Recently I have read part of the book "Bitter Chocolate" for a class I am taking. We are looking at the nature of dependency on argicultural (natural commodities) export of certain nations. I always knew that there was a 'darker' side to chocolate. Looking at the reality that the counrties that are the largest producers of chocolate also are the most corrupt in the tactics used to farm the goods. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say that this industry is "bad" when so many families are so dependent on this trade for there livlihoods. Many times, the children are the one's that volunteer to go work on the the Cacao farms in hopes to bring home money. There are the few bad apples that lure the naive children under false pretenses. They promise that the children will be paid for there work, but then deduct the cost of living expenses and the cost of purchasing the worker, rarely do they see any money at the end of there 2 year tenures. The Farmers often treat the children very poorly. The children are not given adequate rest/breaks, they work 10 hours straight during harvesting. Food is unplentiful and are usually locked in their quarters with others to prevent escape. With conditions like these, one asks, why does the world love this delicacy more than the children being forced to farm the harvest? Or why are people willing to turn their head to avoid looking at the atrocities occuring. There have been movements/pressure placed on the chocolate manufacturing/producing corporations to demand better accomodations to the workers in this industry. Though, the laws and labor practices are still overlooked to a large degree. As consumers we have the ability to try to "help" the situation. We can boycott chocolate: which is a poor idea. It would crash the economy that these countries are so dependent on and then we wouldn't be able to enjoy the yummy goodness of chocolate. Then there is that Fair Trade, option: This guarantees that the farmers are paid atleast a little more that the cost of growing the commodity. This seems to be a fair option. But then, there is also the horrible chemicals that are used to allow mass production of the crop. These kids are still developing and exposure to this chemicals is probably not good. Consumers can opt to buy organic & fair trade. So why hasn't more been done? It's because of the corporations. The corporations are in the trade to make a profit. The majority of them are worth more than the countries themselves!! Because of public pressure, they have set standards for the trade guidelines to help eliminate the child labor practices. however, the children are still working these farms and not attending school. Until the countries can bring up there economies they will be largely dependent on these agricultures that barely cover living costs.
For now, I will only buy organic fair trade chocolate (esp. if it's from Africa) or just opt for Carob instead......
Monday, March 1, 2010
Local chocolate-the good
After reading about the controversial setting in which my favorite agricultural delicacy is farmed, chocolate. There has been some motivation in finding out whether my favorite chocolatiers are concerned with the producers of this crop as much as I am. I eat vegan, and for the most part organic, so I know that the majority of the goods I purchase are fairly conscience. I am lazy so a lot of the time I buy my goods from the local vegan grocer (YAY-Food Fight) and co-op's, where I don't have to as much of the dirty work, i.e., reading labels, checking to see where the products are coming from, etc.
I was delighted to find out that Alma chocolate is very conscientious. This is there response to my inquiry of "where does your chocolate come from?" :
"Almost all of the chocolate we use comes from Venezuela, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. No African chocolate at all. We carry Theo's fair trade Ivory Coast bar upon occasion. "
As far as I am aware, the products they carry are organic. They have a good sized vegan selection, also. You can sub soy or coconut milk in their drinks. All of there icons are vegan, the mocha almond nibby bark, and the salted hazelnut and pistachio mini bar...and a couple of the bon bons (marzipan fig and mint meltaway). Alma also carries a vegan line of yums: Wingnut and a raw/vegan line: lulus Coco.
This spot is a great place to meet a friend or study....it's located: 140 NE 28th Ave., Portland, OR. They are open Mon-Sat from 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-4pm. You don't have to visit the cafe to get the goods. They have lots more than just chocolate goodness which is available on-line too~~ http://www.almachocolate.com
I was delighted to find out that Alma chocolate is very conscientious. This is there response to my inquiry of "where does your chocolate come from?" :
"Almost all of the chocolate we use comes from Venezuela, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. No African chocolate at all. We carry Theo's fair trade Ivory Coast bar upon occasion. "
As far as I am aware, the products they carry are organic. They have a good sized vegan selection, also. You can sub soy or coconut milk in their drinks. All of there icons are vegan, the mocha almond nibby bark, and the salted hazelnut and pistachio mini bar...and a couple of the bon bons (marzipan fig and mint meltaway). Alma also carries a vegan line of yums: Wingnut and a raw/vegan line: lulus Coco.
This spot is a great place to meet a friend or study....it's located: 140 NE 28th Ave., Portland, OR. They are open Mon-Sat from 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-4pm. You don't have to visit the cafe to get the goods. They have lots more than just chocolate goodness which is available on-line too~~ http://www.almachocolate.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Genocide in Africa and Groups working against it
There has been human rights issues in Africa since the beginning. Unfortunately, though times have progressed, the international government is still doing little to provide relief to the victims of such hate. Recently, there has been some outrage of genocide occuring in Darfur and Sudan areas of Africa. Though the US has stepped up to label these crimes as "Genocide", the world sits and watches as this group of people are being close to exterminated. The good news: there are groups working to stop the violence, enlighten the world of what is occuring, and educating others on prevention of this type of violence from reoccuring.
I would like to highlight a group that is located in the U.S. (Washington D.C.) called: Africa Action. http://www.africaaction.org/index.html. This group is a part of 3 groups that has origins dating back to 1953. The 3 groups with similar goals merged in 2001 and was renamed "Africa Action". Africa Action is working for political, economic, and social justice in Africa by reshaping U.S. policies toward African countries. Their primary tools are through 1): educating by showing analysis of Africa and changing how people view Africa and Africans. 2) By organized groups to provide public pressure to change U.S. policies and foreign institutions policies towards Africa to promote human rights, democracy, and development. This groups work goes far beyond just working to prevent genocide from occuring....however, this is what they are doing for the victims in Darfur/Sudan: http://www.africaaction.org/peace--justice-in-darfur--all-sudan.html. In June of 2008 - Barack Obama and John McCain signed a pledge to end genocide in Darfur. Africa Action started a campaign to raise awareness of the crisis that sitll continues in Darfur and to place public pressure on the U.S.'s president to lead the international community in this resolve. The campaign "JUST L.E.A.D" challenges all of us, including the government to meet our responsibility to learn, educate, and act daily on this moral issue. The goals of this campaign are:
"1) Protection of civilians from violence, starvation and disease; 2) Sustainable peace for all Sudan, including upholding the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; and 3) Justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators."
To join in their effort, they are trying to collect 1 million post cards urging the President of the United States to make peace and justice in Darfur and Sudan a priority.
As an individual that feels like my life is busy and full of things that have to get done, there are a couple things in which I can do to make a small difference. 1) I found out that their are companies in which we unknowingly (or knowingly) have been investing our money that actually goes to perpetuating these crimes against people. CRAZY as it may seem, it takes littel to know effort to ask the companies which you entrust your monies to be invested on your behalf, to inquire where they put your money. If it contradicts your morals and values, opt to go to a place in which doesn't fund genocide or other atrocities in which you may be against.
2) No matter how busy we may be, a fundamental part of being alive is living. To be conscious and aware of your actions and how they may impact your view/acceptance of an action. For example, though we may not want to get "involved" but you see someone being dehumanized in your presence, to stand up or voice your disapproval of the action, allows others to see that the behavior/action is not condoned. However, by ignoring the situation as if it is not occuring, allows you to blissfully continue on in your little uninterrupted world, that is.....until, it is our turn to experience this behavior/action....your omittance of the problem, perpetuates the acceptance of these ill actions and in turn may allow others to believe the behavior action is excused by our society/culture. To allow the genocide of a people, whether within our line of vision or not, is just not adequate. We need to educate people about events that are happening in our world today. We need to tell people that these actions will not be tolerated and that there will be consequences for treating others in this manner.....and jointly, we can make a difference.
I would like to highlight a group that is located in the U.S. (Washington D.C.) called: Africa Action. http://www.africaaction.org/index.html. This group is a part of 3 groups that has origins dating back to 1953. The 3 groups with similar goals merged in 2001 and was renamed "Africa Action". Africa Action is working for political, economic, and social justice in Africa by reshaping U.S. policies toward African countries. Their primary tools are through 1): educating by showing analysis of Africa and changing how people view Africa and Africans. 2) By organized groups to provide public pressure to change U.S. policies and foreign institutions policies towards Africa to promote human rights, democracy, and development. This groups work goes far beyond just working to prevent genocide from occuring....however, this is what they are doing for the victims in Darfur/Sudan: http://www.africaaction.org/peace--justice-in-darfur--all-sudan.html. In June of 2008 - Barack Obama and John McCain signed a pledge to end genocide in Darfur. Africa Action started a campaign to raise awareness of the crisis that sitll continues in Darfur and to place public pressure on the U.S.'s president to lead the international community in this resolve. The campaign "JUST L.E.A.D" challenges all of us, including the government to meet our responsibility to learn, educate, and act daily on this moral issue. The goals of this campaign are:
"1) Protection of civilians from violence, starvation and disease; 2) Sustainable peace for all Sudan, including upholding the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; and 3) Justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators."
To join in their effort, they are trying to collect 1 million post cards urging the President of the United States to make peace and justice in Darfur and Sudan a priority.
As an individual that feels like my life is busy and full of things that have to get done, there are a couple things in which I can do to make a small difference. 1) I found out that their are companies in which we unknowingly (or knowingly) have been investing our money that actually goes to perpetuating these crimes against people. CRAZY as it may seem, it takes littel to know effort to ask the companies which you entrust your monies to be invested on your behalf, to inquire where they put your money. If it contradicts your morals and values, opt to go to a place in which doesn't fund genocide or other atrocities in which you may be against.
2) No matter how busy we may be, a fundamental part of being alive is living. To be conscious and aware of your actions and how they may impact your view/acceptance of an action. For example, though we may not want to get "involved" but you see someone being dehumanized in your presence, to stand up or voice your disapproval of the action, allows others to see that the behavior/action is not condoned. However, by ignoring the situation as if it is not occuring, allows you to blissfully continue on in your little uninterrupted world, that is.....until, it is our turn to experience this behavior/action....your omittance of the problem, perpetuates the acceptance of these ill actions and in turn may allow others to believe the behavior action is excused by our society/culture. To allow the genocide of a people, whether within our line of vision or not, is just not adequate. We need to educate people about events that are happening in our world today. We need to tell people that these actions will not be tolerated and that there will be consequences for treating others in this manner.....and jointly, we can make a difference.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Attack Exposes Underlying Human Rights Concerns
On Jan. 11, 2010, I was given an assignment to write about a current event in Africa. Well, I happened to have found something a bit more involved that what I anticipated. So, I have been following this news as I am curious of the outcome for the people involved.
I read about the attack on the Togo football team in Cabinda (Angola's northern province separated by a narrow strip of the Republic of Congo). Gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the team was on their way to the second game, when caught in a 20-30 minute gun down. 3 people were killed as a result of this violence. The Togolese's football teams assistant coach, their team spokesman, and the bus driver. The Togo team was recalled by the Togo government and officially disqualified when they failed to appear for their next match Monday (1/11/10). The attack has been labeled as an "act of terrorism" by the Angolan government. Luckily for the team, the bus that carried the baggage took most of the fire. They had just finished boarder checks and were surrounded by police when the shooting occurred. Police did fire back.
A separatist group FLEC (Federation for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda) has accepted the responsibility for the attack on the Togo Football team. This group has said that the the rumors of a ceasefire signed back in 2006, was a falsified document by the government. The FLEC's group leader (Rodrigues Mingas) was quoted in one of the BBC articles as saying, "...FLEC isn't about killing foreigners, but Cabinda is at war despite the lies about this by the Angolan government." The Togo football team was not the intended targets of this attack, but the Angolan troops that escorted the team. Cabinda has been fighting for their independence from Angola. Cabinda has accused the Angolan military of atrocities and the government of embezzlement of oil revenue. The people of Cabinda see few benefits from the exploitation of oil from their region.
There has been lots of theories of "why" this happened. One idea is that the Togo team was set-up. Another is , the AFC (American Football Confederation) president believes this could have been avoided if traveling guidelines would have been used. All of the football teams had received very specific information to not travel by road. The teams were to fly into Luanda or their host city. Many of the articles are saying that this incident is unrelated to the broader civil war that has been going on for three decades.
The Angola government is ensuring the world that it is safe and secure enough for the World Cup to still be hosted in South Africa come June 2010. The Angolan minister has claimed that FLEC no longer exists and that this attack was caused by a group of individuals trying to cause trouble. Richard Dowden was quoted in a BBC article as saying "Cabinda has got this particular problem with a nationalist movement that has kidnapped foreigners and attack foreigners when it can."
So far, there have been a few arrests. These arrests are causing concern among the Cabindan. A Catholic Priest (Raul Tati) was among the arrested. He is said to be outspoken about his anti-Angolan government belief's. In accordance with the Sports Illustrated account, this priest was given a paper when taken into custody by a dozen police that said "matters of security of the state", but no specific charges were listed. The Cabindans are fearful that anyone that may speak poorly of the Angolan government will now be arrested. The other two arrests were of people with similar candidness about the Angolan government. Belchio Lanco, a university professor and Francisco Luemba, a lawyer.
Through all of this controversy brought by this attack, I am beginning to believe that there is a larger struggle than what's on the surface. The Angolan government is disconcerted by the events. They would like for the world to see Angola as a peaceful place. One that is safe to visit. A good host for events. This image could be lucrative if it could bring in business/tourism. I think that the Togo football team got caught in a political unrest that has been manifesting for years. Unfortunately, there was an immense loss. Lives of innocent were again caught in cross-fire. So many times, the innocent lives remain nameless, as they are not famous football players....it is despicable. With that said, my heart goes to those that are in fear of their government. . .especially one that is corrupt. It would be scary to be involved in a movement knowing it could cost you your life. But, what is life, if you are forced to live it practicing another's belief system/way? What a horrible situation to be in. It seems like the Cabindan were disappointed about the mix of politics and sports. The money could have been used to better the livelihood of the locals. There was a report that was released by the Human Rights Watch in June 2009 which says a lot!! The website is: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/22/angola-stop-military-abuses-cabinda. I wonder if there is any just reason the Angolan government has arrested the three people they took into custody,Raul Tati, Belchio Lango, and Francsico Luemba? I have a feeling that their only crimes are that they disagree with the ideals of the Angolan government. I hope and pray that somehow, someway, a human rights group may help sort out the appearance of injustice brought upon these men.
There are many different stories available on-line, I will provide sites below. I found # 7-9 to be the most informative.
1) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8449319.stm
2) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/84499778.stm
3) http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2010/01/100113_adebayoriv.shtml
4) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8449666.stm
5) http://mews.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8449562.stm
6) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/08/togo-football-team-ambushed-angola
7) http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/two-arrests-in-attack-on-togo-football-team-20100112-m2yh.html
8) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8451356.stm
9) http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/grant_wahl/01/19/african.cup/
I read about the attack on the Togo football team in Cabinda (Angola's northern province separated by a narrow strip of the Republic of Congo). Gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the team was on their way to the second game, when caught in a 20-30 minute gun down. 3 people were killed as a result of this violence. The Togolese's football teams assistant coach, their team spokesman, and the bus driver. The Togo team was recalled by the Togo government and officially disqualified when they failed to appear for their next match Monday (1/11/10). The attack has been labeled as an "act of terrorism" by the Angolan government. Luckily for the team, the bus that carried the baggage took most of the fire. They had just finished boarder checks and were surrounded by police when the shooting occurred. Police did fire back.
A separatist group FLEC (Federation for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda) has accepted the responsibility for the attack on the Togo Football team. This group has said that the the rumors of a ceasefire signed back in 2006, was a falsified document by the government. The FLEC's group leader (Rodrigues Mingas) was quoted in one of the BBC articles as saying, "...FLEC isn't about killing foreigners, but Cabinda is at war despite the lies about this by the Angolan government." The Togo football team was not the intended targets of this attack, but the Angolan troops that escorted the team. Cabinda has been fighting for their independence from Angola. Cabinda has accused the Angolan military of atrocities and the government of embezzlement of oil revenue. The people of Cabinda see few benefits from the exploitation of oil from their region.
There has been lots of theories of "why" this happened. One idea is that the Togo team was set-up. Another is , the AFC (American Football Confederation) president believes this could have been avoided if traveling guidelines would have been used. All of the football teams had received very specific information to not travel by road. The teams were to fly into Luanda or their host city. Many of the articles are saying that this incident is unrelated to the broader civil war that has been going on for three decades.
The Angola government is ensuring the world that it is safe and secure enough for the World Cup to still be hosted in South Africa come June 2010. The Angolan minister has claimed that FLEC no longer exists and that this attack was caused by a group of individuals trying to cause trouble. Richard Dowden was quoted in a BBC article as saying "Cabinda has got this particular problem with a nationalist movement that has kidnapped foreigners and attack foreigners when it can."
So far, there have been a few arrests. These arrests are causing concern among the Cabindan. A Catholic Priest (Raul Tati) was among the arrested. He is said to be outspoken about his anti-Angolan government belief's. In accordance with the Sports Illustrated account, this priest was given a paper when taken into custody by a dozen police that said "matters of security of the state", but no specific charges were listed. The Cabindans are fearful that anyone that may speak poorly of the Angolan government will now be arrested. The other two arrests were of people with similar candidness about the Angolan government. Belchio Lanco, a university professor and Francisco Luemba, a lawyer.
Through all of this controversy brought by this attack, I am beginning to believe that there is a larger struggle than what's on the surface. The Angolan government is disconcerted by the events. They would like for the world to see Angola as a peaceful place. One that is safe to visit. A good host for events. This image could be lucrative if it could bring in business/tourism. I think that the Togo football team got caught in a political unrest that has been manifesting for years. Unfortunately, there was an immense loss. Lives of innocent were again caught in cross-fire. So many times, the innocent lives remain nameless, as they are not famous football players....it is despicable. With that said, my heart goes to those that are in fear of their government. . .especially one that is corrupt. It would be scary to be involved in a movement knowing it could cost you your life. But, what is life, if you are forced to live it practicing another's belief system/way? What a horrible situation to be in. It seems like the Cabindan were disappointed about the mix of politics and sports. The money could have been used to better the livelihood of the locals. There was a report that was released by the Human Rights Watch in June 2009 which says a lot!! The website is: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/22/angola-stop-military-abuses-cabinda. I wonder if there is any just reason the Angolan government has arrested the three people they took into custody,Raul Tati, Belchio Lango, and Francsico Luemba? I have a feeling that their only crimes are that they disagree with the ideals of the Angolan government. I hope and pray that somehow, someway, a human rights group may help sort out the appearance of injustice brought upon these men.
There are many different stories available on-line, I will provide sites below. I found # 7-9 to be the most informative.
1) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8449319.stm
2) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/84499778.stm
3) http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2010/01/100113_adebayoriv.shtml
4) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8449666.stm
5) http://mews.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8449562.stm
6) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/08/togo-football-team-ambushed-angola
7) http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/two-arrests-in-attack-on-togo-football-team-20100112-m2yh.html
8) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8451356.stm
9) http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/grant_wahl/01/19/african.cup/
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Teaching VS. Pedagogy
Recently, I have started a new term in school. I had missed out on the first meeting of my Monday classes, due to Holiday. On my arrival to the second class session, I found myself captivated in a discussion on an article, that I had yet to read. This particular piece was written by Bell Hooks "Engaged Pedagogy". For those that are unfamiliar with her, as I was, here is a link that my provide more insight: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/hooks.htm.
So there, I sat listening to my peers discuss their ideas on learning and teaching methods. I thought I was able to understand and relate to some of the ideas flowing around. Such as, "teacher's that are engaging tend to be deficient or trying to compensate for not having the full knowledge/understanding of the material." I was able to relate to this statement because of experiences I had with teachers previously. Also, from the understanding of the word 'engage' to mean occupying one's attention. Just because a person is able to occupy anothers attention does not mean that they are able to effectively teach. Other's students said culturally that they had a different way of looking at education/learning/teaching. In their culture, a teacher's job was to teach the academics. To engage students would be unprofessional. For students to inquire with the teacher would be considered rude. The student's job was to learn, by any means necessary. This opinion was echoed by the majority of my peers in the room. One person's opinion was strikingly different. She stated that instructors that "engaged" the students were the best for her learning style. That the classes in which the professor was engaging had the most lasting influence/affect on her life. Then the discussion, again turned to the different learning styles and how those would effect the preference of the type of teacher one liked.
With that said, I want to bring you back to the article, I had yet to read. The mentor of this class really liked this article and Bell Hooks. She said the article had moved her. I wanted to know why. So I read.......
What a different idea I had about the article base on the discussion provided by my classmates! What great ideas! This is the difference between "teaching" and "pedagogy". (Pedagogy: is the art of teaching.) Bell Hooks philosophy on teaching has to do with consciousness. In the culture of the United States, generally speaking, I believe that there is lack of consciousness. The ideals that have been embraced by this society have neglected the wholeness of individuals. The goal is to work hard, and keep working harder. To have more money. To accomplish more activities in the day. In this "rush" to achieve and be successful, people have forgotten what it is to truly live. To be aware, in the moment. Consciousness is more of an abstract idea. The living zombie that is so busy thinking of what next and what else, that they do not hear the conversation they are having with their boss, co-worker, friend, comrade, etc. The disconnectedness. Within the United States culture, many have the "can't see it from my house" attitude. Meaning that, if there is something that is not directly effecting/affecting there lives, it doesn't matter. (To Note: I do not think the people in the United States as a whole believe in this way. I see there is a movement into consciousness, and the movement is growing. In some areas of the States, I believe there to be more of a collective consciousness than in others.)
Bell Hooks describes two types of teachers that had affected her. One, Paulo Freire, believed that "education could be the practice of freedom". Where each student was to actively participate in their learning through critical awareness. The second, Thich Nhat Hanh whose believed in "'praxis'-action and reflection upon the world in order to change it". Both of these ideas embrace wholeness. Where mind, body, and spirit are united. In academia it is frowned upon for teachers to provided guidance to children on "how to live in the world." With so many different beliefs, religions, practices, etc. It is generally thought, that it is the parents duty to provide their child(ren) with the tools and information needed to live in the world. Unfortunately, with the growing number of latch-key kids in single parent households, the knowledge of 'how to live', is not being passed to the generations, as it should. My husband says "what you don't learn in school, the world will teach you". Some of those lessons learned in the world can be costly, whether financially or in any other way. As the shift of children raising children climbs, it is becoming more of the teacher's civic duty to provide the guidance that is being ignored by the overworked underpaid single parent. Each of us student or teacher or both, have many distinctive experiences that make us individuals. Through our experiences we have developed unique perceptions on how and why the world works in the way it does. Since, these are unique to the individual, unless the ideas are shared, then others cannot learn of new possibilities other than that of their own. Embracing an individual as a whole person and using that wholeness in the academic environment only enriches the experience. It provides more opportunity for all to learn from and to see different perspectives. Through this sharing of perspectives, people are opened to vulnerability. Remaining solely in one's own comfort zone doesn't allow expansion. Risks are necessary to grow and expand. Stepping out of one's comfort zone, into a land of vulnerability, allows for growth. Growth leads to a larger comfort zone. More confidence, less vulnerability, equals empowerment. Empowerment, leads to more confidence. This leads back to Bell Hooks belief that "success was intimately linked with self-actualization". Where the engaged pedagogy embraces academics with life experiences.
I believe in Bell Hooks engaged pedagogy vs. teaching. Teaching allows "systems of domination." That encourages "passive consumer"ism. Where information is the product fed directly to the students mind, only for it to be regurgitated at the end of the term and forgotten. Engaged pedagogy emphasizes advancement of thought. Where students success isn't dependent on "dysfunctional behavior or participation in coercive hierarchies". The learning environment "enriches and enhances" one's life perceptions. Where the environment values creative individual expression and wholeness. The engaged pedagogy takes practice and becomes easier with time. As the cloud of unconsciousness slowly evaporates under the suns rays, one is enveloped in the world of enlightenment. Welcome!
So there, I sat listening to my peers discuss their ideas on learning and teaching methods. I thought I was able to understand and relate to some of the ideas flowing around. Such as, "teacher's that are engaging tend to be deficient or trying to compensate for not having the full knowledge/understanding of the material." I was able to relate to this statement because of experiences I had with teachers previously. Also, from the understanding of the word 'engage' to mean occupying one's attention. Just because a person is able to occupy anothers attention does not mean that they are able to effectively teach. Other's students said culturally that they had a different way of looking at education/learning/teaching. In their culture, a teacher's job was to teach the academics. To engage students would be unprofessional. For students to inquire with the teacher would be considered rude. The student's job was to learn, by any means necessary. This opinion was echoed by the majority of my peers in the room. One person's opinion was strikingly different. She stated that instructors that "engaged" the students were the best for her learning style. That the classes in which the professor was engaging had the most lasting influence/affect on her life. Then the discussion, again turned to the different learning styles and how those would effect the preference of the type of teacher one liked.
With that said, I want to bring you back to the article, I had yet to read. The mentor of this class really liked this article and Bell Hooks. She said the article had moved her. I wanted to know why. So I read.......
What a different idea I had about the article base on the discussion provided by my classmates! What great ideas! This is the difference between "teaching" and "pedagogy". (Pedagogy: is the art of teaching.) Bell Hooks philosophy on teaching has to do with consciousness. In the culture of the United States, generally speaking, I believe that there is lack of consciousness. The ideals that have been embraced by this society have neglected the wholeness of individuals. The goal is to work hard, and keep working harder. To have more money. To accomplish more activities in the day. In this "rush" to achieve and be successful, people have forgotten what it is to truly live. To be aware, in the moment. Consciousness is more of an abstract idea. The living zombie that is so busy thinking of what next and what else, that they do not hear the conversation they are having with their boss, co-worker, friend, comrade, etc. The disconnectedness. Within the United States culture, many have the "can't see it from my house" attitude. Meaning that, if there is something that is not directly effecting/affecting there lives, it doesn't matter. (To Note: I do not think the people in the United States as a whole believe in this way. I see there is a movement into consciousness, and the movement is growing. In some areas of the States, I believe there to be more of a collective consciousness than in others.)
Bell Hooks describes two types of teachers that had affected her. One, Paulo Freire, believed that "education could be the practice of freedom". Where each student was to actively participate in their learning through critical awareness. The second, Thich Nhat Hanh whose believed in "'praxis'-action and reflection upon the world in order to change it". Both of these ideas embrace wholeness. Where mind, body, and spirit are united. In academia it is frowned upon for teachers to provided guidance to children on "how to live in the world." With so many different beliefs, religions, practices, etc. It is generally thought, that it is the parents duty to provide their child(ren) with the tools and information needed to live in the world. Unfortunately, with the growing number of latch-key kids in single parent households, the knowledge of 'how to live', is not being passed to the generations, as it should. My husband says "what you don't learn in school, the world will teach you". Some of those lessons learned in the world can be costly, whether financially or in any other way. As the shift of children raising children climbs, it is becoming more of the teacher's civic duty to provide the guidance that is being ignored by the overworked underpaid single parent. Each of us student or teacher or both, have many distinctive experiences that make us individuals. Through our experiences we have developed unique perceptions on how and why the world works in the way it does. Since, these are unique to the individual, unless the ideas are shared, then others cannot learn of new possibilities other than that of their own. Embracing an individual as a whole person and using that wholeness in the academic environment only enriches the experience. It provides more opportunity for all to learn from and to see different perspectives. Through this sharing of perspectives, people are opened to vulnerability. Remaining solely in one's own comfort zone doesn't allow expansion. Risks are necessary to grow and expand. Stepping out of one's comfort zone, into a land of vulnerability, allows for growth. Growth leads to a larger comfort zone. More confidence, less vulnerability, equals empowerment. Empowerment, leads to more confidence. This leads back to Bell Hooks belief that "success was intimately linked with self-actualization". Where the engaged pedagogy embraces academics with life experiences.
I believe in Bell Hooks engaged pedagogy vs. teaching. Teaching allows "systems of domination." That encourages "passive consumer"ism. Where information is the product fed directly to the students mind, only for it to be regurgitated at the end of the term and forgotten. Engaged pedagogy emphasizes advancement of thought. Where students success isn't dependent on "dysfunctional behavior or participation in coercive hierarchies". The learning environment "enriches and enhances" one's life perceptions. Where the environment values creative individual expression and wholeness. The engaged pedagogy takes practice and becomes easier with time. As the cloud of unconsciousness slowly evaporates under the suns rays, one is enveloped in the world of enlightenment. Welcome!
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