Delpit- Handout

 (I am so sorry this is late)- In 1988, Lisa Delpit published her seminal article, “The Silenced Dialogue,” referring to the lack of communication dividing Black and White educators and educators-of-educators when it comes to issues of race. White supremacy has been an ongoing occurrence through various years. She brings up many points that I found important. More particularly, one was the misinterpretation of directions due to cultural differences. Pointing out how black children might end up getting in trouble more because they seem to disobey white teacher’s directives, when in fact they followed the orders exactly as stated, was incredibly interesting. The point that we need to listen to our black educators about how to educate our black students seems obvious. These educators feel like they have to been silenced and the parents of black students also go unheard. People of color and white educators tend to bring a lot of good ideas to the table regarding their ideas in classroom, but when it comes down to working together they cannot seem to compromise. Listening to the community is key to all of this. My high school in particular had a graduating class in 2022 of almost 500 and over 75% of the students were hispanic or of color. They would have never been able to graduate if it was not for the ESL teachers supporting them throughout the way. In the text, Delpit says by seeking out by those who differ helps give complete attention towards issues. Having different perspectives on things is okay, but learning to use your fundaments of power in a positive way rather than negative way. Students that are from non privileged areas are often expected to know things they may not because individuals expect them to learn at home, but when you do not have the fundaments to learn at home, you can't. diversity statistics 2023