“Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us”:Stereotyping

In "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us", Christensen writes about how our youth is constantly surrounded by stereotypes without even knowing it. These stereotypes have an impact on how they view others and the choices they make.  Children are being taught about violence, gender roles, and racism through cartoons, "advertising, on prime-time tv, on the news, in school". We have all seen it growing up where the beautiful princess is being saved by the handsome prince and they live happily ever after. Stories like this send the message to children that females have to rely on a man to save her and she has to be beautiful. Also, that men are superior to women. We also constantly have main characters that are light skinned giving children the idea that light skin is superior to dark skin. In the article "The Impact of Stereotyping on Young People" the topic of how young people see themselves is touched upon. Gary Former is quoted as saying "Consider the impression left when they see themselves portrayed this way time and time again. It's hard for them to have a positive image of themselves."Christensen also mentions barbie syndrome where girls are trying to obtain an impossible standard in beauty. Both articles focus on taking action against these harmful stereotypes. It is important that we bring awareness not only to children but also parents. In the second article, it also discusses how "new sensitivities and support for cultural diversity have brought some positive changes." Unfortunately, this only represents "a small proportion of the media that kid's consume today." Not only are these stereotypes in the U.S., but all over the world. One I have noticed is that lately in the Spanish community, there are more and more actors and actresses with light complexions and colored eyes playing the lead in shows. Personally, I would like to know any other stereotypes that other countries have.

Voices and Silences: Language is Power

   
                                   
     While reading about Rodriguez's experience, my mind kept going back to a previous article we read called "USA Land of Limitation?". Rodriguez states that "by becoming assimilated into public society, such assimilation makes possible the achievement of public individuality." He saw his language and culture as a barrier, or limitation, in being part of his society. Before, when Rodriguez and his family only spoke Spanish at home, he had a special bond with his family to the point where his brother and sister would rush home after school. Once they learned Spanish, that closeness was no longer there, but with the English language came confidence in communicating with others, and as Rodrguez described it "public individuality". They found a way to overcome that limitation, but this only serves to show that, like Kristof mentions, we are a land of limitation, and Rodriguez's story is a perfect example.
     The second article that came to mind while reading "Aria" was McIntosh's "White Privilege".  I didn't so much think about "White" privilege but the privilege, language can offer. McIntosh starts off by saying that he thiught himself as a "socially disadvantaged child" due to the fact that he knew very little English.  It took him disconnecting from his culture more specifically his language, to be able to realize the privileges he had which eventually lead to what he called his "public success" and "own public identity".

Question: I believe it is important for all students to speak a second language, so my question is should all students start learning a second language in elementary school?

Safe Spaces

                               

While reading the article Safe Spaces, it really made me think about all those people we hear about in the news who have committed suicide because they felt unaccepted. One specific memory that stood out to me at the end and that was when a friend of mine from middle school told me he was gay. At the time he was scared of coming out due to the fact that he knew he was going to be judged and treated differently. At the time, we didn't really discuss the LGBTQ community in school, and being accepting of others. He felt unsafe sharing the fact that he was gay at school. There were even moments when others would call him gay as a taunt, and I knew that it hurt him. So I completely agree with the article and believe we need to make an effort in "Making schools and communities welcoming to the LGBT youth". The best thing we can do is start early. I'm also curious to know of any examples anyone has seen of ways the community has tried to teach children about the LGBT community.