Education is meant to broaden the minds of incoming generations to the diverse cultures and aspects of the world. While its purpose is meant to open up horizons, it has also held up the task of oppressing opposing thoughts and judgments. Author James Baldwin exposes this truth in his article, “A Talk to Teachers,” as he chastises the education system’s contradicting actions inasmuch as the support of an all-encompassing education while scorning unconventional thinking. Baldwin’s purpose to confront the antithetical activity to hopefully change the system’s ways is attempted by persuading teachers who “deal with the minds and hearts of young people” that a paradox of education occurs when students develop a conscience--they become “at war” with society--is valid in that education should allow development for individual thoughts and varied opinions to challenge for the reconstruction of society’s oppressive nature.
Modern society has started a war against education’s support of free thoughts and differing opinions, attempting to reduce developing minds into clones of general normalcy. It has oppressed thoughts in students who contribute to the defiance of conforming to the populous status quo; unlike the status quo, education encourages eccentric opinions and allows students to develop their own voice. As the educational system emboldens free-thinking, it also allows society to repress those thoughts. African Americans role in society mirror this exact issue. Once they
In America, we are told that it is the land where everything and anything is possible. For many years, it wasn’t like that for African American. With many hard work, strength, and courage African American manage to earn the right to an education. To the African American community education became more of a need than a want. We’ve learn that education is such a powerful asset that with it you are unstoppable. You can do so much if you put your time and energy to it. Having an education to African American is the one hope for a brighter and better
‘A Talk to Teachers’ by James Baldwin published on December 21, 1963 is a very brave and direct message to teachers on how they are contributing to the prejudice in society during that time period. Baldwin’s tone in this essay shifts frequently however, the constant tone that enhances his purpose of this essay is urgency. Baldwin’s urgency to make teachers change the prejudice view on “negros” and the false history that is being taught about African Americans. For he refers to it as “any negro who is born in this country and undergoes the American educational system runs the risk of being schizophrenic.”
The aspect of African-American Studies is key to the lives of African-Americans and those involved with the welfare of the race. African-American Studies is the systematic and critical study of the multidimensional aspects of Black thought and practice in their current and historical unfolding (Karenga, 21). African-American Studies exposes students to the experiences of African-American people and others of African descent. It allows the promotion and sharing of the African-American culture. However, the concept of African-American Studies, like many other studies that focus on a specific group, gender, and/or creed, poses problems. Therefore, African-American Studies must overcome the obstacles in order to
The black race has faced many hardships throughout American history. The harsh treatment is apparent through the brutal slavery era, the Civil Rights movement, or even now where sparks of racial separation emerge in urbanized areas of Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit. Black Americans must do something to defend their right as an equal American. “I Am Not Your Negro” argues that the black race will not thrive unless society stands up against the conventional racism that still appears in modern America. “The Other Wes Moore” argues an inspiring message that proves success is a product of one’s choices instead of one’s environment or expectations.
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the modern world, but history still affects the way people think today due to the close-minded nature of uninformed citizens. In Castro’s “On Becoming Educated,” she accepts the fact that ignorance is overwhelmingly prevalent in today’s society; however, she works to fill “the academy’s blind spots” (Castro 270) by pushing others to recognize all sides of an argument and be curious about historical events and changes that affect them. Throughout her many journeys with literature courses, Castro found the choice of books to be rather narrow-minded. In retrospect, she “[realizes] that these small incidents were negotiations of power” (Castro 268), and conserving socially accepted positions on issue was more important to certain professors than challenging those beliefs. Historically, the process of shying away from debating and acknowledging other’s opinions has always been a norm. Castro acknowledges this connection between present day life and the past by broadening her perspective through words and generally referring to the what has already occurred in history. Overtime and with teaching experience, Castro has “learned not to back down” (Castro 269) when presented with opposing opinions. In regards to welcoming students with different
James Baldwin was an African American author who grew up in Harlem. In his “Talk to Teachers”, he discusses how society connects to education. He shows that society shapes a child’s education by conditioning and telling them how to view their place in life. According to Baldwin, society shows that there are unfair rules and regulations in a country that is supposed to believe and practice freedom. When the child grows up, they will realize that they do not have equal opportunities as other children and will then question their own identities. To fix these contradictions, Baldwin believes education should “create the ability to look at the world for himself.” He also believed that a child should “examine everything in order to achieve change and a sense of their own identity.”
The factors of the effects of oppression in the lives of African American teenagers is the opposite of the factors in which that would produce “The American Dream”. The restrictions and exclusions of the government, history, and irrational mindsets has caused many African-American teenagers to depend on unorthodox alternatives for the use of spare time, making money, and the feeling of acceptance. Oppression of African-American teenagers has caused poor education, violence, gang activity, broken or dysfunctional homes, and health issues. Hatred is another major factor of the effects of oppression in the lives of African-American teenagers. Oppression is also the cause of civil wars, and a disunited nation. Oppression doesn’t just effect the oppressed, it effects everything around it including the oppressors.
James mentioned that when ‘people ask those questions, thinking that they ask it in a good faith, are really the victims of this conspiracy to make Negroes believe they are less than humans” (Baldwin, 682). This happened during the depression the 1930’s, since “Negroes” were prohibited to work with white workers. The idea of learning is the idea of believing, but not all information given to the audience is true. Although, people can’t really tell if it’s true or not. The author claims that if he was a teacher himself, he’ll teach black men that “those streets, those houses, those dangers, those agonies by which they are surrounded are criminals” (Baldwin, 685). Having to think society likes you, but truly they don't. The author proves that in another individual's eyes, they are correct and you are not due to your differences, which we face in our day to day
In this particular body of work, Woodson discusses many issues that arose and mistakes made (and appear to still be relevant) in the educating of people of color. One such issue and summary discussed, is the disdain the learned African American develops for his fellow less formally educated African American brother, for himself, and for life in general because “he has been estranged by a vision of ideals…he can not attain” (6). He must exist in a social body that he must not associate with socially, and yet has no alternative. The self-hate that is taught,
Thus Black Studies argues for a number of far-reaching reforms. There should be a greater emphasis on student participation in the teaching/learning process, rather than the banking process where the teacher deposits knowledge into students’ heads and periodically (at exam time) makes withdrawals. ….. Finally, freedom, like effective education, is achieved most often when groups of human beings cooperate with each other, not when lone individuals compete against all others” (Cole, pg
In James Baldwin’s article “A Talk to Teachers” he utilizes paradox, tone, and anecdote to persuade the audience that an educational system where students are taught the true meaning of American history and identity must be established in order to create a society where people of all races contribute their ideals to society.
Thesis: Even with the creation of Black Studies as an academic discipline, the culture and influence of white dependency still seem to block people of color’s mental potential, and inherently their ability to progress as a group.
In modern Western society, education success and attainment is the clearest indicator of competence and success. This belief assumes a kind of homogeneity despite the empirical evidence of considerable racial and cultural diversity in North America. As a result, the egregious casualties of the American educational and social system remain disproportionately and overwhelmingly African American. Furthermore, the many casualties among African American youth in North America confirm the failure of the social sciences and the educational system in their attempt to address the needs of the African American child. The following study epitomizes the enduring racial and cultural generalizations of those individuals whose entire history as a “science” has been the repeated distribution of unfavorable characteristics to the African race.
You walk into the classroom and it’s the most awkward thing ever. You regret the day you signed up for this class...African American history. But why? Why did everyone inelegantly stare? Why does your skin color make matters this problematic? It’s essential that a class like African American history becomes more diverse. Most assume that this class is aiming for an African American audience. This assumption is completely misleading, but most fall the underdog to. The homogeneity society amongst the students is bare and should be altered.
Knowledge is a primary factor in the attainment of personal freedom. This includes not only scholarly education but also awareness of historical heritage and familial legacy. The fact that African-Americans were held in human bondage cannot