I am so unbelievably proud of all my fellow TAs who presented at the CSA conference. You guys were so professional, entertaining, and moving. I, like many of my friends, was close to tears at some points! You guys did such a great job of communicating our philosophy, and it made me so happy and proud to be a part of this community.
I also am so proud of my class today. I just realized that they have changed over the course of the semester as far as how they communicate and discuss things in class. It hit me today that I no longer have to prompt them to think of how things relate to the bigger picture like I used to; they blew me away with their analysis of the topics we were discussing. I feel like they really understand what the sociological imagination is and they are using it without even thinking anymore!! I couldn't be happier. They all seem to really appreciate the way we run things and I can't wait to see what I get back for the open assignment I gave them today.
What an amazing experience this has been. I am so grateful that I have found what I love to do, and that I already get to experience it in such a supportive and inspiring community.
:)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Community Support
Today, me and Jess had a good talk about things. And it just reminded me of a bit of advice....That no matter what we are doing in our own work and studies, that we have something special in our little community that keeps us together. We share the desire to make a difference and we support each other through everything. It was a nice reminder for me to know that this "little, insignificant (as some might be quick to label us)" community can have such a profound affect on the things that we do and will continue to do. Thank you guys (and girls)!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Providing an anti-banking system space
In my last class I asked my students how they think the class was going and if I could get some feedback on things they wanted more or less of, if they felt prepared, etc. I got some really supportive comments that just made my week. I know that having a class that doesn't conform to the banking method of teaching is something that will benefit all involved; yet it is always nice to hear the students actually say that they get something out of it. I was worried that perhaps some students took advantage of the way the class was structured to just check out altogether because they weren't being quizzed on what we were talking about. But I felt really good hearing that the students enjoyed having discussions every class on what they were interested in and wanted to talk about. One girl told me that she enjoyed how "animated" I was (which I think might be code for insanely talkative and high on caffeine most days...). She said that she had never had a professor who seemed to be actually passionate about their subject. That was so sad to hear. I really cringe at the fact that professors are being encouraged to pretty much ignore the teaching aspect of their jobs and put publishing and research at the highest priority. I just keep thinking...whoever is reading academic journals are not going to benefit as much from their research as their students would from just a little more effort in the classroom to engage them...I feel like we've lost sight of what a university was designed for in the first place. I'm just glad to know that the other TAs and I are giving students a place to be themselves and speak freely about the things they're passionate about. They don't have to constantly try to say what we want to hear or memorize what we say in class. They can relax and focus more on thinking critically and creatively in a comfortable and open environment. I put pressure on myself to create epiphanies for my students and just blow their minds in class...but I need to remember that it is enough for now just to provide them with a class that is different, that doesn't restrict them or pressure them to conform...We are all making change by resisting the pressure to be agents of the banking system of education.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Immortal Technique
While I'm in the zone...here is one of the songs my student turned in for their homework assignment. FYI the focus of my thesis.
Immortal Technique--Caught in a Hustle
[Verse 1]
They say the odds against me, are crooked and impossible
Like I was born with a hole in my heart as an obstacle,
or left to die by the doctors, in the childrens hospital
But I never lose hope, success is psychological
The world is volatile and the street is my education
Shaping the nation, like the blueprint of a mason
While Shawshank record deals get you raped on occasion
So I'm focused on my economic situation
I'm like the little kids on T.V. that dig through the trash
I hustle regardless of the way you talk shit and laugh
A lot of niggaz drop science but they don't know the math
'cuz their mind is narrower than the righteous path
It's funny how 'on the block' niggaz will kill you for cash
But never raise their gun and cry out "Freedom at last."
The cold war is over, but the world is still gettin colder
Atlas walking through the projects with the hood on my shoulders
I would like to raise my children to grow to be soldiers
But then a general, would decide when their life would be over
So I work hard until my personality split
Like the Black Panthers, into the Bloodz and the Cripz
They said I'd never be shit, but now I sit and reminisce
Like Yeshua, Ben Yousef flippin through Genesis
Ignorance is venomous, and it murders the soul
SPREADING LIKE A VIRUS RUNNING RAMPANT, OUT OF CONTROL
[Hook]
So if I should ever fall and get caught in a hustle
Let them know that I died while I fought in a struggle
From the hoodrats to rich kids lost in a bubble
Spray paint it on the streets and in the subway tunnels
Write it down and remember, that we never gave in
The mind of a child is where the revolution begins
So if the solution has never been to look in yourself,
How is it that you expect to find it anywhere else?
[Verse 2]
Immortal Technique in the streets, back on the hustle
cause three strikes will get you life for stuffin cracks in a duffel
Upstate behind steel gates, attacked in the scuffle
Razor blades stuck on the side of pencils, hacked to your muscle
But the emptiness is what bleeds you to death when it cuts you
And its the lawyers, not the inmates scheming to fuck you
Trying to fight the system from inside, eventually corrupts you
But thats what you get when you put a corporation above you
And it's the people that love you that seem to hurt you the most
Sometimes when they die, you find yourself cursing their ghost
But you make success, nobody delivers your fate
Sometimes you give and you take
Since prehistoric vertebrates, crawled out of the lakes
And thats the truth about life
Or to do it to ghetto and your car, rims, and your ice
'cuz even though we survived through the struggle that made us
We still look at ourselves through the eyes of the people that hate us
But ima make it regardless of these trumped up charges
And semi-automatic barrages, that empty the cartridge
Post-traumatically scarred kids that try to be brave
'cus niggaz backstab each other just to try to get paid
Turn cannibal like knights during the crusades
Afraid of responsibility; Addicted to greed
Beating their girl purposefully losing a seed
As if we were bound to the destiny we used to receive
[Hook]
So if I should ever fall and get caught in a hustle
Let them know that I died while I fought in a struggle
From the hoodrats to rich kids lost in a bubble
Spray paint it on the streets and in the subway tunnels
Write it down and remember, that we never gave in
The mind of a child is where the revolution begins
So if the solution has never been to look in yourself,
How is it that you expect to find it anywhere else?
I used to wonder(I used to wonder) why people don't believe in theyselves
But then I saw the way they portrayed us to everyone else
They cursed us, to only see the worst in ourselves
blind to the fact the whole time we were hurting ourselves
I used to wonder(I used to wonder) why people don't believe in theyselves
But then I saw the way they portrayed us to everyone else
They cursed us, to only see the worst in ourselves
blind to the fact the whole time we were hurting ourselves
I used to wonder {*echo*, fade out)
Immortal Technique--Caught in a Hustle
[Verse 1]
They say the odds against me, are crooked and impossible
Like I was born with a hole in my heart as an obstacle,
or left to die by the doctors, in the childrens hospital
But I never lose hope, success is psychological
The world is volatile and the street is my education
Shaping the nation, like the blueprint of a mason
While Shawshank record deals get you raped on occasion
So I'm focused on my economic situation
I'm like the little kids on T.V. that dig through the trash
I hustle regardless of the way you talk shit and laugh
A lot of niggaz drop science but they don't know the math
'cuz their mind is narrower than the righteous path
It's funny how 'on the block' niggaz will kill you for cash
But never raise their gun and cry out "Freedom at last."
The cold war is over, but the world is still gettin colder
Atlas walking through the projects with the hood on my shoulders
I would like to raise my children to grow to be soldiers
But then a general, would decide when their life would be over
So I work hard until my personality split
Like the Black Panthers, into the Bloodz and the Cripz
They said I'd never be shit, but now I sit and reminisce
Like Yeshua, Ben Yousef flippin through Genesis
Ignorance is venomous, and it murders the soul
SPREADING LIKE A VIRUS RUNNING RAMPANT, OUT OF CONTROL
[Hook]
So if I should ever fall and get caught in a hustle
Let them know that I died while I fought in a struggle
From the hoodrats to rich kids lost in a bubble
Spray paint it on the streets and in the subway tunnels
Write it down and remember, that we never gave in
The mind of a child is where the revolution begins
So if the solution has never been to look in yourself,
How is it that you expect to find it anywhere else?
[Verse 2]
Immortal Technique in the streets, back on the hustle
cause three strikes will get you life for stuffin cracks in a duffel
Upstate behind steel gates, attacked in the scuffle
Razor blades stuck on the side of pencils, hacked to your muscle
But the emptiness is what bleeds you to death when it cuts you
And its the lawyers, not the inmates scheming to fuck you
Trying to fight the system from inside, eventually corrupts you
But thats what you get when you put a corporation above you
And it's the people that love you that seem to hurt you the most
Sometimes when they die, you find yourself cursing their ghost
But you make success, nobody delivers your fate
Sometimes you give and you take
Since prehistoric vertebrates, crawled out of the lakes
And thats the truth about life
Or to do it to ghetto and your car, rims, and your ice
'cuz even though we survived through the struggle that made us
We still look at ourselves through the eyes of the people that hate us
But ima make it regardless of these trumped up charges
And semi-automatic barrages, that empty the cartridge
Post-traumatically scarred kids that try to be brave
'cus niggaz backstab each other just to try to get paid
Turn cannibal like knights during the crusades
Afraid of responsibility; Addicted to greed
Beating their girl purposefully losing a seed
As if we were bound to the destiny we used to receive
[Hook]
So if I should ever fall and get caught in a hustle
Let them know that I died while I fought in a struggle
From the hoodrats to rich kids lost in a bubble
Spray paint it on the streets and in the subway tunnels
Write it down and remember, that we never gave in
The mind of a child is where the revolution begins
So if the solution has never been to look in yourself,
How is it that you expect to find it anywhere else?
I used to wonder(I used to wonder) why people don't believe in theyselves
But then I saw the way they portrayed us to everyone else
They cursed us, to only see the worst in ourselves
blind to the fact the whole time we were hurting ourselves
I used to wonder(I used to wonder) why people don't believe in theyselves
But then I saw the way they portrayed us to everyone else
They cursed us, to only see the worst in ourselves
blind to the fact the whole time we were hurting ourselves
I used to wonder {*echo*, fade out)
Inspiration
As Jess already mentioned, we had a student share his experience with cancer to the class. It was really fitting because it was something that reminded us about the reality of all the things we have been learning. It's not something intangible that we study, but rather something we live. It's awesome to see someone get through the adversity and be able to inspire those around him. One thing that astounded me was after he had spoke many of the students came up to him to shake his hand.
I tried to follow this up with a speech of my own during my breakout section. I really was hoping that it could hit home the story that Clay, the student, had told. I remember when I first was watching the video and heard him speak there was a rampant avalanche of ideas that popped into my head.
First, I thought to myself, "Hey, that's the problem with socio-biology!" And I told my students this in a very serious way. I told them that the implications of the way we think can affect our perceptions and actions in the world. If we did adhere to something so outrageous as socio-biology, then the logical outcome would be that someone like Clay could not determine the purpose in his life. By definition, he would be defective. But we know this is not the case because he is living + walking proof of it.
A little bit after, I wrote on Tashina's paper "agency." And what came to my mind was how I was going to tell these students about agency and the whole existentialist talk about finding meaning throughout the absurdity of life. So I told my students that beyond the class, we need to find out what is important in our lives. From the people we love to the decisions we choose to make. And I implored them to take a stand.
Finally, again I wrote on Tashina's paper "individualism." I reminded myself to think about both sides of the coin. That we must be careful not to confuse agency with individualism. The fact that Clay had the will and desire to choose not to give up is an aspiring testimony. But I thought to myself we also have to go above and beyond. We have to not only take a stand, but fight for our humanity. We have to stop the structures that oppress oneself and others. I explained this by using the analogy of a cage (not cave =P). If we somehow find a way to break free and find meaning, we must also come back and free the others who are also trapped. Then we have to destroy the cages that oppress us! Well at least that's how it made sense in my head.
To refer back to the example Choi used in class: If we are fortunate enough to have "good health care (quotes in mind)," we cannot forget that somewhere else at that exact same moment someone is also dieing because of the lack of "health care." From someone being turned down because they don't have the proper coverage to someone not having an infrastructure of "health care" at all. And that those who are not as fortunate are still someone's brother, sister, mother, father, daughter, son, friend, etc. And this is WHY I pleaded that we must fight for a world where we can be dignified human beings. As Choi says: there is no alternative!
Finally, to end my whole shpeel I told them my annoted/"slightly" altered/more optimistic take on Nietzsche's "ubermensch." I told them that it translated to the word "superman." But to be fair I used the terms "superman, superwoman, and super-human being." I told them just like Choi always tells me: that we don't need superheroes because we are the super heroes...each and every one of us has the power to find meaning and change the world. Then I looked at them and said whenever someone tells you that you can't change things...just point to yourself because YOU are the change. Then to shrug off the semi-serious + awkard stares at me I reminded them not to look at me or Choi for the answers because Choi might kick the bucket (joking of course) and that I may be a chronic alcholic (joking again of course).
So in summation, this whole shpeel was an amazing experience because it reminded why I am doing this in the first place. And it gives me a reason to wake up every morning to fight the good fight despite the odds being stacked against us.
I tried to follow this up with a speech of my own during my breakout section. I really was hoping that it could hit home the story that Clay, the student, had told. I remember when I first was watching the video and heard him speak there was a rampant avalanche of ideas that popped into my head.
First, I thought to myself, "Hey, that's the problem with socio-biology!" And I told my students this in a very serious way. I told them that the implications of the way we think can affect our perceptions and actions in the world. If we did adhere to something so outrageous as socio-biology, then the logical outcome would be that someone like Clay could not determine the purpose in his life. By definition, he would be defective. But we know this is not the case because he is living + walking proof of it.
A little bit after, I wrote on Tashina's paper "agency." And what came to my mind was how I was going to tell these students about agency and the whole existentialist talk about finding meaning throughout the absurdity of life. So I told my students that beyond the class, we need to find out what is important in our lives. From the people we love to the decisions we choose to make. And I implored them to take a stand.
Finally, again I wrote on Tashina's paper "individualism." I reminded myself to think about both sides of the coin. That we must be careful not to confuse agency with individualism. The fact that Clay had the will and desire to choose not to give up is an aspiring testimony. But I thought to myself we also have to go above and beyond. We have to not only take a stand, but fight for our humanity. We have to stop the structures that oppress oneself and others. I explained this by using the analogy of a cage (not cave =P). If we somehow find a way to break free and find meaning, we must also come back and free the others who are also trapped. Then we have to destroy the cages that oppress us! Well at least that's how it made sense in my head.
To refer back to the example Choi used in class: If we are fortunate enough to have "good health care (quotes in mind)," we cannot forget that somewhere else at that exact same moment someone is also dieing because of the lack of "health care." From someone being turned down because they don't have the proper coverage to someone not having an infrastructure of "health care" at all. And that those who are not as fortunate are still someone's brother, sister, mother, father, daughter, son, friend, etc. And this is WHY I pleaded that we must fight for a world where we can be dignified human beings. As Choi says: there is no alternative!
Finally, to end my whole shpeel I told them my annoted/"slightly" altered/more optimistic take on Nietzsche's "ubermensch." I told them that it translated to the word "superman." But to be fair I used the terms "superman, superwoman, and super-human being." I told them just like Choi always tells me: that we don't need superheroes because we are the super heroes...each and every one of us has the power to find meaning and change the world. Then I looked at them and said whenever someone tells you that you can't change things...just point to yourself because YOU are the change. Then to shrug off the semi-serious + awkard stares at me I reminded them not to look at me or Choi for the answers because Choi might kick the bucket (joking of course) and that I may be a chronic alcholic (joking again of course).
So in summation, this whole shpeel was an amazing experience because it reminded why I am doing this in the first place. And it gives me a reason to wake up every morning to fight the good fight despite the odds being stacked against us.
Creativity....not oppression
I had my usual "post-exam class" this week. To my suprise I had a student turn in their homework assignment (all be it) 2 weeks late. I thought to myself...what does that really matter if the project they had been working on meant something to them. She handed it to me like it was nothing special and walked away. She had always been a good student but, like myself, was also very very quiet.
I opened her assignment (which was in a box) to find she had created a puzzle for me to figure out. It was a huge puzzle which she obviously went above and beyond to create. When other fellow TA's and I put the puzzle together, we found a massive collage of pictures bringing together the big picture of socialization. I thought to myself, did she know she had cleverly done a metaphor for human beings to be able to put the pieces of society together to understand the big picture (of course she did). When in pieces, it it hard for us to decipher what the world around us means. But if we take the time to put things together (despite it being difficult and unclear), then we can begin to shape the world around us. Then, I remember her telling me that there was a suprise. Underneath the puzzle was a message that said "hope." That underneath all the craziness of society we can never lose hope. The project really made my day because in class I don't know how many times I've stressed the importance of praxis. And that was it, in her own way she engaged in praxis, creativity, and a sprinkle of hope.
Again, I am very fortunate to be part of this experience. I think to myself where in higher education can students actively engage in creativity. And not only in creativity, but work that is not oppressive. Oftentimes assignments given by professors engage in multiple levels of oppression, from the language that keeps students out of higher learning to busy work that means nothing to them. More often than not, these assignments are even used to recreate social hierarchy that is already in place in society. If these students did not have a good experience with statistics (as one of my students always points out), then how are they supposed to be put in a situation where they can suceed? Rather than finding work to keep them chained down, there needs to be a shift in work that enables students to be the change.
I opened her assignment (which was in a box) to find she had created a puzzle for me to figure out. It was a huge puzzle which she obviously went above and beyond to create. When other fellow TA's and I put the puzzle together, we found a massive collage of pictures bringing together the big picture of socialization. I thought to myself, did she know she had cleverly done a metaphor for human beings to be able to put the pieces of society together to understand the big picture (of course she did). When in pieces, it it hard for us to decipher what the world around us means. But if we take the time to put things together (despite it being difficult and unclear), then we can begin to shape the world around us. Then, I remember her telling me that there was a suprise. Underneath the puzzle was a message that said "hope." That underneath all the craziness of society we can never lose hope. The project really made my day because in class I don't know how many times I've stressed the importance of praxis. And that was it, in her own way she engaged in praxis, creativity, and a sprinkle of hope.
Again, I am very fortunate to be part of this experience. I think to myself where in higher education can students actively engage in creativity. And not only in creativity, but work that is not oppressive. Oftentimes assignments given by professors engage in multiple levels of oppression, from the language that keeps students out of higher learning to busy work that means nothing to them. More often than not, these assignments are even used to recreate social hierarchy that is already in place in society. If these students did not have a good experience with statistics (as one of my students always points out), then how are they supposed to be put in a situation where they can suceed? Rather than finding work to keep them chained down, there needs to be a shift in work that enables students to be the change.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pedagogy of the Insecure...
I have been excited about the idea of this blog, but haven't written yet...I guess because I was nervous. But reading the posts so far has made me want to be like my fellow TAs even more than before... I am excited to contribute and read about everyone's stories... This blog is something that I think will truly be meaningful and rewarding to anyone who comes across it.
I am definitely new at teaching, and I am constantly questioning myself about what kind of job I'm doing...I get insecure about how I run the class, if I could be doing better....I am struggling right now with confidence, like Chris mentioned. I enjoy my classes and feel good about them as they're happening, but then I leave and wish I had engaged them more, or made a better point, or was more serious...insert any insecurity here.
I hear in our TA meetings (which are my favorite things in the world...) about the other sections and all the breakthroughs they are having. I am constantly thinking, how can I inspire them, but in my own way? I want to stick with my teaching style, but I feel like I am hitting a wall...my students seem to like me, seem to like the class...but are they really getting anything meaningful out of it? Are they seeing things differently? Have I shown them anything new?
Yet no matter how insecure or frustrated I get, I am SO thankful that I am having my first teaching experiences in this loving, encouraging environment...I could not have asked for a better place to feel safe and supported, and Dr. Choi and the other TAs truly inspire me. They remind me why I am in this graduate program in the first place: to make change through teaching the sociological imagination and encouraging critical thinking in others.
I know I will feel more confident with practice, and that as long as I am being genuine and trying to teach in a democratic way, I am doing the best I can. I am just so thrilled to be surrounded by such caring, intelligent people who have the same goals as I do. :)
I am definitely new at teaching, and I am constantly questioning myself about what kind of job I'm doing...I get insecure about how I run the class, if I could be doing better....I am struggling right now with confidence, like Chris mentioned. I enjoy my classes and feel good about them as they're happening, but then I leave and wish I had engaged them more, or made a better point, or was more serious...insert any insecurity here.
I hear in our TA meetings (which are my favorite things in the world...) about the other sections and all the breakthroughs they are having. I am constantly thinking, how can I inspire them, but in my own way? I want to stick with my teaching style, but I feel like I am hitting a wall...my students seem to like me, seem to like the class...but are they really getting anything meaningful out of it? Are they seeing things differently? Have I shown them anything new?
Yet no matter how insecure or frustrated I get, I am SO thankful that I am having my first teaching experiences in this loving, encouraging environment...I could not have asked for a better place to feel safe and supported, and Dr. Choi and the other TAs truly inspire me. They remind me why I am in this graduate program in the first place: to make change through teaching the sociological imagination and encouraging critical thinking in others.
I know I will feel more confident with practice, and that as long as I am being genuine and trying to teach in a democratic way, I am doing the best I can. I am just so thrilled to be surrounded by such caring, intelligent people who have the same goals as I do. :)
Understanding The Power of Human Action
"WHAT I WANT TO DO TOMORROW IS MAKE POSSIBLE WHAT APPEARS IMPOSSIBLE TODAY"
"TOMORROW HAS BEGUN TODAY"
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Power of Human Work
Today was a unique class for all of us. We had a 30-yr old student share his story of battling stage 4 testicular cancer and choosing to continue his goal of competing in an Iron Man Triathlon. Later we discussed his story and how impactful it was... my students said... you hear stories like this but when you discover that person is sitting next to you in your class and is part of your community, it changes everything. I understand what they mean, but asked them, why do we have to KNOW the person in order for their story to mean something to us. Why is it only powerful when we have some familiarity with that individual?
I think the answer is, most of us don't have a sense of The Human Community that we are all a part of. Everyone not in our daily lives is considered a stranger with no connection or ties to us. Their suffering or joy does not reach us through empathy. We are separated, disassociated and they are other.
We need to find ways to make this not so. As educators we need to build community in our classrooms, so that our students have at least one place they can be human and have a feeling of connection, compassion and empathy. If this is the only thing we are able to teach our students, then we have done our job.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Linking biography with history...
I was doing a review in class today and I realized how we can always continuously connect things that are going on in our lives to Sociology 101. We were in class and I was thinking about the best way to distinguish between "problem-posing" and "problem-solving." I was thinking and thinking...then it came to me an example I had just experienced a couple days ago.
I was walking to my car with friends and we saw a homeless man nearby. My friend gave him 5 dollars for food the next morning. We then drove down the street and I saw another homeless man, and then down the next street and another homeless man. I thought to myself, that if I gave this one man 5 dollars, why isn't it that I dont give this next man 5 dollars, and so on. Evenmoreso, then I would have to come back the next day to give 5 dollars to them all over again because they would need money for the next meal. Then Dr. Choi talked about the idea of charity. Then it clicked...if I give this homeless person 5 dollars I would be doing something good, but I would have to take it even further or else it would merely be problem solving.
In order to participate in problem-posing, I would have to not only help them but ask why they have been made poor in the first place. Then I can begin to combat the real enemy. So I used the example of Nike donating thousands and thousands of dollars to 3rd world countries, but then we are not able to link the fact that Nike also employs slave laborers. Hmm...problem-posing indeed.
I used this example in class and alot of students said that the example of poverty clicked for them. It became something concrete and real. It became something urgent and demanding of attention. It became reality.
I was walking to my car with friends and we saw a homeless man nearby. My friend gave him 5 dollars for food the next morning. We then drove down the street and I saw another homeless man, and then down the next street and another homeless man. I thought to myself, that if I gave this one man 5 dollars, why isn't it that I dont give this next man 5 dollars, and so on. Evenmoreso, then I would have to come back the next day to give 5 dollars to them all over again because they would need money for the next meal. Then Dr. Choi talked about the idea of charity. Then it clicked...if I give this homeless person 5 dollars I would be doing something good, but I would have to take it even further or else it would merely be problem solving.
In order to participate in problem-posing, I would have to not only help them but ask why they have been made poor in the first place. Then I can begin to combat the real enemy. So I used the example of Nike donating thousands and thousands of dollars to 3rd world countries, but then we are not able to link the fact that Nike also employs slave laborers. Hmm...problem-posing indeed.
I used this example in class and alot of students said that the example of poverty clicked for them. It became something concrete and real. It became something urgent and demanding of attention. It became reality.
"The mind of the child...
is where the revolution begins." Immortal Technique
As I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to be a TA in an environment conducive to critical thought and creativity, I am constantly reminded the potential of students and human beings in general to think of amazing ideas and use their "sociological imagination."
For one assignment, a student brought in a song by Immortal Technique and talked about how his music inspires him to fight against oppression and speak his mind without fear. I then thought of this quote because if someone who is barely taking sociology 101 could begin to critically think about the complexities of the world we live in, why is it that they are not given the opportunity to hash out these ideas and develop them. In essence, why have they not been able to exert their sociological imagination?
Dr. Choi always talks about how we must be child-like in our ability to be creative and think, but not be childish. So I consistenly ask myself, how can we be "child-like," because the mind of a child is truly where the revolution begins.
As I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to be a TA in an environment conducive to critical thought and creativity, I am constantly reminded the potential of students and human beings in general to think of amazing ideas and use their "sociological imagination."
For one assignment, a student brought in a song by Immortal Technique and talked about how his music inspires him to fight against oppression and speak his mind without fear. I then thought of this quote because if someone who is barely taking sociology 101 could begin to critically think about the complexities of the world we live in, why is it that they are not given the opportunity to hash out these ideas and develop them. In essence, why have they not been able to exert their sociological imagination?
Dr. Choi always talks about how we must be child-like in our ability to be creative and think, but not be childish. So I consistenly ask myself, how can we be "child-like," because the mind of a child is truly where the revolution begins.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
My Journey
I am new to this “blog” thing. I have to admit that it is fun! I agree with what Jessica said, being able to write with “freedom”—not worried about who is judging you or what basis they are judging you on… it is empowering to see what I am capable of all on my own… how “nice and intelligent” I can sound speaking from my heart and speaking without fear…
This is a concept that I have had to overcome, slowly but surely. I am on my own journey of finding my inner intellect, confidence, what have you… all my years of education I had “educators” telling me what to say and how to say it, concluding with remarks that it was not good enough, not “smart” enough, not applicable, not important, not this, not that…. And for the first time I am finding that I AM capable, that I am intelligent…
I am not only learning this from my professors or from my friends in my department, but mostly from my students… they educate me as I educate them. They inspire me as I try and inspire them.
This is a powerful concept.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Words Put Together To Bring Together
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Tell me why the grass was greener,
Years ago, I swear, it used to grow here,
But no more here.
Tell me why on this hill,
All the birds they used to come to fly here,
Come to die here.
Tell me why I need to know,
Sometimes I wish I didn't have to know
All you've shown me.
Hey world, what you say,
Should I stick around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me, I won't give up on you.
Just believe in me like I believe in you.
Tell me why, on the corner,
All the kids that used to come to run here,
Load their guns here.
And tell me why it's okay to kill in the name of the Gods we pray,
Tell me who said it's okay to die in the name of the lies we say,
Tell me why there's child soldiers,
Tell me why they close the borders,
Tell me how to fight disease, and
Tell me now, won't you please
The only thing I want to do
Is to be in the arms of someone who
Believes in me, like I believe in you
And I say
Hey world what you say,
Should I stick for around for another day
Hey world what you say,
Should I stick for around for another day
Hey world what you say,
Should I stick for around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me, I won't give up
And I try, try, try, try,
I try, try, try, try,
On you
Don't give up on me
And I cry, cry, cry, cry,
I cry, cry, cry, cry,
You
Just believe in me like I believe
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Should I stick around for another day
Hey world, what you say
Should I stick around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me, I won't give up on you
Just believe in me like I believe in you
Don't give up on me
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say?
"Hey World (Don't Give Up Version)"
Tell me why the grass was greener,
Years ago, I swear, it used to grow here,
But no more here.
Tell me why on this hill,
All the birds they used to come to fly here,
Come to die here.
Tell me why I need to know,
Sometimes I wish I didn't have to know
All you've shown me.
Hey world, what you say,
Should I stick around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me, I won't give up on you.
Just believe in me like I believe in you.
Tell me why, on the corner,
All the kids that used to come to run here,
Load their guns here.
And tell me why it's okay to kill in the name of the Gods we pray,
Tell me who said it's okay to die in the name of the lies we say,
Tell me why there's child soldiers,
Tell me why they close the borders,
Tell me how to fight disease, and
Tell me now, won't you please
The only thing I want to do
Is to be in the arms of someone who
Believes in me, like I believe in you
And I say
Hey world what you say,
Should I stick for around for another day
Hey world what you say,
Should I stick for around for another day
Hey world what you say,
Should I stick for around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me, I won't give up
And I try, try, try, try,
I try, try, try, try,
On you
Don't give up on me
And I cry, cry, cry, cry,
I cry, cry, cry, cry,
You
Just believe in me like I believe
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Should I stick around for another day
Hey world, what you say
Should I stick around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me, I won't give up on you
Just believe in me like I believe in you
Don't give up on me
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say
Hey world, what you say?
I Witnessed a Miracle Today
One of my more vocal students today asked me for an EXTRA class. That's right, he wanted more learning, more lecture, more information. Rather than the excitement most students express when we tell them they get one class off, he was disappointed. He asked, do you think our professor will still hold class the day before Thanksgiving if I asked him to? It took me a moment to realize that he was actually serious. I replied, sure, well, you can always ask. Truthfully, I forgot about this conversation after I dismissed my discussion group.
A few hours later my professor came into my office and said, Jessica, do you know this student, as he thrusted a printed out email toward me. I slowly admitted that yes, in fact, he was one of my students. He had sent our professor an email telling him that our class was the highlight of his week. And he did not want to miss a single minute of it. Unbelievable! Our student was asking for more school!!
My professor looked at me and said, this never happens. I agreed. Then we both decided we would be there, the day before Thanksgiving, to hold our class for any student who wanted to attend.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Conor Oberst, Maybe the best social poet of the last 40 years.
"The Happiest Place On Earth"
I want to pledge allegiance
to the country where I live
I don't want to be ashamed to be American
But opportunity no, it don't exist
It's the opiate of the populace
We need some harder shit now
The truth is getting around
And each public school is a halfway house
Where the huddled masses sober up and up enough
There's not enough to fatten the cows
And feed all of us
It's just, a rationing of luck
What can't be bought gets raffled off
Oh God good God shed greed on thee
Your shining sea turned a dirty green
From the industry off the shores of New Jersey
I got a letter from the army
So I think that I'll enlist
I'm not brave or proud of nothing
I just want to kill something
Too bad that now-a-days you just point and click
Swing low satellite
Hot white chariot
In the computer's blue glare
The bombs burst in the air
There was a city once now nothing is there
Our freedom comes at their expense
It makes sense, does it?
Dollars and cents
They're stretching barbed wire across the picket fence
That is surrounding your, housing development
Just in case you lack the confidence
Oh God my God give strength to thee
These amber waves purple majesty
Are nothing but backdrops for Disney
We'll look up close
It is superimposed
on a blank blue screen
It is fantasy, fucking magical
The dreams floats, like a chemical
Through each snapped synapse our television past
That is beautiful
no more
I want to pledge allegiance
to the country where I live
I don't want to be ashamed to be American
But opportunity no, it don't exist
It's the opiate of the populace
We need some harder shit now
The truth is getting around
And each public school is a halfway house
Where the huddled masses sober up and up enough
There's not enough to fatten the cows
And feed all of us
It's just, a rationing of luck
What can't be bought gets raffled off
Oh God good God shed greed on thee
Your shining sea turned a dirty green
From the industry off the shores of New Jersey
I got a letter from the army
So I think that I'll enlist
I'm not brave or proud of nothing
I just want to kill something
Too bad that now-a-days you just point and click
Swing low satellite
Hot white chariot
In the computer's blue glare
The bombs burst in the air
There was a city once now nothing is there
Our freedom comes at their expense
It makes sense, does it?
Dollars and cents
They're stretching barbed wire across the picket fence
That is surrounding your, housing development
Just in case you lack the confidence
Oh God my God give strength to thee
These amber waves purple majesty
Are nothing but backdrops for Disney
We'll look up close
It is superimposed
on a blank blue screen
It is fantasy, fucking magical
The dreams floats, like a chemical
Through each snapped synapse our television past
That is beautiful
no more
congrats!!!
looks fantastic! i am looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say and share. This is going to be amazing...to borrow from kanye.
It Begins
I don't know why I like the idea of blogging so much... there is something 'safe' about it. I get to barf my random thoughts onto a computer screen in the secret hope that somebody, somewhere, out there will care enough to read what I have to say. In a word, I find this concept liberating.
I have decided to take it to the next level. I have had my own blog, which truthfully I rarely write on, for about two years. But the initial purpose of my blogging has been lost. I really do want to get people to think. To look at an experience of another and say wow, that makes me see the world differently.
So I interduce to you my friends and colleagues, my fellow teaching assistants of SDSU. Our private conversations about education, funding, democracy, teaching philosophy, our fears, our hopes, our dreams for ourselves and our students will now become yours to chew on.
As the true teachers of students forced into 500 seat lecture halls, we see first hand what the education system has robbed from the once playful and promising youth of our country. We learn that we have to spend most of our time "un-teaching" our students, who have become watered-down images of their true selves. So worried about what is right and not being what is wrong. Every week in our pathetic 50 minutes of time with our 30-40 students we pry ourselves through a tiny crack, an opening, into our student's minds and hearts in hopes of cultivating a creative, insightful and motivated young adult.
At times, it is frustrating. At times, it is disheartening. At times, it is exhilarating. At times, it is everything.
Come along on this journey with us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)