Alistair Here, My answers to the questions we were thinking about during the film: 1. The studying of modern and ancient Mexican culture gave the students empowerment and identity beyond that of the United States or current systems. It taught them the ethos of these past cultures, and how to apply them to modern problems. The program not only taught them to be engaged in the classroom, but as alums in the community, participating in events around Tucson and the Southwest that display their care and cultural identity. 2. The Superintendent wanted to get rid of the Ethnic studies program because he said that it divided people by race and encouraged them to develop identity apart from American Hegemony. This idea is politically written to abolish diversity in favor of not American ideals, but White ideals, as the majority. It’s f*cking bullshit in my opinion. 3. In our class we talk about democracy in education and how that impacts the future of each individual as well as the society they occupy. Critical education theories test the systems that are in place in order to improve the conditions for all, especially those that are systematically oppressed. We talk about creating a better society starting with each student, and the active participation in the community that was displayed in Precious Knowledge encourages the fact that a better society does in fact start in the classroom.
There was a section that related back to Paulo Freire and the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, using Critical Race Theory and the injustices in the American School→Prison system that traps minorities in a helpless cycle. The Raza program was a major step toward deflecting this process, giving students motivation to become politically engaged and conscious of their place in society. Mi Gente and Mi Cultura were fun things to hear the students say, because it shows them taking ownership of these things and applying their own language and personality to it! La Lucha!
I found this film really interesting. It sparked a "take action" motive in me especially with discrimination and the passing of any type of bill that stops students from learning more things other than the basic classes we have. I learned more about my own culture in this one video than in my whole life. It's said to see raza study classes will get shut down just because a senator or a political official thinks it goes against "American ideologies".
"Si se puede" is a phrase that means "It can be done" by mexican/chicano people. it is repeated multiple times, and they chant it throughout the whole movie. Those students were really lucky to have both teachers who had a passion to teach, allow students to critically think, and engage them. In my opinion, not a lot of us have teacher who looks like us that has that type of passion. Both teachers marched with their students and protested showing they were not scared from the outside. It takes courage to be able to do such a thing especially as a teacher. One thing i did notice, was that the teachers did not teach traditionally or progressively but in a critical way. They did really well with having students raise their voices, choose what they wanted to write about and gain experience in public speaking. They encouraged passion as well which engaged each student.
Regarding today, the "No Child Left Behind Act" has simply and sadly left every child left behind. Teachers have to stick to high test scores and not the student's ability to think and work better. The structure we have today is an example that even before when Tuscon High in Arizona had their cultural classes taken away, I believe that could still happen today (but not as quickly).
Riley B This film intrigued me. The lawmakers banned the MAS program because they were trying to be what? fair? I can't make it make sense... Anyways it relates wildly to the critical race theory due to the misunderstanding of the whole concept.
I think this film was amazing and something that bothered me the most was the fact that people are so against people of other cultures being in a club supporting their culture. Theirs people who get more excited for school due to these clubs and they might be shut down all because a man thinks it's not "American" enough. Something that I think it relates to though is the CRT. They both involve talks on racism and "equality". Having students be more informed on their culture has more of a positive impact than a negative impact.
Danny Trainham: In the film, the school superintendent wanted to end the Ethnic Studies program because it "divided" the students. This angered me because if students want to learn more about their culture, they should have the option. The Ethnic Studies program successfully engaged students; it formed a sense of community and interest in learning. Additionally, the graduation rate for students enrolled in Ethnic Studies electives was 93%; this proves that the program was beneficial for students. This film relates to the critical race controversy that is ongoing in our society. Many argue that teaching critical race theory in schools emphasizes differences based on race, indoctrinates students to believe a certain ideology, and goes against some parents' wishes. However, I believe that critical race theory is a part of history and should be taught. Especially regarding slavery and colonization, students need to understand the terrible background of the United States and how it still affects marginalized groups today. If our history is erased, the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat.
Emma Finn- My favorite part of the film was around the 16 minute part where the high school students are in a classroom and they are having a conversation about their thoughts on the new rule "no pass, no play." I think to begin with, the fact that a teacher or a person who is older than them allowing them to share their thoughts and have a group discussion is amazing. I think that goes hand-in-hand with what we talked about in class with how can create critical thinkers in the classroom. When asked their thoughts on the topic, the students got to share their thoughts and feels while being forced to hear and think about the rule from other people's perspectives. The conversation started with the students saying if your an athlete, then you should have some sort of dedication to pass your classes but a young man in the back chimes in and uses a great analogy "that's like saying, if I can run fast enough I can fly" implying that there is something in the way of him passing now matter how hard he tries. Then around the 1 hour and 1 minute mark, students come back and emotionally thank their teacher for being their mentor. The students appreciate having those real-world conversations and its important for them to feel seen if we want students to succeed.
I found it ridiculous how someone could view the La Raza studies to be racist. The irony of it goes without saying. The only people that claimed this class to be a threat to unity and "American values" were the white people in power. I can understand how they'd think that it was dividing people by race, but it's even more ignorant to disregard one's culture to aid your discomfort/confusion. These students were not being taught to resent white people, they were being taught to have a societal awareness of their ancestors history and how that's had an effect on society today; one of the outcomes being the cancellation of the ethnic programs in Arizona.
I enjoyed watching the film and it was fascinating. I did not really enjoy it when they started talking about the different cultures and how they were pretty much bothered by it. I believe that this film serves as a powerful reminder that educational access and representation are ongoing battles.
I found the film very interesting. Something that I liked was how certain topics made certain people uncomfortable. I find I related to this a lot growing up in a predominantly white school, and during some topics we would talk about, I realized that they would not add much because it made them uncomfortable. I never really understood why cultures or certain races made people uncomfortable, but growing up, I realized it more. I find it very important to have those awkward conversations because we wouldn't get far if we didn't. I am starting to see that more and more in our education system and even our government. Not having these "uncomfortable" conversations can ruin upcoming generations.
Claire Cook: I really enjoyed watching this film. I liked seeing students in the classroom, and hearing how they’re feeling and seeing how their life is in the classroom. Seeing the program trying to be shut down was sad, especially as it was being shut down who didn’t truly understand why it wasn’t created. They’re very heavy on the ‘American values’, and don’t want people who come from different cultures to be able to learn about it or really even talk about it, which is very sad to see.
Jordan Dent: I really like hearing student perspective in this film. One that really stuck out to me was the girl who had explained that before changes in school, she had only a limited view of herself and what was expected of someone like her because of her background. Not a student’s perspective but I did also find interesting the commentary about it not being learning deficits that were a huge issue, but the school environment itself. I think the film shows how broadening one’s lookout on life and society can lead to better understanding and outcomes. I would even argue an increase on self worth, especially when being presented with great representation of one’s uniqueness and potential.
Rooted in the pedagogy of the oppressed, the MAS Program did more than teach history—it genuinely empowered students to think critically, embrace their cultural heritage, and become advocates for social change. Yet, despite its success in boosting graduation rates and academic performance, the program faced fierce opposition from state lawmakers who argued it promoted “anti-American” values. This controversy culminated in the passing of HB2281, a law that banned ethnic studies, causing protests and legal battles that questioned the boundaries of cultural education in America.
Something that I found so compelling about the film is its raw portrayal of the emotional and intellectual impact on students whose identities were under political attack. When the final days of the program were shown towards the end of the film, there were so many kids crying and one student went as far as to say that Acosta was a father of figure through the class. It is incredibly important to have an outlet to understand your identity or heritage, some students' only resource for that is school. This is yet another example of our government failing us.
Mack Mboh I am always under the impression that it is important for students to know about their culture. If this is what students want to learn about, why make points to take it away? It only causes more division if only one set of students get to learn about their culture.
Mia :)- I firmly believe that a student knowing their culture improves their learning drastically, as well as their life in general. It has never made sense to me why programs focused around culture are always under fire. Despite the selfish view of funding etc. they are all extremely beneficial.
Nida---I think the film speaks broadly to the wide debate over CRT. I do feel like I see it among right-wing conservatives who have continued to spark the long-lasting debate over the meaning of CRT nationwide. Such debates stifle a form of cognitive dissonance known as confirmation bias. Such an idea can be applied to the very topic of CRT and many anti- CRT reformers. Individuals feel an inclination to state a fact or conclusion based on their prejudice. It creates a form of tension because it causes an individual to feel discomfort knowing their personal beliefs and opinions are being contradicted. Many anti-CRT reformers want to have students be taught universal principles based on our Declaration of Independence and through the lens of American exceptionalism rather than be taught that there is a “race being favored over another.” They don’t want people to be taught that “white people are supremacist” or to feel “white guilt.” They believe that our history should be taught through the values of our republic. Yet every statement that they have supported to defend their argument is contradictory. Our very republic is set on “universal ideals and principles” to emphasize that “all men are created equally,” yet critical theory doesn’t bash white people; it simply represents the analysis that racial inequality is heavily incorporated in our legal system and societal norm. It advocates simply understanding the socially structured inequalities to form a more just society where equality exists. Critical race theory, a movement that initially started at Harvard under Professor Derrick Bell in the 1980s was a theory that believed that race is a social construct embedded in our legal system. The mere purpose of critical race theory isn’t to cause divisiveness or fuel hatred, but it is to address and emphasize the political challenges of racial justice and disparities in our legal system perpetuated by the racial hierarchy in our polarized society. I believe it is important to discuss such topics in curriculums because it can lead to a more in-depth understanding of the social constructs around us that affect everyone, particularly in a country that is so racially divided and conscious.
ROB: I really dont believe that they should be attempting to abolish these types of courses. By taking these away they diminish the ability to learn about other races. The choice should be in the hands of the students and their parents. It seems like a form of fear in this instance. It truly is beneficial to know more about the people around us and how to understand their cultures and ways of life in order to better communicate in any fashion with them.
Grade school is the time when students are really trying to find themselves and really don't know who they are yet. So to have an outlet to sort of guide them in that area is important and to understand others and they should have the choice.
Peyton Plummer I enjoyed watching this film! I found it very educational and informative as to what is going on in other states when it comes to issues such as racial identity and community within education. To me, this clearly connects to the "issue" of critical race theory in the world of education. It just showcases the oppression of cultures across the United States to make others feel more "comfortable" about the reality of how the US functions as a nation that is supposed to represent liberty and justice for all.
Charlie Campbell This PBS documentary, Precious Knowledge, comes at an interesting time. It highlights a program that boasts a 100% graduation rate and 85% college attendance among its students, a stark contrast to the 48% dropout rate for Mexican American students statewide. The film captures a year in the classroom, showing how this social-justice curriculum engages students and sparks community involvement.
This 2012 Documentary is now occurring nationwide. The ‘Dear Colleague” letter sent out to all educational institutions nationwide makes it clear the current administration considered many of these programs to be illegal discrimination based on sex or race.
We are going to be reeling instructionally as the Overton Window of public discourse rapidly shifts on these issues. Conversations behind closed doors will shift from how many Che Guevara posters should we have in the classroom, to “How do we make Benjamin Franklin feel inclusive.” I hope we don’t lose sight of broader culture in instruction. Americans are famously unaware of many of the other cultures of the world
I think it’s important to integrate ethnic studies into classrooms because it’s true; the majority of what’s taught in history classes and such are about white dudes—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, etc. And these guys were cool and all but there’s not a lot of relatability there, especially when all you’re hearing about your people (as a black person) is that we were slaves and had to sit in the back of the bus. I think it’s even worse for Asian American, Indigenous, or Hispanic people who are barely ever mentioned at all when they were also here in America and contributing to the development of this country. This kind of whitewashed history that is taught to children; it creates a framework of who they are from a biased lens. Learning about your culture from the source makes you proud of who you are and know yourself fully.
Talia Gose: Watching Precious Knowledge really made me think about how powerful education can be when it actually connects to students real lives and experiences. I feel like a lot of the time in school, we’re just expected to learn facts without questioning where they come from or who gets to decide what’s important. Seeing the students in the MAS program learning about their history and culture, and how much it impacted their confidence and success, really showed me how important it is to have education that feels meaningful.
Alistair Here,
ReplyDeleteMy answers to the questions we were thinking about during the film:
1. The studying of modern and ancient Mexican culture gave the students empowerment and identity beyond that of the United States or current systems. It taught them the ethos of these past cultures, and how to apply them to modern problems. The program not only taught them to be engaged in the classroom, but as alums in the community, participating in events around Tucson and the Southwest that display their care and cultural identity.
2. The Superintendent wanted to get rid of the Ethnic studies program because he said that it divided people by race and encouraged them to develop identity apart from American Hegemony. This idea is politically written to abolish diversity in favor of not American ideals, but White ideals, as the majority. It’s f*cking bullshit in my opinion.
3. In our class we talk about democracy in education and how that impacts the future of each individual as well as the society they occupy. Critical education theories test the systems that are in place in order to improve the conditions for all, especially those that are systematically oppressed. We talk about creating a better society starting with each student, and the active participation in the community that was displayed in Precious Knowledge encourages the fact that a better society does in fact start in the classroom.
There was a section that related back to Paulo Freire and the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, using Critical Race Theory and the injustices in the American School→Prison system that traps minorities in a helpless cycle. The Raza program was a major step toward deflecting this process, giving students motivation to become politically engaged and conscious of their place in society.
Mi Gente and Mi Cultura were fun things to hear the students say, because it shows them taking ownership of these things and applying their own language and personality to it! La Lucha!
I found this film really interesting. It sparked a "take action" motive in me especially with discrimination and the passing of any type of bill that stops students from learning more things other than the basic classes we have. I learned more about my own culture in this one video than in my whole life. It's said to see raza study classes will get shut down just because a senator or a political official thinks it goes against "American ideologies".
ReplyDelete"Si se puede" is a phrase that means "It can be done" by mexican/chicano people. it is repeated multiple times, and they chant it throughout the whole movie. Those students were really lucky to have both teachers who had a passion to teach, allow students to critically think, and engage them. In my opinion, not a lot of us have teacher who looks like us that has that type of passion. Both teachers marched with their students and protested showing they were not scared from the outside. It takes courage to be able to do such a thing especially as a teacher. One thing i did notice, was that the teachers did not teach traditionally or progressively but in a critical way. They did really well with having students raise their voices, choose what they wanted to write about and gain experience in public speaking. They encouraged passion as well which engaged each student.
Regarding today, the "No Child Left Behind Act" has simply and sadly left every child left behind. Teachers have to stick to high test scores and not the student's ability to think and work better. The structure we have today is an example that even before when Tuscon High in Arizona had their cultural classes taken away, I believe that could still happen today (but not as quickly).
Yuritzy Martinez :)
DeleteRiley B
ReplyDeleteThis film intrigued me.
The lawmakers banned the MAS program because they were trying to be what? fair? I can't make it make sense... Anyways it relates wildly to the critical race theory due to the misunderstanding of the whole concept.
I think this film was amazing and something that bothered me the most was the fact that people are so against people of other cultures being in a club supporting their culture. Theirs people who get more excited for school due to these clubs and they might be shut down all because a man thinks it's not "American" enough. Something that I think it relates to though is the CRT. They both involve talks on racism and "equality". Having students be more informed on their culture has more of a positive impact than a negative impact.
ReplyDeleteElise Ginn^
DeleteDanny Trainham:
ReplyDeleteIn the film, the school superintendent wanted to end the Ethnic Studies program because it "divided" the students. This angered me because if students want to learn more about their culture, they should have the option. The Ethnic Studies program successfully engaged students; it formed a sense of community and interest in learning. Additionally, the graduation rate for students enrolled in Ethnic Studies electives was 93%; this proves that the program was beneficial for students. This film relates to the critical race controversy that is ongoing in our society. Many argue that teaching critical race theory in schools emphasizes differences based on race, indoctrinates students to believe a certain ideology, and goes against some parents' wishes. However, I believe that critical race theory is a part of history and should be taught. Especially regarding slavery and colonization, students need to understand the terrible background of the United States and how it still affects marginalized groups today. If our history is erased, the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat.
Emma Finn- My favorite part of the film was around the 16 minute part where the high school students are in a classroom and they are having a conversation about their thoughts on the new rule "no pass, no play." I think to begin with, the fact that a teacher or a person who is older than them allowing them to share their thoughts and have a group discussion is amazing. I think that goes hand-in-hand with what we talked about in class with how can create critical thinkers in the classroom. When asked their thoughts on the topic, the students got to share their thoughts and feels while being forced to hear and think about the rule from other people's perspectives. The conversation started with the students saying if your an athlete, then you should have some sort of dedication to pass your classes but a young man in the back chimes in and uses a great analogy "that's like saying, if I can run fast enough I can fly" implying that there is something in the way of him passing now matter how hard he tries. Then around the 1 hour and 1 minute mark, students come back and emotionally thank their teacher for being their mentor. The students appreciate having those real-world conversations and its important for them to feel seen if we want students to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI found it ridiculous how someone could view the La Raza studies to be racist. The irony of it goes without saying. The only people that claimed this class to be a threat to unity and "American values" were the white people in power. I can understand how they'd think that it was dividing people by race, but it's even more ignorant to disregard one's culture to aid your discomfort/confusion. These students were not being taught to resent white people, they were being taught to have a societal awareness of their ancestors history and how that's had an effect on society today; one of the outcomes being the cancellation of the ethnic programs in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteCady Ayers
DeleteI enjoyed watching the film and it was fascinating. I did not really enjoy it when they started talking about the different cultures and how they were pretty much bothered by it. I believe that this film serves as a powerful reminder that educational access and representation are ongoing battles.
ReplyDeleteI found the film very interesting. Something that I liked was how certain topics made certain people uncomfortable. I find I related to this a lot growing up in a predominantly white school, and during some topics we would talk about, I realized that they would not add much because it made them uncomfortable. I never really understood why cultures or certain races made people uncomfortable, but growing up, I realized it more. I find it very important to have those awkward conversations because we wouldn't get far if we didn't. I am starting to see that more and more in our education system and even our government. Not having these "uncomfortable" conversations can ruin upcoming generations.
ReplyDeleteClaire Cook:
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching this film. I liked seeing students in the classroom, and hearing how they’re feeling and seeing how their life is in the classroom. Seeing the program trying to be shut down was sad, especially as it was being shut down who didn’t truly understand why it wasn’t created. They’re very heavy on the ‘American values’, and don’t want people who come from different cultures to be able to learn about it or really even talk about it, which is very sad to see.
Jordan Dent: I really like hearing student perspective in this film. One that really stuck out to me was the girl who had explained that before changes in school, she had only a limited view of herself and what was expected of someone like her because of her background. Not a student’s perspective but I did also find interesting the commentary about it not being learning deficits that were a huge issue, but the school environment itself. I think the film shows how broadening one’s lookout on life and society can lead to better understanding and outcomes. I would even argue an increase on self worth, especially when being presented with great representation of one’s uniqueness and potential.
ReplyDeleteRooted in the pedagogy of the oppressed, the MAS Program did more than teach history—it genuinely empowered students to think critically, embrace their cultural heritage, and become advocates for social change. Yet, despite its success in boosting graduation rates and academic performance, the program faced fierce opposition from state lawmakers who argued it promoted “anti-American” values. This controversy culminated in the passing of HB2281, a law that banned ethnic studies, causing protests and legal battles that questioned the boundaries of cultural education in America.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I found so compelling about the film is its raw portrayal of the emotional and intellectual impact on students whose identities were under political attack. When the final days of the program were shown towards the end of the film, there were so many kids crying and one student went as far as to say that Acosta was a father of figure through the class. It is incredibly important to have an outlet to understand your identity or heritage, some students' only resource for that is school. This is yet another example of our government failing us.
Rosalyn Harper
DeleteMack Mboh
ReplyDeleteI am always under the impression that it is important for students to know about their culture. If this is what students want to learn about, why make points to take it away? It only causes more division if only one set of students get to learn about their culture.
Mia :)-
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that a student knowing their culture improves their learning drastically, as well as their life in general. It has never made sense to me why programs focused around culture are always under fire. Despite the selfish view of funding etc. they are all extremely beneficial.
Nida---I think the film speaks broadly to the wide debate over CRT. I do feel like I see it among right-wing conservatives who have continued to spark the long-lasting debate over the meaning of CRT nationwide. Such debates stifle a form of cognitive dissonance known as confirmation bias. Such an idea can be applied to the very topic of CRT and many anti- CRT reformers. Individuals feel an inclination to state a fact or conclusion based on their prejudice. It creates a form of tension because it causes an individual to feel discomfort knowing their personal beliefs and opinions are being contradicted. Many anti-CRT reformers want to have students be taught universal principles based on our Declaration of Independence and through the lens of American exceptionalism rather than be taught that there is a “race being favored over another.” They don’t want people to be taught that “white people are supremacist” or to feel “white guilt.” They believe that our history should be taught through the values of our republic. Yet every statement that they have supported to defend their argument is contradictory. Our very republic is set on “universal ideals and principles” to emphasize that “all men are created equally,” yet critical theory doesn’t bash white people; it simply represents the analysis that racial inequality is heavily incorporated in our legal system and societal norm. It advocates simply understanding the socially structured inequalities to form a more just society where equality exists. Critical race theory, a movement that initially started at Harvard under Professor Derrick Bell in the 1980s was a theory that believed that race is a social construct embedded in our legal system. The mere purpose of critical race theory isn’t to cause divisiveness or fuel hatred, but it is to address and emphasize the political challenges of racial justice and disparities in our legal system perpetuated by the racial hierarchy in our polarized society. I believe it is important to discuss such topics in curriculums because it can lead to a more in-depth understanding of the social constructs around us that affect everyone, particularly in a country that is so racially divided and conscious.
ReplyDeleteROB:
ReplyDeleteI really dont believe that they should be attempting to abolish these types of courses. By taking these away they diminish the ability to learn about other races. The choice should be in the hands of the students and their parents. It seems like a form of fear in this instance. It truly is beneficial to know more about the people around us and how to understand their cultures and ways of life in order to better communicate in any fashion with them.
Grade school is the time when students are really trying to find themselves and really don't know who they are yet. So to have an outlet to sort of guide them in that area is important and to understand others and they should have the choice.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Duquette
DeleteAllie here, the film had me confused and annoyed. It seemed unfair. Students should have the right to learn about their culture.
ReplyDeletePeyton Plummer
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching this film! I found it very educational and informative as to what is going on in other states when it comes to issues such as racial identity and community within education. To me, this clearly connects to the "issue" of critical race theory in the world of education. It just showcases the oppression of cultures across the United States to make others feel more "comfortable" about the reality of how the US functions as a nation that is supposed to represent liberty and justice for all.
Charlie Campbell
ReplyDeleteThis PBS documentary, Precious Knowledge, comes at an interesting time. It highlights a program that boasts a 100% graduation rate and 85% college attendance among its students, a stark contrast to the 48% dropout rate for Mexican American students statewide. The film captures a year in the classroom, showing how this social-justice curriculum engages students and sparks community involvement.
This 2012 Documentary is now occurring nationwide. The ‘Dear Colleague” letter sent out to all educational institutions nationwide makes it clear the current administration considered many of these programs to be illegal discrimination based on sex or race.
We are going to be reeling instructionally as the Overton Window of public discourse rapidly shifts on these issues. Conversations behind closed doors will shift from how many Che Guevara posters should we have in the classroom, to “How do we make Benjamin Franklin feel inclusive.” I hope we don’t lose sight of broader culture in instruction. Americans are famously unaware of many of the other cultures of the world
I think it’s important to integrate ethnic studies into classrooms because it’s true; the majority of what’s taught in history classes and such are about white dudes—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, etc. And these guys were cool and all but there’s not a lot of relatability there, especially when all you’re hearing about your people (as a black person) is that we were slaves and had to sit in the back of the bus. I think it’s even worse for Asian American, Indigenous, or Hispanic people who are barely ever mentioned at all when they were also here in America and contributing to the development of this country. This kind of whitewashed history that is taught to children; it creates a framework of who they are from a biased lens. Learning about your culture from the source makes you proud of who you are and know yourself fully.
ReplyDeleteTalia Gose:
ReplyDeleteWatching Precious Knowledge really made me think about how powerful education can be when it actually connects to students real lives and experiences. I feel like a lot of the time in school, we’re just expected to learn facts without questioning where they come from or who gets to decide what’s important. Seeing the students in the MAS program learning about their history and culture, and how much it impacted their confidence and success, really showed me how important it is to have education that feels meaningful.