The other day my supervisor and I met with a librarian in charge of UVM's Collections of Digital Imaging to discuss archives dealing with social justice and diversity. She wanted our input as to how she should structure the collection. She brought to us the idea of creating a collection of Kakewalk. I, being the naive Texan, had no idea what kakewalk was and they kept using the term black face as well. Granted I have seen black face before I still couldn't find the correlation between black face and kakewalk.
The only time I have heard or seen a cake walk was back home during the jamaicas and carnivals. A cakewalk is where we walk around in a circle to music, and once the music stops you sit on the chair you land and depending where you land you win a cake. Sometimes, to make it fun for the kids adults try to motivate the kids to dance to the music which is sometimes extremely festive resulting in a fun game. Out of the cakewalk the toy and plantwalks originated. So . . . that's the image I had of "kake" walk.
Kakewalk originated from an African-American dance in the south. Early forms of the cakewalk were easy-going and with time the dancers added flamboyant kicks and struts trying to outdo each other in the presence of their white masters. Afterwards, it evolved into a parody of white manners and social graces in the south. In the 1980's a dance craze followed and cakewalk contest were held all over the US in major cities and remained popular until the early 20th century. In theater, since African Americans could not perform, white Americans would paint their faces black emphasising big white eyes, lips and palms (characterizing an African American). With the growth of universities and fraternity celebrations, kakewalk and black face created large spectacles of cakewalk events. There would be large contests between fraternities in which members would try to out dance each other and at the end a trophy for the best dance would be given out. Here are UVM they had the event called "Kake Walk Weekend, also known as Winter Carnival and would attract hundreds of students and donors.
This discussion of black face quickly took me back to A&M's controversial video of two students in black face with a 12th man towel in their back pocket. My supervisor, wanting to illustrate black face to me, googled it and what appeared as number 1? . . . A&M's video. I constantly wonder how A&M and Texas for that matter would react to everything that I am learning. However, at times I just feel extremely overwhelmed and I just want to crawl in bed and ignore all the lessons of the day. Everyday I am reminded of how sheltered and conservative I have been. My views and values clash every day with the liberal culture, but a part of me wants more and wants to reveal more, not just about the difference of culture, but about myself - self discoveries.
Anyways, that's the story of cakewalk and black face, now what I am going to do? I'm going to lecture, JK. Everything I am learning makes me want to open a center of Social Justice and simply program like crazy about issues that may be under the blanket and not addressed. And they do not have to be about American social justice issues, but internationally, like the Women of Juarez, or the "Desaparecidos", or South American politics, etc. There was a program my department would put on comparing the film "Bamboozled" to cake walk and understanding black face. However, they discontinued it because they saw a "decrease" in interest. But they did it with in a two year span, so there were already students who had seen the program. Hopefully we can bring it back and make it a four-year thing.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Issue of Identity
Today our department hosted a program called Microaggressions where several individuals presented on different aspects of microaggressions. Microaggressions are "brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults toward marginalized people. These events can be intentional or unintentional. Perpetrators of microaggressions are often unaware that they engage in such communications when they interact with marginalized people." Now, some of you might be thinking, what did I just say?! In broad terms microaggressions are for the most part unintentional racist comments and/or actions.
I attended one of the workshops which was presented by a Hispanic doctoral student at Teacher's College where he addressed the awareness of microaggressions and multiple identities. He got me to reflect in past acts and statements I have expressed and how I have been guilty of microaggressions. Often many of us do not think about our statements and remarks because we say them as jokes. Like when we used to joke around with my older sister's deployment to Korea. We woud joke how she would fit in, or even myself. How I appear "middle eastern". And above all else, the single most guilty microaggression I have been guilty of was during my sister's wedding. One of her bridesmaids is vegetarian and as Anet and I drove to meet the rest of the girls, they asked if we could bring lunch. We completely forgot that she was vegetarian and did not eat meat, and unconsciosly we got a burger for her. Just thinking about it, I feel horrible in that these microaggressions as so subtle you never know when you have been guilty of one. I was completely taken aback this.
As part of his presentation, he had us reflect on our own multiple identities. I never thought about having "multiple" identities. However, I identify as Hispanic, Latina, lower class, heterosexual, mexican, etc. One of the activities had us answer a series of questions that put our multiple identities to work. I consider my self a lower class citizen and I shared how that has influenced my career choice. I have decided to enter a field in where I can educate others about access to higher education as well as a career choice where the skills I learn and strengthen can be put to use in any other organization where I can help the youth, adult, etc. And because my social class has taught me that happiness and being free is what life is about, I would like a family of my own where the same values of happiness and freedom will be expressed. Despite my social class having a somewhat positive affect on me, it has influenced my ethnicity (and this is where one entangles their multiple identities). I am a latina of lower class and therefore there are expectations of me. It is expected of me to not go far because latinas generally drop out and begin raising a family and return home. This is a common stereotype that my family has defied.
I am blessed with a family whose values are more than that. I have a loving mother who always pushed me through elementary and HS, and now I am using that same energy to drive myself while she continues to motivate my younger sister. I have sisters who support me and will not let me get distracted. But I know in the back of my head as a latina and lower class citizen there are other Americans with my same multiple identities that opress us - Latinas. Sometimes as a latina I feel like one can only succeed so far before the guilt trip begins. You begin to be called too educated, too American, and have forgotten your gente. When this begins it makes me feel as if I am stepping on someone else's toes. But in reality, I am only trying to create my own identity and my own successes.
So . . . by getting my master's will I be seen as the one who forgot, who is using her own culture as scapegoats or will they see me for me and for what i have done?
A side note: I might sound a bit over-sensative, but I feel that because I am in an enviroment where social justice is the core of the university/culture, these issues are more present than ever compared to Texas. I'd just be So what?! However, I'd like to get some input from you.
Thanks for reading!
I attended one of the workshops which was presented by a Hispanic doctoral student at Teacher's College where he addressed the awareness of microaggressions and multiple identities. He got me to reflect in past acts and statements I have expressed and how I have been guilty of microaggressions. Often many of us do not think about our statements and remarks because we say them as jokes. Like when we used to joke around with my older sister's deployment to Korea. We woud joke how she would fit in, or even myself. How I appear "middle eastern". And above all else, the single most guilty microaggression I have been guilty of was during my sister's wedding. One of her bridesmaids is vegetarian and as Anet and I drove to meet the rest of the girls, they asked if we could bring lunch. We completely forgot that she was vegetarian and did not eat meat, and unconsciosly we got a burger for her. Just thinking about it, I feel horrible in that these microaggressions as so subtle you never know when you have been guilty of one. I was completely taken aback this.
As part of his presentation, he had us reflect on our own multiple identities. I never thought about having "multiple" identities. However, I identify as Hispanic, Latina, lower class, heterosexual, mexican, etc. One of the activities had us answer a series of questions that put our multiple identities to work. I consider my self a lower class citizen and I shared how that has influenced my career choice. I have decided to enter a field in where I can educate others about access to higher education as well as a career choice where the skills I learn and strengthen can be put to use in any other organization where I can help the youth, adult, etc. And because my social class has taught me that happiness and being free is what life is about, I would like a family of my own where the same values of happiness and freedom will be expressed. Despite my social class having a somewhat positive affect on me, it has influenced my ethnicity (and this is where one entangles their multiple identities). I am a latina of lower class and therefore there are expectations of me. It is expected of me to not go far because latinas generally drop out and begin raising a family and return home. This is a common stereotype that my family has defied.
I am blessed with a family whose values are more than that. I have a loving mother who always pushed me through elementary and HS, and now I am using that same energy to drive myself while she continues to motivate my younger sister. I have sisters who support me and will not let me get distracted. But I know in the back of my head as a latina and lower class citizen there are other Americans with my same multiple identities that opress us - Latinas. Sometimes as a latina I feel like one can only succeed so far before the guilt trip begins. You begin to be called too educated, too American, and have forgotten your gente. When this begins it makes me feel as if I am stepping on someone else's toes. But in reality, I am only trying to create my own identity and my own successes.
So . . . by getting my master's will I be seen as the one who forgot, who is using her own culture as scapegoats or will they see me for me and for what i have done?
A side note: I might sound a bit over-sensative, but I feel that because I am in an enviroment where social justice is the core of the university/culture, these issues are more present than ever compared to Texas. I'd just be So what?! However, I'd like to get some input from you.
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
"A Nation building colleges building people to contribute to the Nation"
The title was one of our themes to one of our classes this week. The idea behind it or rather the exercise was about a pretend university student affairs member needing to decide whether his school atheletic team should wear the US flag ensigna on their jerseys, post 9/11. He was confused in wanting to know if he should make the choice, leave it to the coaches who might in turn leave it to the students, or what.
My view in this scenario/question is that the student athletes should wear it. There were several disagreements that sprang from our conversation. Some students did not believe in encroaching some one else's values as far as their own country and ideals. Other students believe that the flag might not symbolize the same thing to another student as it does to another. Despite realistic disagreements, my view still stands with me. We have international and domestic students being recruited for sports worldwide to play for let's say, Texas A&M. Their academics are being paid for through an academic scholarship. They're visa is created because they have been recruited by a US school. They have agreed to come and not only represent the University but receive a US education. The least one can do is pay respect and wear a simple flag on their jersey. The same goes for US students who wish to play abroad during college. If their nation wants their athletes to sport the national flag, then why not, your paying your respects just like they have respected you by inviting/recruiting you for their team. Along with a US education comes the knowledge of the US itself. We are an entire nation accepting of any culture. Although the US has had it's trials and tribulations an American value is pride. Pride in its culture, just like A&M pride.
Another idea generated by one of our cohort members, was to have athletes wear the US flag along with their national flag. That was probably the most single poignant idea I heard through our entire conversation. The simple fact that US is a nation of nations, and by having these athletes display their own national flag demonstrates US' committment to diversity, and shows respect to our nation and their nation.
Now, I understand there might be individuals who do not agree wholeheartedly with the statements above, and you're more than welcomed to express your opinions. I am a student affairs/higher education professional in training and understanding students and opinions is a skill I plan on mastering.
Such questions regarding this issue are:
What is the institution prioritizing? The students? the University mission? How is this an international issue? Are we encroaching on our students' values/goals?
My view in this scenario/question is that the student athletes should wear it. There were several disagreements that sprang from our conversation. Some students did not believe in encroaching some one else's values as far as their own country and ideals. Other students believe that the flag might not symbolize the same thing to another student as it does to another. Despite realistic disagreements, my view still stands with me. We have international and domestic students being recruited for sports worldwide to play for let's say, Texas A&M. Their academics are being paid for through an academic scholarship. They're visa is created because they have been recruited by a US school. They have agreed to come and not only represent the University but receive a US education. The least one can do is pay respect and wear a simple flag on their jersey. The same goes for US students who wish to play abroad during college. If their nation wants their athletes to sport the national flag, then why not, your paying your respects just like they have respected you by inviting/recruiting you for their team. Along with a US education comes the knowledge of the US itself. We are an entire nation accepting of any culture. Although the US has had it's trials and tribulations an American value is pride. Pride in its culture, just like A&M pride.
Another idea generated by one of our cohort members, was to have athletes wear the US flag along with their national flag. That was probably the most single poignant idea I heard through our entire conversation. The simple fact that US is a nation of nations, and by having these athletes display their own national flag demonstrates US' committment to diversity, and shows respect to our nation and their nation.
Now, I understand there might be individuals who do not agree wholeheartedly with the statements above, and you're more than welcomed to express your opinions. I am a student affairs/higher education professional in training and understanding students and opinions is a skill I plan on mastering.
Such questions regarding this issue are:
What is the institution prioritizing? The students? the University mission? How is this an international issue? Are we encroaching on our students' values/goals?
And the education begins . . . (from fb)
*This note is not to disprespect anyone or anything, just simply to address differences in culture*
So after being in VT for almost a three weeks I have noticed quiet a few differences. Some I am appalled at, like the driving, and some I understand but do not agree with, like being called a person of color. We have a center for all people of color here at UVM, however I feel the center isolates certain people and cultures not advertently opening itself up to others. I questioned why the center cannot be called the Multicultural Center or Department? It's been thought of, but the response I receive is "this center and it's name allows those specific people of color to know that we are here for them". Coming from Texas A&M, a predominantly white institution and highly conservative, we didn't have the term "People of Color". We have a dept of multicutural affairs. I suppose I've been molded to that theory of multicultural instead of a person of color. It is difficult sometimes to address myself as a "person of color" because I am not a color I am hispanic. I can connect with any person whether it be culture, race, ethnicity, etc. I find that one thing that we have in common, like the love for music, I do not look if they are a person of color. There are several "people of color" who look anglo and might believe, because of their upbringing, that they are American and not Latina, just an example.
Anyways, this is just one difference I've been wanting to address. I just did not know how or when. Although there is are many other differences I do agree with, I believe VT will show me how to respect and be candid about certain issues. I have already had my first lesson in that. We had our first film for our Justice Film Series called "Reel Bad Arabs". When you have a chance, youtube-it and you will find a clip of it so you can see what I will talk about.
This film shows how "Hollywood" vilifies a group of people - arabs. My whole train of thought in watching this film/documentary was, "Hey, too bad, it happens to every culture, so what?" But in meeting with my supervisor for prep time, he helped me decipher the entire meaning behind the film and what the director's intention is. The director is arab and he is explaining the truth about his culture, like any other culture. I began to think about how very often history is written by those who win. Now, if you have read the books by Khaled Husseini (?) (Kite Runner and A thousand Splendid Suns) he addresses some truths of arab culture and helps you sympathize with them. This is what the director is heading towards. Why aren't we (Arabs) sympathized in the media? I believe because no one has expressed the truth yet. Certain movies do a great job in depicting Arabs as good people, and the movies were directed by Arabs directors, much like the George Lopez Show, or Family Matters, and then you have Full House, or the Cosby Show. As our own culture and own people, we are in charge of educating others about the realities in our cultures, and that is what "Reel Bad Arabs" shows for their own culture. Various students and staff also brought up great points in the film, and as a future student affairs professional, they learned from our film as I learned from them, now isn't that just the best thing in the world?! jk. But really, I enjoyed every minute of our discussion led by my supervisor.
Anyways, these are just some thoughts I figured I'd share with you all, hope you enjoy, and please youtube the film, you won't regret it. ALSO you can facebook my department haha. Center for Cultural Pluralism, or visit our website at www.uvm.edu/~ccpuvm
So after being in VT for almost a three weeks I have noticed quiet a few differences. Some I am appalled at, like the driving, and some I understand but do not agree with, like being called a person of color. We have a center for all people of color here at UVM, however I feel the center isolates certain people and cultures not advertently opening itself up to others. I questioned why the center cannot be called the Multicultural Center or Department? It's been thought of, but the response I receive is "this center and it's name allows those specific people of color to know that we are here for them". Coming from Texas A&M, a predominantly white institution and highly conservative, we didn't have the term "People of Color". We have a dept of multicutural affairs. I suppose I've been molded to that theory of multicultural instead of a person of color. It is difficult sometimes to address myself as a "person of color" because I am not a color I am hispanic. I can connect with any person whether it be culture, race, ethnicity, etc. I find that one thing that we have in common, like the love for music, I do not look if they are a person of color. There are several "people of color" who look anglo and might believe, because of their upbringing, that they are American and not Latina, just an example.
Anyways, this is just one difference I've been wanting to address. I just did not know how or when. Although there is are many other differences I do agree with, I believe VT will show me how to respect and be candid about certain issues. I have already had my first lesson in that. We had our first film for our Justice Film Series called "Reel Bad Arabs". When you have a chance, youtube-it and you will find a clip of it so you can see what I will talk about.
This film shows how "Hollywood" vilifies a group of people - arabs. My whole train of thought in watching this film/documentary was, "Hey, too bad, it happens to every culture, so what?" But in meeting with my supervisor for prep time, he helped me decipher the entire meaning behind the film and what the director's intention is. The director is arab and he is explaining the truth about his culture, like any other culture. I began to think about how very often history is written by those who win. Now, if you have read the books by Khaled Husseini (?) (Kite Runner and A thousand Splendid Suns) he addresses some truths of arab culture and helps you sympathize with them. This is what the director is heading towards. Why aren't we (Arabs) sympathized in the media? I believe because no one has expressed the truth yet. Certain movies do a great job in depicting Arabs as good people, and the movies were directed by Arabs directors, much like the George Lopez Show, or Family Matters, and then you have Full House, or the Cosby Show. As our own culture and own people, we are in charge of educating others about the realities in our cultures, and that is what "Reel Bad Arabs" shows for their own culture. Various students and staff also brought up great points in the film, and as a future student affairs professional, they learned from our film as I learned from them, now isn't that just the best thing in the world?! jk. But really, I enjoyed every minute of our discussion led by my supervisor.
Anyways, these are just some thoughts I figured I'd share with you all, hope you enjoy, and please youtube the film, you won't regret it. ALSO you can facebook my department haha. Center for Cultural Pluralism, or visit our website at www.uvm.edu/~ccpuvm
Purpose of Blog
Howdy!
My name is Amanda Flores and I am a graduate student at the University of Vermont, but most importantly I hail from the great state of Texas. I finished my bachelor's degree in English Literature and minors in Music and Business from Texas A&M University where I was actively involved in Student Life, Greek Life, Aggie Access, and the Concert Bands. I am now pursuing a master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Thanks to all my mentors, advisors, and family who have supported me through this journey.
This blog is intented for family and friends where they can keep updated with my everyday, or every week happenings included but not limited to class discussions, programs, life, etc. My purpose is not to create conflict with this blog but more towards moral conversation. Coming from Texas A&M, a highly conservative and predominantly white university, to the University of Vermont, a highly liberal and predominantly white university, BUT cultured environment has been an eye-opening experience.
My first days here I was quickly thrown into the culture. First, there are no light bulb sockets in my apartment what so ever, and second there is no air conditioner. I understand it's a cold state, but when the weather gets to 90 degrees with at least 50% humidity, being a Texas girl, I need my A/C. Needless to say this "heat wave" only lasted a week, whew! That was the biggest shock of the all so far. After that it has just been a sense of acclimating to the different lifestyle.
I am from Texas, so I passionately miss my steak, my tortillas, my SPICES!!!, and my avocadoes! I have tried immersing myself in the culture by attending the Farmer's Market. That was a treat, to my eyes at least. I bought a peach tart, that was the best tart I have ever had. My friends and I also had "tamales", sadly, but not surprisingly, they were not close at all towards our mama and guela's tamales. I have also been to downtown. It is a nice landscaped area, but the stores are a bit too pricy for me, but it's a nice place for a walk during a nice day. I have also been to Boston! My friends and I rented a vehicle and took our liberated butts to Boston! We were able to go to Ikea and the mall, and above all New York and Company. There is no New York and Company here, no Target, no "Super" walmart, etc. There is hardly any fast food resturant chains, which is alright, but also, there are no big chain resturants like Wings and More, McAllister's, PEI WEI, etc. It's been tough finding those key places that will help me remind me of home, however I have found a tight knit family with in my cohort.
Thanks to my cohort, we have all been able to vent to each other and support each other, even though its just been three weeks into school. The faculty in the program as well as those involved with HESA altogether have also been a great support. We have have two faculty invite us to their house for dinner and breakfast.
With that said, ya'lls Aggie has been slowly acclimating to the Vermont way of living, but I will for sure never forget where I come from. Once an Aggie always an Aggie ;)
Please enjoy and comment on anything, you do not have to agree or disagree to any of the posts, we can all agree to disagree. I hope this will turn into a learning experience for some of you.
Thanks and gig'em,
Amanda Flores
My name is Amanda Flores and I am a graduate student at the University of Vermont, but most importantly I hail from the great state of Texas. I finished my bachelor's degree in English Literature and minors in Music and Business from Texas A&M University where I was actively involved in Student Life, Greek Life, Aggie Access, and the Concert Bands. I am now pursuing a master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Thanks to all my mentors, advisors, and family who have supported me through this journey.
This blog is intented for family and friends where they can keep updated with my everyday, or every week happenings included but not limited to class discussions, programs, life, etc. My purpose is not to create conflict with this blog but more towards moral conversation. Coming from Texas A&M, a highly conservative and predominantly white university, to the University of Vermont, a highly liberal and predominantly white university, BUT cultured environment has been an eye-opening experience.
My first days here I was quickly thrown into the culture. First, there are no light bulb sockets in my apartment what so ever, and second there is no air conditioner. I understand it's a cold state, but when the weather gets to 90 degrees with at least 50% humidity, being a Texas girl, I need my A/C. Needless to say this "heat wave" only lasted a week, whew! That was the biggest shock of the all so far. After that it has just been a sense of acclimating to the different lifestyle.
I am from Texas, so I passionately miss my steak, my tortillas, my SPICES!!!, and my avocadoes! I have tried immersing myself in the culture by attending the Farmer's Market. That was a treat, to my eyes at least. I bought a peach tart, that was the best tart I have ever had. My friends and I also had "tamales", sadly, but not surprisingly, they were not close at all towards our mama and guela's tamales. I have also been to downtown. It is a nice landscaped area, but the stores are a bit too pricy for me, but it's a nice place for a walk during a nice day. I have also been to Boston! My friends and I rented a vehicle and took our liberated butts to Boston! We were able to go to Ikea and the mall, and above all New York and Company. There is no New York and Company here, no Target, no "Super" walmart, etc. There is hardly any fast food resturant chains, which is alright, but also, there are no big chain resturants like Wings and More, McAllister's, PEI WEI, etc. It's been tough finding those key places that will help me remind me of home, however I have found a tight knit family with in my cohort.
Thanks to my cohort, we have all been able to vent to each other and support each other, even though its just been three weeks into school. The faculty in the program as well as those involved with HESA altogether have also been a great support. We have have two faculty invite us to their house for dinner and breakfast.
With that said, ya'lls Aggie has been slowly acclimating to the Vermont way of living, but I will for sure never forget where I come from. Once an Aggie always an Aggie ;)
Please enjoy and comment on anything, you do not have to agree or disagree to any of the posts, we can all agree to disagree. I hope this will turn into a learning experience for some of you.
Thanks and gig'em,
Amanda Flores
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