The author, Richard Rodriguez argues, “that while one suffers a diminished sense of private individuality
by becoming assimilated into public society, such assimilation makes possible
the achievement of public individuality”
(Rodriguez, p.39).
What I believe Rodriguez
is arguing here is that in order to fit into society, you must change
yourself to fit the perfect mold that society has set. The biggest
characteristic of this mold is to be english speaking. For Rodriguez and
his family, that ultimately meant losing their native language.
Their household became so strict with only speaking English in
the house, that living their became almost uncomfortable for the
family. I found it extremely unfortunate that this once close-knit family
became so distant because they felt pressured by the culture of power. This
shows just how present the culture of power is, even in the classroom. I
believe Rodriguez's excerpt is the perfect example of when Lisa Delpit says
"teachers are in an ideal position to play this role, to attempt to get
all of the issues on the table in order to initiate true dialogue"
(Delpit, p.47). The nuns in Rodriguez's piece had the power to change the way
his household operates and turned out to produce a negative result. I believe
teachers can use opportunities like this and produce great results.
As a teacher, I would have used this as a chance to teach the students about
the Spanish culture. In almost every single classroom in the United States,
children learn about the history of America, and not much about any other culture,
which is a huge reason why there is still a culture of power. I would have absolutely used that as a chance to introduce the “melting-pot” that
America has become. Rather than trying to whitewash the more diverse and culturally different students in the classroom, I would want to make them feel comfortable all while improving skills that will be beneficial for them in society in the future. 
Questions/Comments/Points To Share
What are some other ways teachers could positively incorporate non english speaking students in the classroom?
I really like your view on how Rodriguez is arguing that you must change yourself to fit into society. I felt almost saddened for his family to see what they had become once English took over their lives. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lindsey you did a good job comparing the two articles.
ReplyDeleteI also love your point about conforming to the mold of society, and your tie-in with the nuns presenting the culture of power.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that his family was sort of stripped of their culture, but do you think the intervention to learn English helped him to function in a country where that is the dominant language? (How his family decided to transform to an English only house aside- I mean just the learning English aspect)
I also liked your idea on using the different cultures in the classroom to teach about diversity. Great ideas!