My Wheels Keep on Spinning

Every week I am stirred and amazed how the knowledge and discussion stemming from this class really gets me going and thinking. Quite honestly, I love it! Despite it's difficulties and me actually losing sleep over things we're learning about, I enjoy having to wrestle through these difficult and emotionally charged issues. Any one else with me there? My sleep schedule has been so whacked because I lay there thinking about this class and my mind gets going... then there's no stopping it! When I finally do get to sleep here come the dreams!  Any delayed sleep or interesting dreams coming out of any of our readings or class discussions for anyone else?

This week brought a diversity in the methods of learning for me, which I enjoyed. We got to listen to LaDon Matthys, from Mart, TX, who shared her experience growing up in such a racially polarized town like Mart. I was very interested in hearing her story, but it left me wanting and searching for more. I personally wish that she would have been able to go in depth with her feelings and stories more. But it was very apparent that her emotions were very raw and real to her and I felt like at any moment she was just going to totally fall apart and not be able to share anything at all. (Which I can understand, she experiences major challenges surrounding Mart). One point from her discussion that I found particularly interesting were her comments on her relationship with her brother and her relationship with her niece and nephew. I remember her talking about how her brother told her for his New Year's resolution that he was going to give up arguing about race with his sister (LaDon). When she responded, positively and that she was excited he was going to work on not being racist or saying racist things, he quickly responded that he wasn't saying that at all. His interpretation of not arguing about race and LaDon's was completely different. From what I gathered by what she said, he thought of it as they just wouldn't talk about it, and she thought it meant that we wouldn't be a racist. Huh, very interesting... And as for LaDon's concern with her niece and nephew growing up in such a poisonous community filled with very racist people, and her approach to being involved was somewhat confusing to me. She made it clear that she was concerned for them and wanted to be active and involved in their lives to I believe counteract the racism, and speak and live a life against it. Yet at the same time, I feel like her difficulties around Mart, and the community was inhibiting that. Just from what I personally interpreted, I felt like her involvement was more on the minimal side because of the number of times she said she goes to Mart being very few. Again, this is me with my "Oh let me analyze everything she says hat on". Regardless, I hope for the absolute best for LaDon and her family. I hope that love and understanding can transcend all of their perceptions and they can communicate and love one another better.

Another big part of my week included the Liptak and Lewin articles on affirmative action. I must admit that before reading these articles this week and letting myself have a good think about affirmative action, I haven't really ever given it much thought. And to be honest that makes me upset and concerned with myself. Upset because it has definitely impacted me personally and concerned because why the heck haven't I thought of it before?!?! I applied to college, actually, I applied to college at the university where this recent Supreme Court case is coming from. Why is it that when I was doing all sorts of college applications at both private and public universities in Texas and out-of- state this never crossed my mind? My conclusions to this question= power and privilege. I am a white, middle-class, able-bodied, Christian. (I am not trying to brag on this next part, so bear with me...) Another reason is intelligence. I am smart. I have, and grew up with two educated and intelligent parents who continually share their wisdom with me. I grew up with a very intelligent extended family as well. I went to great schools, that gave me lots of opportunities to learn and succeed in whatever areas I has interest in and more. I went to schools with peers who were very smart and challenged me in my learning. And with regard to affirmative action, I was in higher than the top 10% at a 5A school in the suburbs of Houston. But the most important factor to me is that regardless of everything, I worked my butt off! I read, studied, did my homework, applied for scholarships, took advanced classes, and tried my best to never take any of my many blessings for granted. I worked to get where I am today. When I was in that point of my life, I was highly aware of my blessings and accessibility to everything I needed to prepare and go to college, but I never viewed it in the way I do now. I have power and privilege. It's as simple as that. While I whole-heartily believe that everyone at The University of Texas is intelligent, I know for a fact that it was not nearly as easy for some students to get where they are today. I commend and applaud those students for their dedication and work ethic. As I think about affirmative action and the old law that gave automatic acceptance to the top 10% in Texas (the new law has decrease the %, not sure of to what though), I realize what a big deal affirmative action really is. It plays a big role in learning and the dichotomy of colleges nationwide. All I know is that think about it I will continue to do, and I hope you do the same.

I can't close this post without saying something about the culture boxes. I LOVED THEM!!! I loved making mine, but I especially have loved getting to see a glimpse into y'alls lives and hear your stories and experiences. It has been a privilege to get to know you all better and hear about what makes you you. My biggest problem with them is that I want way more time to hear your stories and to share with one another! The have been great and I look forward to hearing the rest of them :)

Keep on truckin' classmates! I know the semester is picking up more than ever, but I know we can do this!!!
Until next week...
Peace,
Maija