[NLA] [Fwd: [NIFL-ESL:7324] COABE plantation tour]

[Leah Carpenter]

This is a link to a set of tests to look for hidden biases toward several groups. I thought that some of you may be interested due the recent discussion of this issue.

Leah Carpenter
Family Services Coordinator
KRFH Head Start
Richmond, KY

http://www.tolerance.org/hidden_bias/index.html


    -----Original Message-----
    From: Sally Gabb <sgabb412 at hotmail.com>
    To: nla at lists.literacytent.org <nla at lists.literacytent.org>
    Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 5:46 PM
    Subject: Re: [NLA] [Fwd: [NIFL-ESL:7324] COABE plantation tour]
    
    
    
    
    

    Dear NLA List members and field,         As ever, thanks to Janet Isserlis for her critical vigilence in recognizing the inherent racism in the 'Plantation Tour Brochure', and in responding with such clarity.  While I currently live in New England, I grew up and lived in southern states for the first 33 years of my life.  This kind of white sentimentality about 'plantation days' is unfortunately common among white southerners.  Often people who produce such programs and text consider themselves 'liberal', believe they are not racist, and resent being confronted with the contradictions.  

    I agree heartily with both Janet and Elsa - as adult educators in a field that demands we advocate for social justice, we must confront this issue.  I feel certain that those who planned COABE in South Carolina had NO intention of offending African Americans - amazingly enough - it didn't occur to them that this might be the case.  In fact it is the unintended racism that perpetuates this incidious system of thought.    As a white woman who was active in the Civil Rights movement in the south, I realize that I am equally capable of unintended racism - all the more reason to confront it in ourselves and our society.  

    I suggest that we in fact attend the conference (as I intend to do) and request an open dialogue - a recognition of the contradictions, and a responsibility to confront, educate and change the ways we communicate about the racism in our history.  I too intend to forward a letter to COABE, including a willingness to help organize an open dialogue on the issue.  Any others interested in joining me?  

    Sally Gabb, SABES SE, Bristol Community College, Fall River, Mass     

    sgabb at bristol.mass.edu

    
    
    

    >From: Elsa Auerbach 
    >Reply-To: nla at lists.literacytent.org 
    >To: "nla at lists.literacytent.org" 
    >Subject: [NLA] [Fwd: [NIFL-ESL:7324] COABE plantation tour] 
    >Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 12:20:47 +0100 
    > 
    >Dear colleagues, 
    > 
    >This is a long post, but I think it is extremely important to consider 
    >as a field. Although some may disagree, I think the issue raised here 
    >is entirely relevant to policy. If we, who are advocates for the field, 
    >do not have political clarity ourselves on such a central question, how 
    >can we represent adult education? Thank you Janet for your vigilance 
    >and leadership in addressing this issue. Elsa Auerbach 
    ><< message3.txt >> 
    

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