Delpit Reflection

     Other People's Children by Lisa Delpit explore the themes of power, privilege, and authority in educational settings such as classrooms. Delpit highlights how power imbalances affect both parties. It is often unacknowledged by those who are in control (teachers and principals) and is deeply felt by those who lack that power (students). This becomes a red flag for educators to recognize and address these kinds of issues in their classrooms.

     Delpit reflects on personal experiences in the text, such as when a Black graduate student felt ignored at a university that was predominantly white. Another example was a Black female teacher feeling like she was not being heard while teaching at a multicultural school. Even though their feelings of frustration were acknowledged, Delpit mentions to not make generalizations about race and how not all white individuals dismiss the voices of people of color. This further explains why it is important to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued- it is a two way street. 

     In a classroom teachers often hold authority and power, but not many people understand what this kind of power can have on students, however, students are highly aware of it. Delpit emphasizes that if you ignore these power dynamics you are creating a bigger gap in your relationship. Educators must be aware of the power they have, especially with building relationships with students. This could be done in a many ways such as incorporating their cultural backgrounds or just holding them to high expectations. When students feel valued and believed in, especially by their teacher, they are more likely to succeed.

     Delpit's reading reminded me of the movie "Gifted" where a seven year old girl has an innate talent for mathematics. When the teacher finds her solving problems way above her grade level she finds resources to help the girl. Since it is a movie it had more complications than needed, but all in all this belief in the student is so important because instead of ignoring this talent or simply try to get the girl to "come back" to first grade math she took it in her own hands to watch this student learn and thrive. 

     The same thing can be said about the movie "Hidden Figures" because with the belief of the person in charge of the mission the girls were able to figure out the math needed to get the spaceship into space. These girls had the odds against them due to the color of their skin, the time period, and the fact that they were women, but after getting support that got their job done. The power dynamic is only successful if both parties believe in each other. 

Here is a video of Lisa Delpit further talking about the power dynamic in schools. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-T7p22Dye4