Post #2

 The Silenced Dialogue

By: Lisa Delpit

Quotes

“Those with power are frequently least  aware of or least willing to acknowledge its existence. Those with less power are often most aware of its existence.”

The Author Lisa Delpit uses this quote and I believe it means those who hold positions of power or privilege may not always recognize the extent of their advantage, while those who lack power are acutely aware of their disadvantaged position. People in positions of power aren't aware of how much power they hold or have against those who have none. They may not always be fully conscious of their advantages. They may take their position for granted or view it as the norm, making it less visible to them. Some individuals in power may deny or resist acknowledging the existence of power imbalances. In a way the quote also means that the denial can be a defensive mechanism or a way to keep the way things are.

Its relevance to the reading is that Lisa talks a lot about the lack of acknowledging personal power and admitting participation in the culture of power and how it is distinctly uncomfortable to just admit they have more privilege. It also means that Acknowledging the existence of power imbalances is a great step toward fixing them and having a better society. 

“The rules of the culture of power are a reflection of the rules of the culture of those who have power.”

This quote means those in power often shape the culture and rules of the society or organization to their own advantage. Lisa uses this example of how children from middle class homes do better than those children from non middle class home because in class is for those who are of upper and middle class students. 

The quote also means that the rules and practices that are being placed upon are shaped by the values, perspectives, and interests of those who are already in power. It allows lots of groups to wield power, gain and control those powers to their own liking and will. Its relevance to the text is that Delpit said that power is used in education and the importance of recognizing and addressing power imbalances in educational settings. It means to respect all cultural diversity of students and to have more fairness in educational and outside of educational settings 

“ I want the same thing for everyone else's children as I want for mine.”

This quote means to ensure that all children, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or background, have access to the same opportunities and quality of education that one would want for their own children. It addresses educational inequalities and striving for a level where every child has the chance to reach their full potential. 

This quote is like the saying “treat those to how you want to be treated”. Whether you have kids or not,  you may have siblings, nieces or nephews so in a way it addresses all different relations. It addresses educational equity to treat those students the way you will treat your own, because you would definitely have a problem if your children, siblings, niece or nephew can’t have the same education opportunities of those students in their class. Its relevance to the text is that throughout the whole reading Lisa talks about the issues related to cultural diversity, equity, and education. She argues that educators need to be culturally aware of the backgrounds and experiences of their students, to value the cultural knowledge and the difference that students bring in the schools.

Reflection to share in class: Delpit argues that educators need to be more aware of cultural backgrounds and the cultural diversity that the students bring in. Value and treat all students equally, and have the same access to education. Acknowledging the existence of power imbalances is a great step toward fixing them and having a better society for all.