“Speaking Up” and “Speaking Out” is hard to critique. In fact, I was not sure what to discuss about the research. Should I comment upon the research topic, methods, or about the girls and their “voice”? While I cannot possibly understand what an immigrant from a black culture in the Caribbean experiences, I do understand their need for voice as a woman. On page 236 of the article the definition of voice was given in an extensive paragraph, which in turn prompted a question within me: “Where was my voice when I was in school?” It seems that education has lacked in this area for all students. Those in power of every society, namely, men, mandate curriculum! I can only try to empathize with minorities in society for I will never grasp the entirety of their dilemma.
The research of Elizabeth Noll was most interesting. The role of literacy including but not limited to reading, writing, music, dance, art, and storytelling opened my eyes. It caused questions to arise about my own definitions of literacy and then to change them. Making meaning is what it is all about and I believe this researcher did an excellent job. What I came to realize about the Native American youths is that they above all of us have the best understanding of their identity! What other culture has such a rich heritage still right in front of their eyes? What other group of people are still passing along their traditions so clearly in the United States? I do not know the answer to those questions but the author of this report made me aware of the importance for the participants of the research. I hope they grew to appreciate it as well. Racism is not a situation to take lightly. Hatred damages parts of ones well-being that may not heal. We all have experienced it in some form or another because children (as well as adults) can be very cruel. However, Daniel and Zonnie have goals and values that are enviable for most people. Not only have they learned to read and write in the traditional sense but also in the Native American ways, supported by their families. This is what I see lacking in many of our cultures today.
Janet Gross
Comments (7)
Well, what a funny title considering I didn't sign my name!
Janet Gross
Posted by Janet Gross | June 16, 2009 6:57 AM
Posted on June 16, 2009 06:57
I agree with you that I had never thought of literacy with dance art and music as a part of it. I do think however that like you I need to expand my definition. I think that by using these items in a classroom students with different cultures might become more interested in learning literacy and feel that they have more to offer. Their voice might come out more. I also agree that these American Indian children have so much to offer. They are so culturally diverse. They are so ingulfed in their heritage. I think that they could teach us a lot about their culture and open our eyes to new and exciting ways to teach.
Posted by Megan Machuga | June 16, 2009 3:42 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 15:42
I loved how the Noll article pointed out that being literate can be in areas other than the standard. This is something that growing up, I myself, always felt pride about. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take part in music and dance, and I feel that this in turn helped me be a well rounded student. If I could keep this in mind in my own classroom, I think it would be a very helpful outlet for students such as Daniel and Zonnie. If you were to incorporate these practices into your classroom, where would you begin doing so?
Posted by Erica Spicer | June 16, 2009 4:20 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 16:20
Janet:
You’re right, “education has lacked in the area of all students finding their voice”. If you think your voice wasn’t heard, try to imagine how horrific it still is for some minorities! I agree that Noll did an excellent job in showcasing us the lives of the two Native Americans students. I also gained a greater respect of the use of music, dance, storytelling and art in literacy especially when it comes to disadvantaged minorities. I respect your thoughts about the American Indians and the children learning and knowing their culture. But what come to my mind is the extreme hardship, difficulty, and ridicule these children go through at times when and if they try to express who they are with the rest of us. Unfortunately all educators (Noll even mentioned some in her article) aren’t as open minded as you are. Keep that positive mentality going and you and your students will go far.
Posted by Toni Wheeler | June 16, 2009 5:48 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 17:48
Your comments bring out an important and poignant point. We all come from somewhere. There is no "pure American". So we all have a heritage, a culture, and baggage. It seemed especially urgent for Daniel's family to teach "the old ways", because their ways are slowly dying out. But it is the same for all of us. We are all being squeezed just a little, to become more homogenous, to assimilate more fully, and to identify and relate to...What? What then do we call our own? It must fall to the family, the nucleus of a child's life to construct a lifeline, a web of memories, customs, priorities and mores that mean something, that identify who we are, and what we are made of. If you really think about it, each of us could claim a life line to someplace in Europe, England, Asia, Africa, or SOMEWHERE ELSE. So then, the job for teachers is to address all these needs, all these cultures, and serve these needs as fully as possible. Somewhere along the way we have to claim a middle ground, because serving diversity fully in every aspect is an impossible task.
Posted by Annie Croon | June 16, 2009 7:05 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 19:05
Lovely, Janet. Your post is authentic, honest, and compassionate!
Posted by Alecia Jackson | June 16, 2009 8:29 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 20:29
Janet—
I sometimes wonder if in the name of diversity & cultural awareness, we end of erasing all of that which makes us unique. I realize all of our readings thus far have been about ways to celebrate individuals while helping them get ready for what they will face as adults. However, how many of us know the culture and craft of our grandparents or great-grandparents? I admit I’m having a sentimental moment because my Grandma just passed away, but there are so many things I wish I had asked about, videotaped, and written down so I would have record of them.
I find the American Indian view of family and heritage to be refreshing and genuine. Daniel’s Dad loved his son enough to take the time to train him in dance, drumming, etc. Even Zonnie’s father wanted her to participate in tribal events while he was in prison. I suppose it might be a bit tangential, but I wonder how our culture would change if we took a moment to slow down, turn off the tv/computer and just look back and learn of those from which we’ve come. I’m only 26, so don’t think I’m anti-technology. I’m addicted to text messaging, indoor plumbing, and central air conditioning. I just wish I knew how to make a pound cake or sew a dress.
Ruth
Posted by Ruth Johnson | June 16, 2009 8:54 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 20:54