I enjoyed Nakkulat Toshalis first
chapter in The Construction of
Adolescence. Having a story between Antwon and Ms. Petersen made the
reading easier to read then past articles. The relationship between the two is
based of what they imagine from past experiences, and how they interpret the
theories. This section of the chapter I found to be very interesting. Nakkulat goes on to say Antwon’s behavior and
self-understanding are being coauthored by Ms. Petersen’s actions toward
him. Antwon acts differently towards Ms.
Petersen, because of the contributions and co-authorization she gives him. This also made me think back to while I was
in school and my teachers who had my brother already had a preconceived idea of
me as a student. They based this on the experiences they had with my brother as
a student, and used that as a theory of how I would be in class. Ms. Petersen
does the same thing as I have seen done to me or other students, and places
preconceived judgment onto Antwon.
As
a youth worker it is important that we put aside these preconceived ideas, and
focus on the individual. In Ms. Petersen’s case she should not have had her
personal feelings towards African Americans effect her approach while working
with Antwon. No matter the students attitudes or behaviors it is important not to disengage or resist. As youth workers we have to be able to work with everyone and not
base any prior experiences or impressions on the youth we work with. We have to remember that not everyone is alike, and we can't assume that everyone is the same. Each person deserves to be treated without prior assumptions or judgements.
I completely agree with you about having teachers assume you will act how your brother did. I have a huge family and teachers always just assumed I was exactly like my siblings. Granted my siblings besides one was very well behaved. it sort of leaves you with reactions that are not necessary based on who you are but who they were.
ReplyDeleteIt is always an interesting experience for a teacher to have a student's sibling in class. It cannot be easy for them to ignore their experiences with the sibling. But they must do everything they can to treat the student as an individual, rather than an extension of their family member.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that as youth workers we must dismiss those stereotypes we have about youths before we even know them. We may not think that it will affect the work we do with youth but the reality is that it does and that is why it is important to dismiss those stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a good and informative content to all of us.
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