My first thought for the day was realizing that I have stereotypes of myself, because whether I like it or not, I AM stereotyped. I'm often in the same group as the guys (folks) that I stereotype. I think I need an arbitrary eclectic explosion in my life to avoid settling into any stereotypes. Who wants sushi parmesan enchiladas for supper?
I was most surprised by the connects Mark Worley made concerning the perpetuation of the culture of slavery. Just because more time has passed doesn't mean it has just dissolved (though I wonder if that was the hope of some), rather it has probably gotten worse. When there is no change from generation to generation, the black hole of poverty continues to to ruthlessly retain those who desire liberty. The pervasive cultural perpetuation of poverty does not necessarily denote complacency, rather entrapment is more accurate. In other words, sometimes it doesn't matter how bad someone wants to get out, they just can't.
So what does this mean for me as a teacher? I can't save them. There is only one who has done this. What I can do is help spur someone along who's caught in the whirlpool toward a life that doesn't involve escape or conformity, but does help them where they are to deal with their plight according to their fullest potential. I don't want to help them leave their home. I want to help them change their home. And I know they will help me change mine.
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