Type
Review Article
Topic
The Silenced Dialogue
Annotator Kristin Acuff
Citation
Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People’s Children By Lisa D. Delpit
Area of Research Reviewed
The article research was based off of a lot of interviews with individuals who have
experienced racial problem firsthand. A majority of the research that the author used to
write her article entitled ‘Skills and Other Dilemmas of a Progressive Black Educator’
was also applied writing this article.
Major Conclusion
Delpit believes that the debate between using skills or using a process approach is
basically a fallacy. She believes that the real problem is that the academics who demand
that categories be divided not for the purpose of improved teaching, but for the making of
an easier analysis. The truly skilled educator will used both the ‘skills’ and ‘process’
approach which in turn guides students to establish their own independence and let their
opinions be regarded in society. Moreover, Delpit feels that the major issue is learning to
communicate across different cultures as well as recognizing that there are a lot of ‘power
issues’ in our society that leads to the dilemma as to whose voices are heard in our
society. White and Black individuals alike must start to open their minds, hearts, and
ears if we are truly going to understand the different lives that people experience based
on their race. Delpit arrives at the conclusion that nothing will be gained in the
educational system if people continue to shut out people who have different beliefs
and interpretations from their own. Furthermore, we must all understand that there is
sensibility behind why people act and hold the beliefs that they do. Delpit feels that a
sense of understanding and flexibility will benefit everyone and give a more balanced
voice to ALL members in society regardless of any racial factors.
EVALUATION AND IDEAS:
Personal Critique
The lack of voice that minorities have in this country is a huge problem. One of the main
reasons that these individuals are not heard is because many of the beliefs that they hold
to be true go against what the majority considers to be the norm. Many teachers refuse to
teach ebonics or alter their teaching style for black students because they feel that they
will not be taught how to survive in a white world. This is an example of the extreme
power that the education institution holds over society. The institution dictates what kind
of material students will learn as to what they feel is necessary to survive in the dominant
culture. However, what many individuals fail to realize is that some people do not want
to have to adhere to the mainstream, they want to learn what is important and pertains to
their culture. I can absolutely see the very examples that Delpit gives throughout the
article of people’s contrasting viewpoints constantly being ignored and disregarded.
Individuals may act like they are listening, but they are set in their ways and are not really
open to changing their thought patterns. An example of this that I see in society is when
certain organizations have ‘token’ minority members on them and they don’t listen to the
perspectives and views that they have to offer. In some cases, their views may be
somewhat different than the white people sitting on the committee and the other members
exercise their power and shut out the conflicting perspectives.
I agree with Delpit when she suggests that one must use both the process and skills style
of teaching and not focus solely on one particular method. Often Black teachers who
focus on skills are misinterpreted by their white students and vise versa. Whereas, White
teachers that are more focused on the process method are more misinterpreted by Black
students. In both situations, the teachers and students are probably trying to convey the
same information but the methods in which they go about it are differentiating. The latter
is what leads to frustration and distortions between teachers and students. Thus, both
respective groups close their realms of communications and tune out the viewpoints of
each other. People are afraid of difference in society and they often do not know how to
cope and react to it. In regards to having Black English in our society, I can agree with
some aspects of the concept. The article claims that it is possible to learn both ‘Black and
White English.’ I believe this can be extremely beneficial to EVERYONE in society if it
is approached in the right manner. First off, there needs to be a recognition that there is
not a particular ‘correct’ way to talk. The reason that ‘White English’ is more
predominant and considered to be the norm is that White people have been the majority
and deemed it to be standard. I think that we all need to recognize that there are several
variations of the correct way to talk. There are even contrasting forms in standard
English. However, those who learn and are taught in Ebonics may need to recognize the
need to learn the language that is also of the dominant culture in order to have a more
balanced chance of success in society. When it is treated in that manner, the people who
choose to celebrate Ebonics as a part of their culture will gain more power which will in
turn cultivate a louder and more pronounced voice for the ‘silent’ in this society.
RELEVANCE TO TOPIC
Delpit’s article examines many social concerns, which especially focuses on the way in
which ideas are communicated and taught in society. I tried to convey my limited
experiences with the topic at hand to those that the author has described.