The Silenced Dialogue: Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People’s Children - Lisa Delpit

Argument Statement:

Lisa Delpit argues that in order to challenge the status quo, particularly in education, one must challenge world views and keep the perspectives/interpretations of others in mind.

Talking Points:

1. Much of Delpit's writing focuses a great deal on perspective, specifically that between white people vs people of color.  She chronicles these statements in "Skills and Other Dilemmas of a Progressive Black Educator." I think it was a really strong support to show excerpts from everyday people that had experiences worth telling. In her article, Delpit explained that progressives must enter into a dialogue with teachers of color. I believe this notion is heavily carried over into this writing as well.

Skills And Other Dilemmas Of A Progressive Black Educator

Delpit also explained that many white teachers wished to support or refute her claims in regards to skill and process in the classroom. In contrast, teachers of color focused on being left out of dialogue when it comes to educating students, specifically children of color. Again, having quotes from individuals really bolstered her point in my opinion.

2. As a first year teacher, Delpits focus on the classroom really resonated with me. Delpit consistently relates teacher resistance/change with the dynamic of power in the classroom. Again, this ties into Delpit's argument that new perspectives can alter education for the better. Personal power takes the power away from the students.

Delpit explains that educators can't simply implement the same curriculum and styles of instruction year in and year out. Students themselves must have an opinion on the methods used in the classroom.

At the beginning of my first year, this would seem like a daunting task. I don't think I can just immediately integrate something so lofty seamlessly into my curriculum, but it's something I hope to work toward each year.

3. Something that really resonated with me was how Delpit seeks to challenge the status quo by embracing the world view and experiences of others. We may not always understand the perspectives of others, but that does not make them any less valid.

"We must not be too quick to deny their interpretations, or accuse them of "false consciousness.""