preschoolers at lunch

i cannot figure out how to put up a youtube video....but here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6nOylHnvYQ

Talking points 10

"What Can We Do?" by Johnson

Argument:
Johnson argues that in order create equality and fairness, we have to ask why. We must recognize the path of least resistance and try our hardest to deviate away from it, into a path that is not typically taken. In order to take another route, we have to stand up for what is not right, not participate in mean jokes about race, sexuality, etc. We must raise our voices, stand up, and plead for a change.

Quotes:

• "Or look at the names and mascots used by local sports teams and see if they exploit the heritage and identity of Native Americans."

In Johnson's first article, he says to take the risk. If we see injustice take place we should take it upon ourselves and ask the question why. Why are teams being named after Native American tribes? We should also make people feel uncomfortable by standing up and taking a risk.

• "In the end, taking responsibility doesn't have to involve guilt and blame, letting someone off the hook, or being on the hook yourself."

This quote means being proactive. You don't have to do anything earth shattering, but you can do little things to make a difference. By not participating in oppressive behavior, such as name calling, laughing at racist/sexist jokes, and finding little ways to withdraw, can make a big difference in the long run. Like Delpit says, we should not be silenced. However, we have to be aware of what silence does....NOTHING!

• "It's one thing to become aware and quite another to stay that way. The greatest challenge when we first become aware of a critical perspective on the world is simply to hang on to it."

I think this quote means to become aware of a problem, but not just hold it inside. You have to become a preacher and stand up. We have to pay attention to different forms of oppression. Once we realize this, we have to work with other people outside of our inner circle of friends/family. We cannot just stay aware of a problem, we have to do something about it.

Comments:

I thought this article was a fabulous one to end with. It tied in every author and argument throughout the semester. I thought that the jigsaw puzzle activity we did in class was a great way to understand the article. Also I got a lot of different perspectives from everyone in the class.

To sum things up in a quote from Emily, "what will you do to change the path of least resistance?" I came up with the idea to ask why. [why are you making a racist comment? What makes you say that?] My two year old nephew asks. "Auntie, why did you do/say that?" He makes me realize my actions and think of why I did that...He is only two, but he opens up my mind.