Dr. Conley,
 
Given the fact that Union troops and their generals, and the President and his cabinet, and the US Congress, and Abolitionists were overwhelmingly white, male, and Protestant when compared to any other group one may wish to identify, if this group isn't primarily responsible then which one is? How is my claim "far from the truth," much less misogynistic?
 
These historical facts do not dismiss the efforts of anyone, or of any other group. Speaking these facts aloud is not evidence of covert racism. I have provided support for my claim. I request that you provide support for yours. 
 
Subscribers to this list routinely speak in terms that emphasize the group, as opposed to the individual. Group emphasis is one way to look at the world. Group rights, group victims, oppressed groups, undereducated groups, underemployed groups, underserved groups; a seemingly endless list. Subscribers also routinely speak about the pride associated with membership in groups. 
 
So here I am, speaking in group terms about a group which has accomplished much good in the world. It seems to me that it would show great respect for all fellow beings if we could celebrate the differences and share in my pride, as well as others'. I think that all students in our adult literacy classes, regardless of their group membership, have valid claims to pride.  Or is pride reserved for those on a pre-approved list?
 
 
Regards,

Kearney Lykins
 
Kearney_Lykins at yahoo.com




________________________________
From: "Dr. Enid Conley, Ph.D., Ed.S." <wwolvespak at aol.com>
To: diversity at nifl.gov
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:40:55 AM
Subject: [Diversity 509] Re: Dominant Culture and Diversity

Dear Karen,
     I totally agree with you.  I just completed a research that supports what you are saying.  We are not living in an accepting society and to think that slavery was "ended almost exclusively by Protestant, white, anglo, English-speaking men" is unrealistic and quite far from the truth.  We are currently living in  a society that convolutes the truth, racism has gone covert, and misogyny is alive and well.

Regards, 


Dr. Enid Conley, Ph.D., Ed.S.

Remain close to the Great Spirit.
Show great respect for your fellow beings.
Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
Be truthful and honest at all times.
Do what you know to be right.
Look after the well being of the body and mind.
Treat the earth and all that dwell there on with respect.
Take full responsibility for your actions.
Dedicate a share of your efforts for the greater good.
Work together for the benefit of All.
- American Indian Spirituality

-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Wyman <Karenw at nmcadv.org>
To: The Diversity and Literacy Discussion List <diversity at nifl.gov>
Sent: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 3:37 pm
Subject: [Diversity 498] Dominant Culture and Diversity


Kearney, you have made sweeping generalizations that many of our adult literacy students, as well as those of us who are adult literacy teachers and who do not fit into the dominant culture are likely to take issue with. While there are elements of tolerance, fairness, and benevolence in dominant American culture, it is not possible to accurately claim that it is "the most tolerant, fair, and benevolent one in the history of the world." I think that many of our students (as well as adult literacy teachers) who have been subject to the various oppressions this dominant culture reinforces and supports would disagree. 

Additionally, while it is nice to think that Protestantism's primary message is one of "love, tolerance, and equal access to eternal salvation," that simply has not been the way it has played out. Those may be the theological foundations of Protestant religions, but that has not been a consistent message from Protestant churches in this country. 

I also feel it is grossly dismissive of the abolitionist efforts of people of color and women to suggest that slavery was "ended almost exclusively by Protestant, white, anglo, English-speaking men." They were necessarily the ones to ma ke the laws because they did not permit people of color, those who don't speak English, or women to participate in the "tolerant, fair, and benevolent" government they so generously created and imposed upon us. 

I also take exception to the idea that “not giving a darn” equals acceptance and is an adequate classroom response to diversity and difference issues. This is akin to the way that white people deny students’ experiences and the effects of racism by saying that they “don’t see color” or that “color doesn’t matter.” To most members of oppressed groups including ABE students and teachers, the difference that allows/insists upon membership in that group matters a great deal and affects their daily lives, including their ability to access and complete education. 



Respectfully, 

Karen
 
 
Karen Wyman
Community Outreach Trainer
New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence  (NMCADV)
201 Coal Avenue SW
phone 505.246.9240
fax 505.246.9434
www.nmcadv.org
karenw at nmcadv.org
 
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. 
 
Albuquerque, NM 87102
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