Delpit Reflection

    Our understanding of power and obedience starts at childhood. Schedules and routines are put into place for us, punishments given whether necessary or not. Parents/guardians and teachers at the forefront of our lives telling us what to do and when. Childhood is probably where an individual feels powerless the most. Sadly enough, for some of us, the nightmare of living under the thumb of another doesn't go away. Even in adulthood. There is always going to be an individual or groups of people who wave their power over us and how we choose to challenge that power is what I believe Delpit wants to help us understand. 

    Educators are put in a unique position to explore all backgrounds of individuals in a common space. They have the ability to gain a deeper understanding of those that are similar and those that are different. The bravery educators face in diving into backgrounds that are not their own is precisely the type of bravery that helps start the conversation of privilege. How it looks and how it can be weaponized. The classroom is a unique setting because everyone can talk about their experience and dive into the issues that one group face and identify the group that has the power to act. Privilege comes in many forms based on gender, race, class and more. Delpit displays an optimism towards power shifts within communities if those in power take the initiative to start those conversations. "But both sides do need to be able to listen, and I contend that it is those with the most power, those in the majority who must take the greater responsibility for imitating the[process]."  (Delpit, pg. 46) In summation, this quotes meaning to me highlights that both sides are valid in their experiences but those who can conclude to their privilege must act to make those societal shifts.

    One of my favorite films, Freedom Writers, showcases the idea of diversity and what happens when ignorance comes together but is then understood. Erin Gruwell was a wealthy, caucasian woman who taught at risk students at a public high school, Woodrow Wilson High School. The film documents that she first had a hard time relating to her students. Often witnessing her students fight one another due to gang activity or race disputes. It was an eye opener for Ms. Gruwell to what the students lacked at hand. Understanding. Understanding that people may be different but that does not need to make them enemies. Not only did the students lack understanding and connection with one another, they lacked it with their teacher as well. If they couldn't understand one another and their struggles were similar, how could this teacher who looks, acts and speaks differently? Her privilege often emphasized in specific moments and authority challenged when the students knew she had feared them. As the film went on, we see that Ms. Gruwell works to get to know her students. She grows their trust by welcoming their music styles, activities such as 'The Line Game,' which helped give a view of the students personal lives and struggles, and writing reflective notes in their journals which was read by Ms. Gruwell if the students chose. In the end, her classroom becomes a safe space for students who once avoided teachers, her students who had elementary school reading and writing levels were graduating with high GPA's and making college an option for themselves. This is an example of a teacher who had privilege and instead of turning a blind eye, used it for the betterment of others.

    There is not one type of perfect educator. Anyone who chooses to understand the lives of others and make a difference is one who should be valued. Educators who have the unique experience to dive into other cultures and backgrounds and understand the lives of others and utilize their privilege or power to make a difference are the ones who make a difference. Delpit states "Will black teachers and parents continue to be silenced by the very forces that claim to give voice to our children?" (Delpit, pg. 46) I think through Ms. Gruwell's methods of teachings, the answer could be "No!" However, it is up to individuals to use the same voice they speak on for their own privilege, and use it for the benefit of others.