"Bright, capable, young men and women do not think they belong in college because they are hillbillies." (O'Brian, 2003)
Response:
This quote stood out to me for a couple of different reasons. First of all, as educators of young people in West Virginia, I think we need to recognize this sense of shamefulness in children. Everybody always gets all excited about the "new kids" in school, which is great, they should feel welcome. However, these West Virginia students need to not only be enthused by the life that this person has lived before, but also be enthusiastic and prideful of their own surroundings. I think that as educators, if we get the opportunity to have a new student (from a different state) in our classes, we need to take the opportunity to use this as a learning experience by having the kids in the class research some interesting things about West Virginia to share with that new student, and give that new student the opportunity too to tell the rest of the class about her past location.
Also, this quote sort of caught me off guard because it seems ridiculous to me. I guess maybe this is because I have always been proud of West Virginia and where I come from (that, and I am a little bull-headed) but I think it's crazy to feel so low about yourself due to something that we know is a stereotype that not everyone, and hardly anyone, fits into in West Virginia. However, I feel as if this is a common thought throughout our youth, even with activities outside of academics, such as sports. I think kids, at a young age, dream of being a professional athlete but as they get older get the mind set "I'm from little ole West Virginia, I'll never make it that far!" When there is a school in our state that is Division I and holds many titles that could lead an athlete to a professional career. This is the same for careers in general. I believe people think I would like to be President, or on the National Education Board or whatever, and yet they feel they aren't competent enough to do so because they are from West Virginia.
I truly think this is something that as teachers, we address to our students over and over again. We need to help these students be proud of where they come from, rather than disgraced by it.
Related Media:
West Virginia Stereotypes: Don't Believe the Hype!
I chose this article because it is directly related to the school and the stereotypes that are being taught. However, it is talking directly about sports but the most important part I believe is the last couple paragraphs that are labeled "Fatalism or Forward-thinking?" This is where it talks about how West Virginians need to help put a stop to the stereotypes rather than egging it on! This could start in the elementary schools.
References:
Keeling, J. . (2007, December 4). West virginia stereotypes: don't believe the hype!. Retrieved from http://www.abetterwestvirginia.com/2007/12/04/west-virginia-stereotypes-dont-believe-the-hype/
O'Brian, J. . (2003, May 10). Tall tales of appalachia. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/10/opinion/tall-tales-of-appalachia.html
(Dr. Lindstrom, I don't know how to do hanging indents on blogs! So I just used the right align button, trying to be innovative!)
I really like the idea of having the new student inform the class of where they came from. It would make the student feel welcomed and help educate the class of a different culture and place.
ReplyDeleteI chose the same quote. I agree that as teachers we need to reach out to these children, but I also believe that parents play a huge role as well. A lot of children's thoughts come from their background.
ReplyDeletep.s. We seem to think alike. We chose the same quote and layout for our blogs! Haha!
I never thought about having an out-of-state student as a instructional lesson. That is pretty cool. I do agree with the child and pro-athlete thing. I sometimes believe that people unintentionally live up to the stereotypes placed on them because they know nothing else
ReplyDeleteSamantha, your viewpoint is very clear and well written. I really like your idea about embracing our culture rather than try to break away from it.
ReplyDeleteI really like the quote that you chose. I feel the same way about being proud of where I came from. I have lived many places, but I look at West Virginia as my home. I never felt like it was any different than other states and it upsets me that people feel they are incompetent, because they grew up in West Virginia.
ReplyDelete