Language is a Tool, Not a Race
In regards to question 2, the idea of acceptance is not the real issue that needs to be dealt with. The article’s focus is on language and preparing working class children, regardless of race, to be able to communicate in a way that is intelligent and mature. Being able to express yourself in a way that crosses over any racial barriers is a very powerful tool. By focusing primarily on acceptance, these children would be missing out on a very necessary skill that would be largely beneficial for their mature adult life. Communication is something that must be adjusted to fit the audience at hand; teaching these children the language associated with the “culture of power” is just one arrow in their quiver of communication arsenal.
posted by theoperatived @ 8:21 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
I agree, teaching acceptance is not going to help children outside the culture of power. Learning the language will be the only way to effectively communicate with the professional audience they will encounter in their adult life.
I definitely agree. While I believe in accepting one's own culture and language, I also recognize that being able to use the language associated with the "culture of power" is not only a key attribute to thrive, but it is almost necessary to reach success. I think acceptance generally comes from the home environment and other social groups, while school is to prepare students for the real world in which the "culture of power" is attainable by being sufficient in the language associated with it.
I totally, totally agree.
I really like your last comment that language must be adapted to fit the audience at hand. I'm not sure if anyone else is a fan of The Office, but the "Dwight's Speech" episode characterizes this quite nicely. Dwight makes a complete fool of himself (which is hilarious) by giving a Mussolini speech about war to an audience of salesmen. It is this type of thing that we need to be able to avoid by properly utilizing language.
I agree that learning the language of power is important to everybody for the same degree. However i think that teaching acceptance might also be a start to find a way out of the structures of power related with language. At least a bit.
I concur! There is so much to communication, that even though teaching the "culture of power" is a great way to start, it's still just one aspects of life. What about mathematics, sociology, psychology, and so on. I think these are other things everyone should be taught at least a little bit. Communication is one thing, but using it and applying it in productive ways for the benefit of yourself and society are important too.
I agree that we need to learn to adapt our language according to the audience at hand. I also think that we need to teach acceptence though. Without teaching acceptance it will become even more difficult for people to identify themselves in a "culture of power" and thus those who are in the minority will suffer from lack of equality.
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