I finally figured out how to do these posts! Yay!

            “Those with power are frequently least aware of- or at least willing to acknowledge—its existence.  Those with less power are often most aware of its existence” (24).  When I read this, I could identify with it.  Until I started reading material at Lewis and Clark, especially in Zaher’s class and now in this one, did it really register that because I am a white middle class person I have power and a lot going for me because, as crude as this may sound, I was born with the right skin color.  For the majority of my life I have grown up in a bubble.  It wasn’t until I met one of my best friends up here in Portland, who happens to be half black, did I see race issues still going on today.  Another thing that this quote addresses is specifically power held only by some.  I feel like if I was on the other side of things, I wouldn’t just be understanding these issues now, I would be feeling powerless on a day-to-day basis.  In Zaher’s class, Andrea gave the definition of racism as prejudice plus power.  I had a hard time grappling with the idea that minorities couldn’t be racist because they don’t have the power to.  Also, as mentioned a little later in the book, that these issues are uncomfortable for some and frankly, I do feel that way at times.  I can’t even quite explain the feelings I have when reading the materials I have lately in this program.  But, in the end, I do appreciate this newfound awareness.

            I feel like the author wants to point out the voiceless minorities, especially black, and flaws in the liberal or progressive white ideology.  I believe Delpit wants to give a voice to those people.  It is important not to just blankly listen and nod your head, but think about what is being told to you.  Personal experiences can be just as telling as statistical evidence.  Lastly, no one theory is correct, the best practice incorporates many to work with the students.

            I hope I never forget the important lessons being expressed in this book.  It was very informative when Delpit explained the differences between middle-upper class students who were mainly white and lower class students who were mostly black, in the use of indirect and direct teaching.  Also it was shown how students’ values had a large impact on their learning especially in terms of how they felt about the teacher and their willingness to learn.  I look to my future classroom now as being a challenge, but to aid in that challenge I need to listen, be aware of the student’s different cultural backgrounds, and I can’t assume anything.