“The Silenced Dialogue: 

Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People’s Children.” 

Delpit, 

3 Talking Points

1. “Silenced Dialogue” - There is a lack of genuine discourse between educators (white usually) and educators of color. Delpit argues that all too often educators of color express their ideas about how to educate children of color but they are dismissed or not fully acknowledged by their white peers. This is what Delpit calls the “Silenced Dialogue”. White educators believe that they are acting in the best interest of the child but unknowingly perpetuating cultural inequality. I read this and cringed at the thought that could be me at any point in my career. A thought came to me that I should ask my coworkers of color to call me out on my “privilege" so I am awakened and learn from my experiences. 

2. Teacher Responsibility:  Delpit explores and explicitly states that teachers and those in the education system need to be aware of their own privileges and biases to truly listen to those that are affected by the “privilege” afforded to others and how this affects their teaching and the power and struggle for power in the classrooms.  This in particular reminds me of a former student whose story is just too much to tell in this short blurb. She is the reason I decided to forward with the MLL certification even though she doesn't know it. She is currently at Spelman College for Political Science in hopes of becoming a Civil Rights lawyer in the future. Her exact words “ I wish there were more teachers who looked like me. It’s not that I don’t love and appreciate this class or you but it would have changed my journey in HS which is why I am only applying for one school …a HBCU”.  That day did start with me….my journey started. 

3. The Culture of Power: 

Delpit explains 5 key points that explore why the breakdown in communication occurs in classrooms across the country. Delpit explores the 5 key aspects around : the classroom that is not a neutral space for all, the dominant culture set the tone / rules, the norms are often associated with “white, middle class” culture, those with the power don’t acknowledge it or their privilege, and students who are “not white” need to be taught these codes. Another cringe moment…..I am the norm, the privilege that Delpit is talking about. It is time to change this system….it starts with me and my classroom.

Quotes that stood out to me:

“Those with power are frequently least aware of - or least willing to acknowledge - its existence. Those with power are often most aware of its existence”. (YES! Reminds me of the S.C.W.A.A.M.P.  exercises and the reading from Tuesday)

“ We must understand that if we are to successfully educate all of our children, we must work to have honest dialogues about the differences that exist between us and our students, and between our students and the power that we transmit”. (Is there where we start the conversation as educators? )

       The author (Delpit) argues that schools and the education system operate in a “culture of power” that is often unnoticed by those that already have the “codes” or the power. There is a communication gap or power imbalance between the educators who are usually white and students and the community ( non-white).