Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me

Earlier today I over heard my daughter playing with a group of her kindergarten friends on the playground. One little girl called another a "big meanie" to which the second replied "sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me." At first I had a slight chuckle to myself remembering all the times as a child something similar was said. Then I realized that in all seriousness words can be quite hurtful because of the meaning given to them.

For years once hated words have been replaced and reclaimed as highlighted in the Hilliard's reading. Unfortunately the removal or definition altering done to these words has not eliminated the innate racism or hatred that accompanies the thoughts and actions of the ignorant masses. For every reclaimed word there is always a new term flavor of the month word that will be perverted into the next best racist term. Until we as a society can end racism or any "ism" there will always be hateful terms and the attempt to reclaim them.

I think though the question of who should be included in the Black Liberation Movement that was posed by the discussion leader was of more interest. There are as many similarities as there are differences in any racial or ethnic group. Unfortunately there is no one answer to this question. I feel that in order to get proper representation and respect towards each individual set of issues and circumstances that face any minority group there has to be separate but interconnected movements. There can be the general banner of Black Liberation Movement but then sub section movements in relation to sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. My fear is that if each subsection is not properly represented then their issues as a group will not be addressed.

There are so many words in the english language why use this one

My first question with the topic of the N word is does it make a difference if it ends in an "a" or "er". My best friend, former college roomate, who happens to be Black refers to the word with an "ie". But she doesn't doesn't relegate it's use to just one race everyone reguardless of color a person can have "tendencies." I am not comfortable with the use of the word in any context. Coming from Puerto Rican descent, at least in part, our fight word is Spic. which doesn't have the same legacy of historical context but was used in some instances the same way. Words can be hateful and should be chosen carefully.

I have attached 3 links which discuss the use of the "n" word. The first one if from South Park in which the Father is on a game show and shouts out the term thinking it is the correct answer to the puzzle. The rest of the eposide talks about him becoming an outcast for its use. The second clip is the discussion from CNN about the South Park episode. Lastly I included the clip from the Boondocks in which Dr. King makes a speech about the state of the country and African Americans using the "n"word.

South Park Episode "people who annoy you"



CNN new reactions to N word episode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AoyYLhgKq4

Boondocks Dr King Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsvgrICrrhc

Facing Differences Try 2 :)

Mostly I think of myself as a very outspoken person. Though at times that might not come across in class. I never really considered a time in which I would not be able to participate because of lack of language knowledge as was the case with the class activity. Not even when I was in middle school learning Spanish, I am of Puerto Rican descent but I don't readily speak Spanish. Back then I felt comfortable because I was exposed to the language and understood the basic sound principles as well as some phases. I felt very uncomfortable considering attempting Patwa because I did not want to come across as ignorant or insulting. I feel that this was a great activity for everyone as an eye opener to what people do experience everyday.

In class this week we discussed Jeremiah Wright's speech in which he discusses tolerance and similarities between different races or religious groups. I loved the phasing of "different does not mean deficient." But I was confused with his notions on the brain structures and generality of learning patterns between Blacks and Whites. I am sure there is research which supports his points but as always there is bound to be conflicting research on the subject. I just think it is dangerous to make broad statements about any race even if made with the best of intentions. Students do have different learning styles which we discussed in class in reference to Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences.

I have not tried to post a link to YouTube before so I hope this works. This is a 10 min combination of scenes from the Movie Freedon Writers based on a true story, the background of what was occuring before the students were in school, and actor commentary on the students they portrayed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0PRB4YsXn4



I believe this is a good video selection because it portrays what happens in Urban settings in what would be considered a "hypersegregated" school as discussed in the Anderson reading. The students come from different racial backgrounds but all stick to their own cultures. As represented in the Au reading for this week, students come into the classroom with preconceived ideas and prejudices which affect their interpersonal interactions. The teachers both in the clip and from the readings were able to, through various activities, reach the students so that they could have a better understanding of their fellow classmates. It can be difficult for a teacher to reach their students in a meaningful manner but we all have to try so that every student can learn.

3/2 Facing Differences