about oppression and relevance

This entry mostly pertains to process in the classroom and how we frame discussions. Some would call this a personal rant of sorts.

I think that our discussion of racism pertaining to the film was relevant because talking about racism is talking about politics. I did not get the impression that this course defined politics as only related to the legislature etc.

It is also interesting that often when racism, sexism, ableism, classism, or heterosexism is brought up in a classroom, there is this lively debate surrounding it's relevance to the course, no matter what the topic at hand. Is there a possibility that a lot of folks would like to avoid addressing oppression? I think so.
I also find it irresponsible to avoid these conversations. After all, isn't ignoring the problem just one way of perpetuating violence? (p.s. I am using the definition of violence as an unjust exertion of power, not just beating people up)
Submitted by Carmella Fleming on Thu, 04/12/2007 - 6:10pm. Carmella Fleming's blog | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version