Talking Points #2: Rodriguez

“Aria” By Richard Rodriguez This article is about… Culture Citizen Language Americanization Family Voice Disadvantage Embarrassment Bilingual School English Education Prejudice Home Society Public Acceptable Individual Tone Sounds Author’s Arguments: Richard Rodriguez argues that bilingual education must be taught so that the student gains the knowledge of the dominant language of the society in order for them to succeed in that society, and also to continue to speak the language that the child already knows and is accustomed to. This not only leads to the students being comfortable in the classroom, with their peers and in public, but embraces their cultural differences as well as similarities with the dominant culture. 1. A sense of culture and your heritage enriches your mind; you shouldn’t have to throw that away in order to participate in the dominant culture. For example, the three nuns came into the house to tell the parents to encourage their children to speak English when they are at home. As much as they have to try to speak English because that is the dominant language and if they don’t it would be harder to succeed, but they shouldn’t have to loose their individual self while they are learning a new culture. pg 35 2. Americanization is the most important thing, but also is a sense of culture and a sense of self. We should embrace a new culture, just as other cultures embrace the American culture. Americanization is about differences in each other, and if we were all the same then we wouldn’t be America. pg 36 3. Family is lost because the children are learning more about the dominant culture then the parents are, and because of this their own culture has taken a backseat and has become an embarrassment, which lead to the loss and strength of their family. pg 37 When my dad was younger he was part of a large Italian family, with many aunts and uncles who came over from Italy. My dad and his cousins were all around the same age and when my grandparents heard him speaking Italian to his cousins, they would tell him to speak English. The same went for his sister and the rest of his cousins. The adults would speak Italian to each other, but English to their children. They wanted their children to succeed in this society and that started with the language. Now my dad can understand bits and pieces of what others are saying when speaking Italian, but not everything and he can no longer speak it himself. Now he wishes that he could speak the language because it is apart of his culture. A sense of culture should be brought into the classroom because it creates diversity. Without diversity we wouldn’t be able to have the meaningful experiences that make us who we are today. Just like in Aria, Richard was told to loose part of his culture, maybe the most important part, the language, and become devoted to American culture. However, being diverse and having a different heritage from others is what this country is all about. So why do we try to make everyone Americanized, when our ethnic differences make us the country we are today?

Talking Points #1: McIntosh

"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy McIntosh This article is about... privilege race racism opportunities society advantage disadvantage denial recognition dominance Author's Argument: McIntosh argues that even though equality and opportunity isn’t suppose to be just for white middle class people, but for every race. However, our society is racist on a subconscious level that we continue to allow white middle class to be the dominant power in our society. 1. In school and in society it has always been taught that racism is a horrible thing and that it puts deserving people at a disadvantage. And even though we try to fight racism and say that we as individuals are not racist, the fact remains that white people are born into a society with advantages that may or may not be deserved. (page 1 paragraph 2) 2. Whites are taught not to recognize that there is white privilege because that would lead to confrontations and then leading others to think that racism is involved. (page 1 paragraph 3) 3. We have been told that racism would end of we just changed our attitudes, but being white leads us down paths that are not necessarily paved for people of a different race, whether we approve or not. (page 6 paragraph 1)

It is hard to believe that white dominance is still happening in the twenty first century, but that is what is still occurring in our society. I want to believe that every man and woman is created equal. If this is true then why is there still the stereotype of American society being a white society? The best thing about this country is so great is that it is the land of opportunity, but if opportunity is only available, and easier to achieve for the dominant power, then this isn’t he country it says it is suppose to be.

I believe that each person should have an equal opportunity to succeed. Our society connects success to education, and that education is the most important thing, I believe that this is true considering that I am going to be a future educator, but higher learning isn’t for everyone. This country makes it impossible for anyone to be successful without a college degree. And if higher education is the only way to get ahead and for people be successful, then it should be affordable and available to anyone and everyone. Maybe this is me being naïve, and hoping for the best, but maybe there is a way that this thought could become a reality. Success, opportunity and privilege should not just be for white America, but for all of American society.

Hey Everyone

So I will start by introducing myself. I am Stephanie, and a Sophomore at RIC and am 19 years old. I live in Smithfield, Rhode Island and my major is elementary education with a concentration in special education. Since we are only a couple weeks into the semester everything is going pretty well so far. I can't complain just yet. I like all of my classes and my teachers, which makes school a little bit easier and bearable. I am a member of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field team here at RIC, were I am a thrower. When I am not at practice or meets I like to hang out with my friends, watch movies and just relax. I enjoy watching any sporting event, but my favorite teams are the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, NY Giants, Patriots and NE Revolution. I am pretty easy going. Some say that I am quiet, but I open up more once you get to know me. But I am willing to help anyone or discuss anything, all you have to do is ask. Well, I think that's it! I hope you enjoyed reading my first blog EVER!