I am humbled by what we have discussed about privilege and power. The first time I realized my “caucasionism” was when I was a young girl about the age of nine. We were living in Bossier City, Louisiana in a beautiful home that my parents had renovated. Down the street, there was a row of three shacks where an African-American family lived. The conditions were dire. We passed those three shacks every single day – if not several times a day.
One Christmas, I summoned up the strength to ask my parents if I could deliver some homemade loaves of bread to this family. My parents obliged and it was a lesson of a lifetime. That afternoon I learned what it was for me to be a privileged white girl. It has left an impression on me to this day.
However, I never fully realized the power that I had. Even to do this day I do not see myself as better than anyone else because of my skin color. I am aware that I do have more privilege but I feel that in the same sense, I have privilege because I am also American.
Why do I want to be a teacher? Because I believe we all have gifts and I truly feel that I have the gift of teaching. My heart’s desire it to continue working in a Title I school and to work with underprivileged children. I want to serve and give children opportunities that they normally would not be exposed to.
1 comment:
It can be a life changing experience to discover how priviledged you are. I have struggled with the priviledge of my Anglo culture, even defending it at times. I think the key to looking at priviledge is seeing it from another's point of view. I can see priviledge much more clearly this way. Seeing priviledge helps me see challenges that others face, and leads me to search for a state of equilibrium. Do you think that your experiences seeing families and children go without, guides your drive to dedicate your career to these underpriviledged children? We also know that unforunately this group of students will, statistically, be minorities.
I like your comment regarding priviledge as an american. We are very priviledged. I believe there is a sense of entitlement in that identity. In today's global economy, being an American can bring privildege and hostility. Reflecting on our American image can help us in our quest for multicultural sensitivity and understanding.
Underprivildged children can pull at the heart strings of even the most hardened individuals. I hope that you never lose you desire to make a difference in these children's lives. We know that even one ray of light in these children's lives can make a difference.
Post a Comment