Other People's Children 

Cultural Conflict in the Classroom

Lisa Delpit

1. "Culture of Power

"Those with the power are frequently least aware of - or least willing to acknowledge its existence. Those with less power are often most aware of its existence."

Delpit emphasizes that people in positions of power (like teachers) may not recognize how their role or culture dominates the classroom. Still, students from marginalized groups feel a power imbalance every day. 

This article highlights that teachers and schools often reflect the values of the dominant culture, often without realizing it. Students from different backgrounds may feel left out or misunderstood because of this power imbalance. 

2. On Skills and Empowerment

"I do not advocate a 'back to basics' approach for children of color, but neither do I accept the argument that is oppressive to teach students grammar, spelling, and phonics directly."

Delpit argues that teaching basic skills clearly and directly can empower students who may not already know the "codes" of academic success. 

The author believes that all students deserve access to the tools of academic success. Teaching skills directly-like grammar and writing, can help students gain confidence and power, especially if they don't get those lessons at home. 

3. On Culture and Language

"I tell them that their language and cultural style is unique and wonderful, but that there is a political power game that is also being played, and if they want to be in on that game, there are certain games that they too must play."

Delpit encourages educators to honor students' cultural backgrounds, including the way they speak, while also teaching them how to succeed in the dominant culture. 

Delpit wants schools to respect students' home languages and cultures. She says students can learn how to speak and write in "school language" while still keeping pride in their identity.

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Argument statement - Delpit argues that teachers should clearly teach students how to succeed in school, but also respect their cultures and the way they speak at home.

"Colorblindness is the New Racism"

"Colorblindness is the New Racism" Raising Awareness about Privilege Using Color Insight 

By Margalynne J. Armstrong and Stephanie M. Wildman

Colorblindness overlooks systemic inequality and reinforces the status quo. While the intention to treat everyone equally is positive, ignoring race doesn't eliminate racism- it makes it harder to see. When we refuse to acknowledge racial differences, colorblindness can invalidate the lived experiences of people of color and allow systemic disparities to go unchallenged. True equality requires both recognizing and addressing how race shapes people's lives, not pretending those differences don't exist.

A law student at a social justice event was quoted in the article, stating, "Colorblindness is the new racism." 

The problem with colorblindness is that it may seem like equality, but it actually hides racism by ignoring how race shapes people's experience. It invalidates the lived realities of people of color. True equity comes from recognizing and responding to racial differences, not denying them. 

Learning about white privilege is not intuitive for Whites because "social norms of the privileged become the generalized normative expectation for the marginalized." I believe that the author is stating that the norms of the privileged group (like White people) often become the "default" way of living that everyone else is expected to follow. This makes it harder for people from marginalized groups to fit in or be treated equally, because their experiences and ways of life aren't seen as the standard. In short, the system is set up based on the privileges of the majority, and everyone else has to adapt to it.

One could also argue that colorblindness promotes equality by focusing on shared humanity rather than racial differences. Focusing on emphasizing race can perpetuate division. Treating people as individuals rather than as representatives of a race may, in fact, encourage unity.  As human beings, we should not make assumptions about a person based on their skin color. We should focus on character and common values, which help reduce prejudice and foster a more inclusive society. 

I would argue this point and say that marginalized groups don't just adapt to the privileged group's norms. They participate and influence, and reshape society in important ways. For example, many cultures, like African American culture, have greatly impacted music, fashion, and language. Moreover, marginalized communities help change norms and contribute to social progress, meaning society isn't entirely controlled by the privileged. 

Color Insight acknowledges that race is a social construct with real consequences, which are deeply embedded in our institutions and shape how people are perceived and treated. It calls on us to recognize and examine the racial dynamics that sustain inequality rather than ignore them.  

"Do not be afraid; notice your race and the race of others around you; racism and privilege still do not affect people's lives; learn more about the racial dynamic."

"Color insight requires recognition of the myth of perspectivelessness and white normativeness." I believe that color insight means understanding that no one sees the world from a completely neutral or 'unbiased' point of view. The idea that some people can see things without a racial perspective is a myth. In many areas of society, white culture is treated as the norm, while other cultures are seen as different. Color insight asks us to recognize this and question why certain perspectives are considered standard. By realizing that everyone's views are shaped by their race and their experiences, we can better understand unfair systems and work toward creating a more equal and inclusive society.

In contrast, colorblindness urges us to ignore race altogether, which can obscure systematic injustices and hinder the process of creating a more equitable society.

                                                  https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4318136

The article suggests that color insight requires combating racial stereotypes.  One powerful way to combat stereotyping is by looking for the 'me' in each individual. We should take the time to see what we have in common as human beings. Stereotypes rely on quick, shallow judgments based on race, culture, or appearance. But when we take time to learn about each person's story, feelings, and what matters to them, we start to understand them instead of assuming things. This helps us care more and see people as individuals, not just as part of a group. Whether we're at school, work, or in everyday life, seeing what we have in common as people can help break down walls and reduce unfair judgments.

Privilege, Power, and Difference

Privilege, Power, and Difference

Author - Allen G. Johnson

Is the fear of difference learned as Johnson claims? He claims that we are not normally afraid of difference, which suggests that social conditioning contributes to this fear.
The phrase "pit groups against each other" means to create conflict or competition between different groups. He suggests that its omission is a fear of making white males uncomfortable. How is this not seen as a racist idea?

Johnson presents "privilege" and "white racism" as something largely determined by identity categories (e.g., race, gender). But can privilege be more situational or fluid than his framework allows? For example, can someone experience both privilege and marginalization in different aspects of life simultaneously, or in different cultural contexts?

Johnson’s quote, “No one is white before he/she came to America,” underscores the idea that whiteness is not an inherent or biological identity, but a social construct created to uphold power structures. This perspective highlights how racial categories in the United States were intentionally developed and redefined over time to unify certain European ethnic groups under the label of “white” to establish and maintain a dominant racial group. The formation of this identity was not just about inclusion—it also required the systematic exclusion and marginalization of Black, Indigenous, and other nonwhite people. This process, built on both privilege and division, has had profound and lasting consequences for American society and its persistent racial inequalities.

Things about me.