Knowledge is a very broad subject. A person who has studied business will not be as knowledgeable in science than one that has studied physics. Does this mean that the physicist is smarter than the businessman? No, this just means that the physicist and the businessman focused on different types of knowledge during their learning career. This same principal can be applied to Bell Hooks’ situation that she writes about in “Teaching to Transgress”.
As Hooks writes about her learning experiences she tells of the situation of schools after they had been integrated. She makes the statement that, “Knowledge was suddenly about information only. It had no relation to how one lived, behaved” (3). Some may argue with Bell Hooks and say that knowledge is not about the way one lives or behaves; it is about math, science, reading, writing, etc. Knowledge is more than formulas, facts and statistics; it is also about propriety and the way we should treat each other.
As human beings it is our responsibility to educate and be educated on subjects of prejudices, racism, sexism, discrimination, and any other matters that induce hatred or bias opinions of others. Without this knowledge we are creating barriers. If this concept had been put into action from the start all people, no matter what race, sex, or disability, would have never needed to use the extra energy to prove that they are equals.
In a perfect world there would be no discrimination against anyone. Needless to say this is not a perfect world therefore knowledge should not just be limited to textbooks; it should be extended to the awareness of bias and inequitable nature and the harm it causes. If all people live up to this responsibility the barriers created by them will be broken.
I enjoyed your blog a lot. I thought it was interesting how you compared the knowledge of a physicist and businessman because it would be completely different. I agree with you on education about discrimination, sexism, and racism. I thought this was a very idealistic point, which hopefully will happen someday.
ReplyDeleteNicole, I loved your comparisson of the business man and the scientest. The way you took that example and applied it to Hooks' story was masterful.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you began your entry with the example of the businessman and the scientist and questioning who is “smarter”? It is hard to say for sure because there are so many different types of education like you mentioned. Knowledge is more about how you can apply your education than it is memorizing facts and figures.
ReplyDeleteYour comparison in the beginning was insightful, nice job. I also like how you talk about how knowledge can help diminish prejudice. I think Hooks would agree with you on that point. ALso you say that knowledge should not just come from books. I agree that knowledge has to come from one's surroundings and life experience.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. The way your write is very nice. It's structured and has a nice flow to it. I agree with a lot of the things you were saying, but I don't think that education can fix prejudices. Even the most educated of people are still prejudice against some things or people. And as for a minority proving themselves, that happens anyway. I think everyone who is different feels the need to show everyone around them that they are equal or even better than the majority.
ReplyDeleteA very good blog post. I especially like the beginning where you related the different types of knowledge to each other. Another thing I liked is the way you related knowledge and information to be non-discriminatory.
ReplyDelete“A person who has studied business will not be as knowledgeable in science than one that has studied physics.” I agree with you, and I think everyone should understand this point, because no one could someone else to do something that they are not good at.
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