Talking point, Aria reflection

After reading these piece it puts in perspective a few things I would have never actually thought about.  Private language versus a public language.  I can see the author's point, that by being pushed to learn english and speak englinsh early on his public life was expanded.  He became more confident publically.  Where his father, who didn't speak english that well, resigned his public speaking to his wife.  Who made excuses for the father's language abilities.  Although when alone with spanish speaking people his father would excel in public with his native language.

I feel that learning the language of the public, helped the author, publically.  Although it took away many experiences and expectations he had in his home.  I have have dealt with a few students who are bilingual in my time as a coach.  They have struggled with the language that is not their own.  Which is usaually mine.  We got through the process the best we can. 

It used to bother me when I was alot younger and hear people speak a different language around me.  Now I feel that it doesn't matter that much.  I had those same kids comunicate in a game using a different language, I had no idea what they were saying.  I figured it out eventually. 

When the author was pushed to speak english, in school and at home, he excelled publically.  Maybe if he hadn't been pushed to learn the language he might have fallen though the cracks.  Not to say he would not have learned the same things, or had the same job, or been just as successful.  Learning english actually helped, and sorry to say english is the language here.

White Privilege

White Priviledge: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, by Peggy McIntosh

The author, Peggy McIntosh argues that many people are racist or act racist and don't think they are, because of values or actions that they are indirectly taught or learned throughout daily life.   

Society has standards and expectations that are passed on from generation to generation.  This arguement falls into the "Whiteness" part of the SWAMP activity that we did in class.  The list of 26 points that she lists in the article are never directly related to "Whiteness."  As a white person, in my mind I can indirectly relate all 26 points to being white.  I feel the point of the article is that through indirect behaviors, ideas, thoughts, actions, people become racist or act racist.

Right now as a coach, I have a player on my team who is African-American, and going through some issues in the classroom.  I am trying to be receptive to him, treat him like I would treat the rest of the team.  Between the two of us, we have talked about soccer stuff and not race or creed.  He has told me I am not treating him any different, than what he expected.  I have told him that I have been harder on him as a player, but that's only because of his potential as a player.  He smiled and said I expect it. 

about me

I am old...returning student to finish up my degree in Phys. Ed.  I coach high school soccer and middle school basketball.  The kids I coach think I am old too, but then when I practice with them I rub it in, "I'm old what's your excuse?"  I work and with famous people.  Mostly music artists, but every now and then actors and comedians.