I think what Rodriguez is trying to argue throughout Aria, that language defines a person; and once you change a person's dominant language, you change them as a person. He talks about being a young child, and never ever wanting to speak up in class due to his lack of english, and never knowing what his teachers and classmates were saying. When he did speak, he mumbled and didn't know what words or tone of voice to use to get his point across. But while at home, he was comfortable and able to speak what was on his mind with no troubles at all. He was speaking the language that he knew, to people that knew exactly what he was saying.
When Rodriguez began to learn and speak English regularly, he felt more and more connected to the world. He was able to confidently answer question in the classroom and strike a conversation with a stranger on the street. Although, once Spanish began to fade of his life, it seemed like his family, more importantly his parents, were fading out too. They hardly ever had conversation like they used to, because his parents, rather his father, could not understand what he was saying most of the time. He no longer had that connection between his parents that comforted him as a child.
I found this article about how many school aren't teaching a second language during the school day anymore Foreign Language Fades in Class . I think it's really important to try to be bilingual in our society today; especially with our class, all with the hopes of one day becoming school teachers. More than likely, we're going to face a child that does not know much English, and cannot connect with his teachers or classmates. Even if we just knew a couple phrases or sentences of that language, it would put that child at ease, and make them more comfortable with their surroundings.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
QUOTES: McIntosh, "White Priveledge"
1. "As a white person, I realized I had been taught about racism as something that puts others at a disadvantage, but had been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege, which puts me at an advantage."
Almost any racism or diversity class or discussion from grade school to grad school will focus on the minority having a disadvantage in life. Of course this is 100% true, but they never seem to touch on how the majority, the white middle class male, has the complete opposite, an advantage, throughout his entire life. I feel as though it's an extremely awkward subject to touch, to say that someone has it easier in the world than someone else. Especially when schooling, and jobs are being played as well. The only way, as McIntosh goes on to say, to get rid of the disadvantage, is to get of the advantage. And in reality, that's never going to happen.
2. "As far as I can tell, my African American coworkers, friends, and acquaintances with whom I come into daily or frequent contact in this particular time, place and line of work cannot count on most of these conditions."
McIntosh's 'privileged conditions' are all examples of simple day to day tasks that make life easier for the privileged, or simply, white folk. She mentions things as little as purchasing bandages, and how you will mainly find them labeled as "flesh", which is more or less white skinned. As a white, middle class civilian, it's absolutely true; I never seemed to realized how almost everything in our country is made to fit my needs, and people like me.
3. "If these things are true, this is not such a free country; ones' life is not what one makes it; many doors open for certain people through no virtues of their own."
Almost any racism or diversity class or discussion from grade school to grad school will focus on the minority having a disadvantage in life. Of course this is 100% true, but they never seem to touch on how the majority, the white middle class male, has the complete opposite, an advantage, throughout his entire life. I feel as though it's an extremely awkward subject to touch, to say that someone has it easier in the world than someone else. Especially when schooling, and jobs are being played as well. The only way, as McIntosh goes on to say, to get rid of the disadvantage, is to get of the advantage. And in reality, that's never going to happen.
2. "As far as I can tell, my African American coworkers, friends, and acquaintances with whom I come into daily or frequent contact in this particular time, place and line of work cannot count on most of these conditions."
McIntosh's 'privileged conditions' are all examples of simple day to day tasks that make life easier for the privileged, or simply, white folk. She mentions things as little as purchasing bandages, and how you will mainly find them labeled as "flesh", which is more or less white skinned. As a white, middle class civilian, it's absolutely true; I never seemed to realized how almost everything in our country is made to fit my needs, and people like me.
3. "If these things are true, this is not such a free country; ones' life is not what one makes it; many doors open for certain people through no virtues of their own."
Again, McIntosh argues that some people just simply have it easier. One person could fight for a high education to get an amazing job, while another could simply float on through, barely lifting a finger and get just as good of, or an even better job due to their skin color, wealth, or relatives. Frankly, life just isn't fair.
The point i would most likely discuss in class is McIntosh's main argument, the focus in racism and diversity is on the underprivileged minority being the biggest problem. When the privileged ones and the world being suited to fit their lives seems to be the bigger problem when all aspects of life are put into consideration.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Hello!
Hi everyone! My name's Sasha-Lee, but I mostly go by Sasha, so call me that please! I'm an elementary education major, hoping to minor in mathematics. I grew up and still live in Pawtucket, RI with both of my parents and my two brothers. I waitressed about 40 hours a week in the summer, but I've cut down to 20 now that I've got classes during the week. I'm obsessed with making friendship bracelets, you'll probably find me with half finished ones in class a lot! I also love taking pictures, even though I'm not very good at it haha, I'll torture you guys by posting a bunch on here ;) I would love to meet and talk to everyone in the class, so strike up a conversation sometime :) See you all tomorrow!!
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