Precious Knowledge

While watching Precious Knowledge I found myself getting angry for the kids and teachers in this situation. To see and hear the ignorance they faced from people who wouldn’t even go into their classrooms but decided they could talk about what was happening and that they knew better. Especially as we have the facts, we know these programs help students. While watching this I think it highlights our need to stay learning even as educators. We should always look for how to improve our student's chances in the world, and how to push back against this hatred they’ll most likey face. “They never mentioned Whites (other than Southerners) as perpetrators or beneficiaries of racism and 80 percent believed that Blacks had achieved equal rights today.” Lewis (2001) found several White parents she interviewed to believe that talking about race would be divisive, even in the context of Black History Month, and to dismiss ethnic diversity with statements such as “We should all be Americans.”’ (Sleeter 4-5) I pointed out this quote because it reminded me of the senators in the documentary. To me, this doesn’t promote unity but rather conformity. When we talk about American ideals I feel like the first few words are melting pot, and diverse. However then we’re pushed into this society that’s still segregated, still values whiteness above the other races. Then when you challenge that, you teach something diverse you get met with hate and accusations that you’re against America. I think it’s our job to teach a diverse selection of history, literature, arts, etc in the hopes that this mindset can change.

Comments

  1. AlanaSeptember 29, 2024 at 5:19 PM

    Hi, I also felt angry for these students and disappointed in the people who decided so easily to get rid of the ethnic studies program without considering the benefits. Even when one was told that because he was a white male he could not understand the significance, his response was to deny the validity of the statement by saying we shouldn't see color.

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  2. Nicole NunesSeptember 29, 2024 at 6:10 PM

    Hi Raine! I really enjoyed reading your reflection. I, too, found myself really angry for the students and teachers in Tucson. The whole situation really irked me, but something that really ticked me over the edge was when anti-ethnic studies protesters were burning the flag of Mexico. Not only do I find this very rude, but I find it hypocritical. If one of the Hispanic protesters burned the American flag, all hell would have broken loose. However, burning a Mexican flag was okay? Furthermore, I was really maddened by how the people in power were saying that the ethnic studies programs were "un-American" and that they were teaching "anti-American" values. The United States is a melting pot and our country's richness comes from our diversity. How can one say they are a true American, but hate the diversity it stands for? Especially by denying your fellow American their right for freedom, their right for an education that only adds to our country's richness?

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  3. AngieOctober 2, 2024 at 7:41 AM

    I agree and think that teachers should look for ways to improve a students chances in the world. Not every student grows up the same and it can be difficult for them to go to school. Its important for teachers to connect with their students and want whats best for them because we want our future students to make a change for the better.

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  4. Dr. Joyce StevosOctober 20, 2024 at 2:51 PM

    From Jess Raine: It’s incredibly disheartening to see such ignorance and resistance to programs that are proven to help students thrive. Your point about the importance of continuous learning for educators is spot on. We should always strive to improve our teaching methods and advocate
    for our students' best interests.The quote you highlighted from Sleeter really emphasizes the
    disconnect between the ideals of unity and the reality of enforced conformity. It’s troubling how
    discussions about race and diversity are often dismissed or seen as divisive, when in reality,
    they are essential for true understanding and progress.

    ReplyDelete

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