Blog 5 - What is Race?

The author’s overall argument is that race is social and cultural construction. It doesn’t exist because there are no biological differences, but the effect of it still does because the terminology is still used by groups to make others feel inferior. Appeal to Appeal to both emotions (pathos) and logic (logos) are used when the author talks about the history of the word. It was “developed by what was then a dominant white, European-descended population, and serves as a means to distinguish and control other “non-white” populations in various ways” (pg 646). He goes on to point out the erroneous nature of “race” and how it only accounts for physical appearance, not region or cultural. Instead ethnicity should be used because it encompasses cultural differences. We’ll continue to “wallow in stupidity” if we’re not educating people on the correct terminology.

Blog 4 - Perspective on Standardized Testing

I found a news article about standardized testing, basically explaining how an elementary school is going to try and "beat the FCAT!". I understand the theory of holding teachers, schools and districts accountable with standardized testing but it seems like the teachers are forced to teach to the standardized test materials, leaving little room for students and teachers to be creative and learn/teach in multiple ways. Why spend time learning through group work if students are measured only individually? So I understand that children should understand basic reading and math skills, but children are different, and perhaps it takes different learning styles to better reach them all. Standardized testing seems to unfairly punish those different, those who aren't proficient route learners. There's a definite lack of creativity involved when you're only asked to memorize, it's very robotic and I think that's hurting U.S. students.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110410/ARTICLES/110419985/1109/sports?Title=Students-begin-week-of-standardized-testing-with-a-more-demanding-FCAT

Blog 3 - A Man's Feminism

The argument is deductive, with each general statement supported until reaching the specific conclusion. Raja Johnson-Howe begins by explaining the perceived balance of gender equality, then uses real life examples of derogatory terms (an appeal to values) associated with the feminine to show how there is still gender inequality. It’s shown how this limits both women and men before concluding that gender equality requires active participation by both men and women.

Raja Johnson-Howe’s overall argument is that feminism, although furthered by legal mandates, still requires active commitment and acceptance by both men and women to truly achieve equality. There’s unevenness within the progress that has already taken place, in terms of gender inequality and association.

Raja Johnson-Howe explains this by saying “The feminine is still undervalued, which means that women and range of qualities in men are still undervalued” (pg. 610).

Traits associated with males are still highly valued while female traits are viewed as weak. Basically, it’s alright for women to be associated with traditional male traits, like being assertive, strong, etc. but men are viewed as weak if they are associated with traditional feminine traits. Even further, women may compromise their perceived power if they display traits associated with femininity. This is because society hasn’t truly embraced gender equality and it requires active participation by both women and men to make it truth.

Week Two - World Perspective

I have a world view that can best be explained as partial cosmopolitanism; meaning, I feel that I have an obligation to others beyond family and citizenship. It goes beyond just valuing humanity, but actually taking an interest in other cultures and beliefs by engaging in conversations, basically sharing. Because I think that there are universal values, obviously varying in a multitude of ways, that allow a connection because there are more similarities than differences. Getting back to the obligation part, having a cosmopolitanism world view means finding the root of a problem (such as hunger in conjunction to a dictatorship, etc) and coming up with long term solutions.

My world views are based on my upbringing, media, experiences and education. I feel that my current education is like an editor, going over my views and beliefs, discarding the irrational, updating the rational and creating new beliefs. So education is the most influential force for me right now. What I try to do now is take on multiple perspectives of an issue, questioning it from different sides – basically the Socratic Method to foster critical thinking. It can be difficult because I find that some world views are contradictory in practice and/or writing.