OMG!!!

Well,
As you can see, I totally phased out and misplaced the last two days.  We had unexpected guests and it really played a huge part in throwing me off my game.  Anyway, here goes.  The last blog of the semester!!!  I will be honest and say that I originally thought the blogging idea was a bit cheesy, but after a semester of writing and reading blogs, I realize it is a very smart way to make sure we're covering the readings and hearing the voices of those who don't speak in class.  I really appreciated Professor G.  I would like to think that everyone was sad when they didn't see my blog yesterday...however, I know that with the end of the semester, everyone is experiencing that sweet sorrow that happens when you realize that it's over.  The relationships that we build, the experiences that we share, and the sometimes overwhelming workload has come to an end and while it brings such joy, we realize that we must break those bonds that we have shared for an entire semester and move on.  Only to have to start the cycle all over again if you're not graduating.

So keeping with the spirit of what the blogging was intended to do, I would just like to say a few things about Social Justice.  When I used to think of how I could affect change, I never contemplated that it would require social action.  Anytime groups are experiencing injustices, then what is needed is social justice.  Included in social justice is social planning, social development, and social action.  These require individuals that are committed and dedicated to seeing the end of the "ISMS".  Throughout the years, civil rights leader, advocates and allies have been the leading forces of social change.  It's time social workers were added to that list.  We are responsible for advocating and procuring justice for the clients we serve and society at large.  Just like when doctors take an oath to save lives, the social work profession requires social workers to live by a code of ethics that lift us above the normal citizen.  Whether it's rallying for the Trayvon Manors of the world or standing against funding cuts to Planned Parenthood, we must pick a side and choose to fight injustice. 

Okay, I'll get off my soap box.  In closing I will leave you with this.  "When you look around the world and see others suffering and choose to do nothing, perhaps you have chosen the wrong career."
Social Justice is what social workers should always strive to achieve.  What you do when no one is looking is just as important as what you do when the whole world is watching.

Until we meet again....

Eye Openers

And so we continue...
This week we were introduced to some of the social justice projects that have been brewing in our midst.  I have to say that each group did a spectacular job at capturing the social injustices and creating social action plans to rectify the situations. 

Project H
I was definitely moved by the emotional ties that this group experienced with this population.  I was captivated by their video and could feel their passion as they each described their experience with finding out about the homeless population here in Austin.  Symone especially moved me.  She is so right, often times I never even think about the way my life flows effortlessly until something or someone interferes and I'm made uncomfortable.  I take everything that I have for granted on most days and sometimes I find myself struggling to remain humble and grateful for all of my blessings.  This was a true eye opener.  Since this presentation, I have stopped whining about what I don't have and become more aware of the needs of others. I always thought that I was a good person, and I am, but this presentation not only opened my eyes, but my heart as well.

Educational Disparity
I was a student at Reagan in 1980.  Seems so long ago!  At that time, Reagan was one of the top school in the district, academically and sports-wise. It was also pre-dominantly black. Educational disparity probably existed but we were sometimes years ahead of other schools.  I remember in 1975, I was in the 4th grade when they integrated the school system here in Austin for the first time.  I went from a predominantly black school to an all-white school.  I was one of about 6 kids.  We were placed in special classes even after I told the teacher that I had already read the book that they were reading.  I had read it in the 3rd grade.  I had also done all of the math and other subjects that they were just now doing.  After about two weeks I was moved into an excellorated class, but I already felt like I had something to prove.  I believe that sometimes I still operate in that place.  I am very interested in working with this group on their social action plan.

AfterWorkActivism
This group really surprised me.  This really ties into my groups' social justice project.  I kept wondering exactly what they meant but once I was informed, I was moved into action.  This is exactly what is needed for students who want to participate but have to work to pay their way through college or are student with other obligations.  Activism done in times when those unable to attend during regular college hours will definitely be successful. I was also impressed that studentsfrom other schools couldalso get involved.  This was a great presentation!

Executive Orders
I have to say that if I was in their video, I would have been one of the people who did not know anything about an executive order!   I was so frustrated with them at the level of secrecy tied to finding out about how to fight an executive order.  And to think that even the capital librarian could not help them, I'm appalled.  Katy is the student I mentioned in my prior blog that is so active in so many social justice fights.  I know she had to be doubly frustrated becasue she works to get things done and to get people informed. I would really like to see this go in another direction so that if one wanted to fught an executive order, there could be some kind of guidelines to follow besides standing in front of the capital.  This was perhaps the project I learned from the most because it left me with knowledge of what it really takes for change to happen.

These presentations was so inspiring, I am really looking forward to what next week brings!
Until next week....

Visions For Change

Well, the end of the semester is fast approaching and I am starting to experience the end of the semester blues.  I  am finding that my entire outlook on social justice has been changed through addressing my own ideas and prejudices.  Blogging has opened up a whole new world to me thaat I didn't know existed.  Throughout the chapters of the Adams text, we have looked at ways that society has endured and continues to perpetuate social injustices through racism, ageism and adultism, sexism, feminism, and a host of other ways that we dress up and call "norms".  So now that we have all this information, what exactly are we to do with it?

We must have a plan of action if this is to mean anything.  The last few chapters in the Adams text talks about creating visions and strategies for change.  This week I have a list of questions that I would like to ask my peers. Please post your answers or have them ready for class on Monday because it just seems a shame to leave this class feeling like I have some knowledge of what social justice means but no ideas or inclinations to actively pursue justice for anyone, including myself.

1.  What, if anything, have you learned about social justice?
2.  Do you aspire to advocate for others?  In what way/s?
3.  Do you feel that there is social inequality?
4.  Do you feel that everyone is responsible for these inequalities?
5.  What have you done this semester besides the social justice project to promote equality?
6.  Do you think one person can affect change?
7.  What are some of the things that you would like to see change in the next 5 years?
8.  Do you think that the Trayvon issue is just a small part of a larger problem?
9.  Do you think we accomplished anything positive in this class?
10. What are your plans to increase awareness and become active in promoting social justice?

When I ask myself these questions, I am disappointed by some of the answers but vow to actively start pursuing a more active role in the fight for equality for all, regardless of the circumstance.  Why do I feel that some injustices are worthy fighting but not all?  One of our classmates is very proactive when it comes to injustices and sometimes I am blown away by the activities she attends all to fight injustice.  I should strive to be more like her.  We all should.  Even if it doesn't affect us personally, we should fight because it is the right thing to do.

I'll leave you with this,
"It takes courage to interrogate yourself. It takes courage to look at the mirror and see past your reflection to who you really are when you take off the mask, when you're not performing the same old routines and social roles.  It takes courage to ask--how did I become so well adjusted to injustice?  Cornel West (Adams p.587)

Until next week....

Adultism

"Like sundown laws of the old South requiring black people to leave town before dark, youth escort laws requiring young prople to be accompanied by an adult over the age of twenty-one years or depart malls before 7p.m. aim to regulate the presence of members of the subordinate group to suit the needs and preferences of members of the dominant group.  These laws determine when and under what circumstances youth, the target group, can be in the presence of adults, the dominant group, reinforcing and highlighting adult power and the powerlessness of youth.  Rooted in the adage of a not-so-long-gone era, "Children are to be seen and not heard," youth escort laws reflect absolute adult power over young people along with societal attitudes of disdain and lack of respect for youth (Adams p.533)."

Welcome back...When I first read these words I was vividly reminded of when I was a kid and you were never allowed to sit around or even talk to the "grown folks".  As a result, I couldn't wait to be grown!  Now that I am an adult, I can see how that treatment can negatively impact kids.  One day, I told my own daughter to get out of grown folks business and that remark somehow triggered a split in our relationship that has taken years to get through.  She recently told me that she felt from that moment own that she didn't fell able to share with me on an adult level because I was alwys reminding her that she was a kid.  She is an adult and I realized that I  had carried the treatment I received as a kid into my own parenting style.  I was able to apologize and because I still have a 15-year old, I'm better equipped to make sure she feels like she can speak and when she does, make sure she feels like she's heard. 

The way society has set up the divide between youth and adults has caused a massive gap which seems like it will never be bridged.  Although discpline and structure are necessary for children, must it always be done in such a way as to make it seem like it's because we're better than them.  We treat older people no different.  When I was growing up, the older people were to be respected and almost revered.  They garnered a respect that as a kid I couldn't see they deserved.  Now I know differently.  It is not about the age, it is about the person's wisdom and experience with life that I should respect.  In my Communities and Organizations class, my group has been doing a needs assessment on the  low-income older population.  What I've seen so far is that people somehow forget that this population exists and also needs resources, support, and care just like all the other disadvantaged population.  Because most receive a monthly Social Security check or SSDI, they are not eligible for any other public services.  This fixed income is just barely enough to pay their mortgage or rent so many end up using food banks and other community resources like Meals On Wheels to make ends meet throughout the month.  Not only is it a shame but it should be a crime that in the United States we have children and older people going to bed hungry.

So, what I have learned as an adult?  First, the older you get, the more your body and mind needs rest.  Children are people, too and should be treated as such.  The older people do deserve the respect of everyone and we should all feel obligated to care for them.  Discrimination is discrimination, whether it's race, gender, sexual orientation, or AGE.  I'm proud to have lived as long as I have and gained the knowledge that I have but if it comes at the expense and sacrifice of others, it loses some of its luster.


Until next week....

Ableism

Well, another week has flown by!  We are wrapping up another semester filled with tears, laughter, and knowledge.  We are coming to the end of the "ISMS" and we have learned that we have either practiced them or advocated against them.  This week, we move on to "ableism".  This particular topic is the main reason I returned to college.

In October of 2003, I walked into a day-hab facility for people with mental or physical disabilities for the first time.  I felt like I had finally found my purpose.  After a life of fast-food management, I was at the complete opposite of the spectrum when it comes to a career.  During the interview, the owners were called away for an emergency situation and when they returned, I was surrounded by a group of clients and engaged in an animated discussion on life-skills.  I was immediately hired.  Over the next five years, I worked with this population in every way possible.  From the supervisor of that day-hab, to direct care staff at group homes to finally as a foster parent to a client in my home.  What was abundantly clear throughout was the disadvantages of this population.  Funding was often cut, resources were scarce, and many were treated as if they somehow were the cause of their disabilities.  Things needed to change.  At first, I thought that opening my own residential service would make a difference so I initially enrolled in college to become a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP).  After a couple of semesters, I realized that the title had been changed so I was trying to figure out what to do instead.  After talking with a counselor, I realized that the changes needed to happen at the policy level and so, I changed my major to social work and the rest is history.  This population is treated by levels with the most severe being an 8 and the less severe being a 1.  The eligibility requirements to change a client's level is much too difficult even when there is proof that the client's needs warrant a more severe level diagnosis.  This is just one of many changes that needs to be made to the current system.  I absolutely adore this population!  I have found that many are more "able" than most of us and the ridicule, discrimination, and disadvantages that they face must end.

Throughout the years, many actors have played characters with physical and mental disabilities.  I often wonder what exactly they are trying to say.  Is it to bring awareness to the difficulties that they face or does it just cause more ridicule?  One movie that I think completely captures exactly how many developmentally disabled adults feel is "The Other Sister".  There are a lot of dynamics and "isms" in this movie so if you haven't seen it, I definitely suggest that you do. I am including a short clip.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Easter and be safe on your travels.

Until next week....

We continue with Intersectionality...Racism, Class and Heterosexism

Well, class was interesting this week...Although I was certainly incensed by the thoughtless cartoon portrayal of the Trayvon Martin murder, I hope that the author is not somehow "murdered" by us in the same way.  I can respect the opinion of others even when I don't personally agree.  I think it's important to recognize that everyone will not always agree and that it's alright.  Social Justice requires a call to action.  I attended the Rally for Trayvon Martin held on Monday and even though it wasn't as large as the rallies I watched on tv in other parts of the nation, I was deeply moved.  First, let me be honest and say that this was my very first rally.  As a social work student, it served as a reminder of just how important social justice is to our profession, but as a human being, it served to remind me of the senseless and often brutal ways in which we continue to treat one another.  I made a video which included short interviews from Professor G, Dr. Aguillar, Dr. Gilbert and another visitor that has been to our class but for the life of me, I could not figure out how to upload it to my blog from my cellphone.  Hopefully, I will be able to include it next week.  More than anything, I wanted to show the diversity of the crowd and  how solemn of an occasion it was.  It also brought together every population that we have discussed in class. There were people of every race, class, sexual orientation, gender, and age represented in the crowd.  That, more than anything else, moved me the most. How does something as horrible as murder bring us all together and yet, also continue to push us further apart?  It's really fustrating and maddening to realize that we are still just as divided as we have ever been.  Someone mentioned the fact that a black man had killed another black man here in Austin two weeks ago and noone was making a big deal about that.  In the "hood" where it happened, there was a big deal made about it. A block discussion was held and flowers, balloons, and crosses decorated the corner where it occurred.  It mattered to the family of the "dead" son and to the family of the son who will be "lost"to the prison system.  It mattered to everyone in that community.  Who it didn't matter to was the media.  It garnered very little media attention but that's predictable considering that it happened in the "hood".  I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see that it mattered enough to garner the front page of the American Statesman in Saturday's paper.

East Austin neighborhoods want downtown-style safety measures

Ricardo B. Brazziell/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Enlarge Photo

Balloons and flowers mark the area on 13th Street near Chicon Street where 32-year-old Nicholas Jarmon was fatally shot on March 17. Area residents say the slaying is a repercussion of a troubled neighborhood.

So, yes, any type of murder matters.  I guess the only question left to answer is why it should matter?

 

To keep with the reading, I really liked the poem, 'To Stop the Violence against Woman", by Alice Walker.  It speaks to the fact that we as women must first stop the violence against ourselves and against one another.  I'm still not quite sure why we as women are always condemning each other or in competition with one another?  I understand that male domination likes to keep us oppressed and by inciting these two main C's (condemnation and competition), they keep us in servitude to them.  What will it take for us to unite and stop the violence against woman?

 

Finally, just a short comment on heterosexism.  For years, I lived in this place where I practiced the beliefs of the majority when I desperately needed to define and be my ownself.  So, in 2005, I shed the jacket of heterosexism and stepped out of the closet to embrace my own sexuality.  This created quite a disturbance and a disconnect in my family and almost destroyed the bond between me and my children and me and my mother.  It has taken several years for us to move past some of the stigma of my being openly gay.  I was pleasantly suprised when this past spring break my mother for the first time embraced my partner and my youngest daughter decided that if anything happens to me, she wants to be allowed to remain with my partner.  That's a miracle and a blessing!  There is still a long way to go as far as the stigma that society attaches to being gay but thank God for those who have advocated for the LGTBQ community so that I can remain free and feel good in my own skin.

 

Unitl next week....

 

 

 

Is Culture Institutional?

Well, it's back to the grind so to speak... Hope everyone had a great spring break!
So, first, let's talk about the lecture.  I have to be the first to admit that I was disappointed by the way Dr. Edelman answered my question, "How much does culture play a role in the achievement gap?", but after having several days to think about it, how else should he have answered?  If the answer to this question is culture plays a huge role, then actually he responded as most Blacks have been ingrained to do since the days of slavery.  Seems a little harsh, doesn't it?  Don't get me wrong, that doesn't make it right but if culture is seen as an institution then some of the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of the black culture may come from this place of inferiority and lower "station" that has long been breeded through the "privileged".  It seems like that brings us back to race.  Professor G. always says that the topics we address in Social Justice are intersectional.  I have to finally agree.  Why is it that we cannot talk about culture without bringing up race?  This is because many of the culture values, ideals, and attitudes of blacks in America today are not the same as those from the actual Motherland...Africa.  We have been assimilated to adapt to the ways of the Europeans and have lost our own sense of culture and identity as a result.  I do believe that through sheer tenacity and refusal to totally adapt, some of our ancestors kept some of that culture and that is what most blacks live by today.  We are still seen as inferior, however.  If you didn't read, "Why are Black Students Lagging?", by Felicia Lee tha Professor G. sent, I am including the link because it brings up some very interesting point.  http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/30/arts/why-are-black-students-lagging.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm
Rebecca, from our class, also shared some excellent ideas, videos, and clips that you should read.  While I don't agree with the entire attitude that Professor Ogbu takes in the article, I have to agree that there is something that makes blacks think success is unattainable and that it is ingrained and then somehow passed on to our children.  As a parent, I made sure to know of all the avaliable programs that were available in their schools becasue i realized that society doesn't deem the education of my children as important as the white kid who sits in the next seat.  It has to be the most important thing as a parent.  We have to become advocates and champions for our children and sometimes for others' children as well.

I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the Trayvon Manor case.  It is an outrage!!  I'm still not sure why this has not garnered more media attention.  Is it because it happened to a black kid?  How unfortunate it is to be black in America!!  Sometimes, I start living in this ideal world in where we are all equal and treated as such and then I am slammed back into reality with something like this.
I have a son who resides in an all-white neighborhood in Maryland.  Should I be concerned that one day I may receive the same call as Trayvon's mother?  I would be horrified to think that my son was allowed to lay unidentified in a morgue while we searched frantically for him only to find out later that someone had killed him.  This was a hate crime and unless it's treated as one, I find that I once again must be disappointed with this "Great" country.  I feel like I must always somehow be afraid for my own son.

Until next week....