Language of Power continued...

One student asked, “Why do we have to discuss teaching minority children the language of power? Why not just teach everyone acceptance?”

My response to these questions is this: First, to deny that our country has rid itself of racism is ignorant. It is also ignorant to suggest that acceptance is the key to ridding racist belief and oppression. Acceptance has nothing to do with the fact that our institutional makeup and language has an inherent power present in its very foundation. This country was founded on this kind of power and our government and social structures are held up by this inherent power. Furthermore, understanding that our language and social norms determines how successful we are able to navigate the system. To not address this fact puts those without the necessary resources in place (home, education, community) at a disadvantage. Those who are privileged (with current understanding of norms, codes, and social resources) often overlook any understanding of the power they have and take their placement in society for granted. It is easy for them to think everyone has the same resources and tools, but this is where the problem lies. In order to solve it, all of us who are privileged need to be aware of the power they hold. It is a crime to deny that it exists for the benefit of some, but not others. Yes, this is unfair. Yes, we need to acknowledge that we have power over others through our language and culture. We don’t want to go back to the days when African Americans had to pass a voting test so heavily coded with the language of power in Alabama, that not even the average white citizen could pass the requirements and be allowed to vote. This is the same for all aspects of our social institutions, schools, government, and our very communities.

Lisa McDougald
group 6
Posted February 6, 2005