Race, Class, and Gender in Literacy Research (Summer 2011)

You make a really good point about the balance that the Lost Boys learned to maintain in order to keep their identity. They needed to learn new ways of storytelling to be effective in creating change and getting their messages across, but it was also important to preserve their loyalty to their own culture and traditions to keep them alive. As with the Delpit/Dowdy discussion, it’s all about balance and as teachers we need to be able to help our students (ALL our students) to be able to find that balance so that they are able to succeed in their lives and still stay true to who they are.

Marlee,
I also like the point you make about the three boys maintaining a balance of both old and new cultures in their lives. It is so important for children to realize the importance of their original cultures. Sometimes I feel as though students in my room are trying very hard to become "Americanized" and begin to move away from some of their cultural customs, traditions, and beliefs. It is our job, as educators, to help these students realize the value and worth of their culture and celebrate it. By showing more interest, and integrating more of these different cultures into our standard curriculum, perhaps we can help our students find and maintain this same kind of balance.

Marlee,

I agree that determination, focus and a good support system all play a part in being successful in school. Students have to have a desire to learn, even if they do not get support from home. Those that lack the desire to learn seem to be caught up in the same cycle of past generations.

Then you have someone like Dr. Ari, an ASU professor originally from Turkey, who will tell you that his mother cannot read. During his early years at home he was never read to and, as a result, was behind in school. Yet he had the determination and desire not only to read, but to gain a higher education. Now he teaches in another country, in another language and at the college level. Those of you who have had his Psychology course know he is very passionate about what he does.

Greg Mortensen, author of Three Cups of Tea, builds schools in Afganistan for children in who walk bare-footed to meet a teacher once a week. Greg observed these children doing their schoolwork in the dirt with a stick. These children want an education. Then I hear some of our students complaining about having to go to school. In these cases we need to help our students develop a passion for learning.

Marley,
I also found it interesting that “The Lost Boys” use of storytelling evolved as they began to feel a part of their new country. I think that it is natural to want to hold on to things that are familiar. Change is not always easy. “The Lost Boys” held on to storytelling because it was a large and important part of their background. Their change happened while understanding the relevance that writing had to them. I thought that it showed their intelligence and growth by wanting to share the art of storytelling with others through written form. They had learned that by writing down this knowledge about their culture, this would provide a lasting form of documentation.

Marley,
You made a point that I was trying to with Michelle Obama and her way of speaking. I don't think she cheats her culture when she speaks in Standard English although the Obama's have been taunted for doing so.
She has done what was necessary for her and her family to excel but still embraces the culture that she grew up in. The same goes for the Lost boys. I also had Dr. Ari. He is an excellent professor of Psychological Reading Research. For someone that grew up in Turkey from an illiterate family, he amazes me with his articulation and knowledge of the English Language. His mother is still in Turkey and he flies over to see her often. He shares stories of us there and stories of Turkey here. What a great way to learn.

Marley,
You made a point that I was trying to with Michelle Obama and her way of speaking. I don't think she cheats her culture when she speaks in Standard English although the Obama's have been taunted for doing so.
She has done what was necessary for her and her family to excel but still embraces the culture that she grew up in. The same goes for the Lost boys. I also had Dr. Ari. He is an excellent professor of Psychological Reading Research. For someone that grew up in Turkey from an illiterate family, he amazes me with his articulation and knowledge of the English Language. His mother is still in Turkey and he flies over to see her often. He shares stories of us there and stories of Turkey here. What a great way to learn.
Candy Kee

Marlee,
You make a great point by comparing “The Lost Boys” attitudes and Michelle Obama’s statements about the importance of being able to correctly utilize Standard English. It is seen as an avenue for power and means for being taken seriously, by insiders and outsiders alike. I think this definitely served as extra motivation for Chol, Ezra, and Francis to refine their skills and become proficient in order to share their stories and have their voices heard. Not only were they focused on mastering English but using their new skills to advocate for change and aid in the improvement of life for the Dinka people. Just imagine the potential impact on not only their academic performance but their lives in general, if we could help our students find a cause to be as passionate about as “The Lost Boys.” It is our job as teachers to educate our students, help them find their voice, and use it to create the change for good in the world.

Marlee,
You made a great point tying in the other articles about how in those articles the students were feeling defeated and had a sense of hopelessness. However, in this article it was just the opposite. The Lost Boys knew the power of literacy and knew it was their only way out. They were determined to use the English language and literacy skills they had learned to become successful and that is exactly what they did.
I too, wonder why in their situation it seemed to work, but in the all the others we have read about it seemed the system failed. Was it because they were so determined or was there a better support system in place for them??? I agree that we need to have that typed of support system for all of our students to ensure they succeed also. I know this can be argued either way in that those students didn't have the desire as the Lost Boys had, but from what I can tell they didn't have the support and encouragement. And that alone is enough to make you feel defeated before you even get started. So we,(educators) need to be sensitive to the fact that all students deserve the same opportunities and encouragement along the way, regardless of where they come from.

Marlee,
I also was glad that the Lost Boys were able to use their education and passion to educate the world. I wonder about some of the other refugees and feel compassion for them as I can't imagine the sorrow it would bring up to some of the boys and girls if they told their stories. I hope that they are able to sort through all the emotions they have through some type of outlet if it's written or oral.

Marlee,
Great questions at the end. I wish I knew the answer, but I think it is probably the synergy between all of it! And your integration of all the texts/issues thus far is very smart!! Great work!