Unlearning Myths That Blind Us

The Following post is a Hyperlink post on Linda Christensen's Article.  

  

Christensen claims that their is a certain "secret education" that is molding the minds of young people in today's society. The media, cartoons, are the ones that determine what role people play depending on race, gender, socioeconomic status. She used Cinderella as an example in her lesson. Some of the students picked up that the standard of beauty that is portrayed in this fairy tail isn't an inclusive one. They are angered by it. Christensen noted how the missed to point out the role of women that is portrayed in the fairy tail. This goes to show how embedded this role is. How women should be, act, and that their only chance to happiness is getting the guy. The following video shows how young women are accepting how they are portrayed in our society.  

They have accepted that girls run, throw, and fight in a particular way. One of the girl in the video as she is running like a girl mentions her hair. Just to show that this idea that physical appearance in girls is valued more than anything. its interesting to see how the younger girls run the proper way. Christensen would probably say that these young girls would eventually be influenced by the "secret education" and once they get older they will do the same thing that the young ladies did. The young ladies have read the magazines, watch those TV shows, and have the experience of playing the female role that the media is showing them. The young girls are simply being themselves still not effected by the media in this area, but that doesn't mean that they will be immune to it.  

Aria Richard Rodrigez

The following post is a reflection on Richard Rodriguez Aria  

Reading this article really made me think of my own experience growing up.  Spanish was my first language. When I started school it was really hard for me to communicate with my teachers and classmates. So I felt like an outsider. This pushed me to stay quiet and keep to myself. My parents were also spoken to about why I was so shy and timid. They initially thought it was just me being a "bad" kid but i knew it was because I thought that what I had to say wasn’t valuable because no one would understand me.  Richard also chose to stay quiet when he wasn’t able to pick up the language. 

He also talks about the conflict that arises when Spanish speaking parents aren't able to relate to their children once they become fluent in English. This is also similar to my experience. Once I was fluent in English that's all I wanted to speak. Me and my sister will have conversations on the kitchen table in English. My parents made it a rule that only Spanish could be used while they were around.  

Reading this article really showed me that I wasn't the only one who went through this. Like I was aware that their were kids going through something very similar than me but I was not aware that they were feeling the same heaviness that I felt. The heaviness of just being a kid and wanting to fit in but also embracing what makes you different. I feel that individuality should be celebrated and not oppressed by our education system. 

Jonathan Kozol

The following post will be a "Quotes" on Amazing Grace  by Jonathan Kozol. 

I ask "Does it insult you?" "It used to," she replies "The truth is you get used to the offense."  

With all that she has seen happen in her community from the incinerator, the garbage dump close by, and the multiple trucks polluting the air she has lost hope. Hope that her environment can change. Hope that she can do something about it.  The despair is felt by her and those in her community because being taken advantage of by those in power has become the norm. That is the only thing they are exposed to and the only thing their kids see. This is a very powerful line that she says because she is clearly aware of what's happening but those in power have made it nearly impossible for something to change.  

"I have yet to figure out what she has done that was irrational" 

Kozol shows that this is an institutional problem not an individual. That Mrs. Washington has worked hard and it was only until she did not have another option but depend on the City of New York. The institution is forcing those who are born in a lower class to stay there. No matter how hard they work. Kristof would also agree here. They both believe that individuals could have the hard work and determination within them but its quickly turned off because the rules are not stacked in their favor.  

"I believe that we were put here for a purpose, but these people in the streets can't see a purpose."  

All humans no matter race, gender, social class, or religion has a purpose to reach. We should all have the ability to pursue this. But in cases like Mrs. Washington and those who are being oppressed by the system are robbed of this. And its not being taken away just covered so that they can't see its possible. "The streets" is all that they know. Its all that can be true. The world beyond filled of possibilities is hidden to the point were some don't think its real. That if they have been 

born into other circumstances that they will have all the resources at their hands to reach their purpose.   

This is from my favorite book The Alchamist by Paulo Coelho. Everyone should be able to pursue their dream and not be limited 

U.S.A., Land of Limitations

In U.S.A., Land of Limitations, Nicolas Kristof argues that kids born into lower income families have a hard if not impossible road to the top.
The idea that success is reached through hard work and talents is not true to today's kids. Although their are those who are the exception, its very rare. Kristof mentions how genetics play a role in determining an offspring's height, and this is something that is has accepted. What should not be acceptable is the fact that talented and hardworking kids are prevented to reaching the top simply because of the economic class that they are born into. Kids that grow up in a higher middle class environment have more opportunities in the sense that they can afford to make mistakes. Those who aren't tend to pay higher consequences for the same mistakes the wealthier kids make. The America that we live in does not provide equal opportunities to everyone and this is something that should be changed. Because who the kids have a chance to be should not be limited because of the economic class that they are born into and have no control over.

About Me.

Hey! I'm Madelin, you can call me Maddy. I am a Secondary Education major with a concentration in Biology.  Over the summer I worked for a nonprofit organization PlayCorps. I was able to build forts, have water balloon fights, climb things, and be constantly attacked by foam noodles. Kids from all ages in urban communities in Providence were invited to play, create and eat with our team. 

let's just say this summer I was a kid again. I'm the one wearing the very cool orange hat. 

I also work at PetSmart, caring for the animals that we sell at our store. I love my cats, Garfield and Barack.

  

Although school and work are a big part of my life I like to make time for the things I enjoy. Going on hikes, kayaking and a newer hobby, paddle boarding. I try to live a balanced life where I do a bit of everything.