[NIFL-POVRACELIT:202] discussing racism

From: Eileen Eckert (eileeneckert@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri Oct 20 2000 - 13:26:55 EDT


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From: "Eileen Eckert" <eileeneckert@hotmail.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-povracelit@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-POVRACELIT:202] discussing racism
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It seems that in addition to discussing issues of racism, we've mirrored the 
process these discussions take in society. We started off with goodwill and 
openness, and seem to have reached a point where everyone feels tense, maybe 
defensive, and afraid to say anything further. So how do we deal with issues 
of race and racism with adult literacy students (ABE, GED, ESL, etc.) when 
we have a hard time getting past the initial stages of discussion ourselves?

At the beginning of this discussion, I was impatient with the lack of direct 
connection to adult literacy practice. As the discussion has continued, 
flared up, and died out or taken a breather, my impatience has changed to a 
realization that without a commitment to continue our own discussions, 
explorations, and discoveries about the issues and our part in them, we are 
unable to deal with oppression (racism especially) as an explicit part of 
adult literacy work.

I hope we can work together to find ways to explore issues of racism and 
other forms of oppression with our students providing leadership. They have 
more direct, first-hand, daily experience than many of us, and they are 
often more open and able to speak their minds. I have heard few reactions to 
the lesson/course outcomes I posted, but I have started working on fleshing 
out the outcomes with objectives, activities, and assessments. If anyone is 
willing to work with me, I'd welcome that—please respond to my e-mail 
address instead of the whole listserv.

Eileen



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