education), the process of integration was very difficult and uncomfortable, as Nathan McCall mentions in the readings. He notes that his white teachers didn’t make eye contact with him and made him feel like he was not involved. I also learned how important the factors of African Americans past treatment has helped lead to these struggles. Frederick Douglas points out that it was common practice for Mom’s and their children to be kept separated, in order for the Mom to be a better servant. Booker T. Washington makes a great point that the lack of a strong ancestral influence and knowledge holds black students back in the way that they do not have the expectations and role models that a white student most likely does. The educational experience for African Americans have come a long way and there are plenty of success stories out there, but for the main core of African Americans, we have a long way to go, I believe.
