We are living in a most unusual time. There seems to be a desire to silence the voices of Americans…on all sides. To have the discussions necessary, I m fortunate enough to teach a class at Wright State University this year known as ED2100:Education in a Democracy. The topic seems so simple. The idea of educating people to understand our Democracy and the importance of their individual voice is fundamental….or is it?
27 students have joined me on this journey. We are looking hard at diversity, privilege, equality, oppression and respect of others’ views. What makes this conversation so important is a divided nation, an upcoming election…and the unique views and voices of these young people looking to broaden their minds and their world. At the center of it all is the overwhelming reality that …‘if education fails, so does this Democracy!’ – credited to John Adams.
In one of their first big assignments, TEAM2100 was charged with relating lyrics from a popular song to the state of our republic. Although we aren’t including students’ names, their views are pretty straightforward. Some of the songs/lyrics they chose, old and new, were spot on:
“I…can barely walk the city streets whiteout a cop harassing me, searching me and asking my identity”, Tupac;
“If you’re looking for hope tonight, raise your hand. If you’re feeling alone and don’t understand. If you’re fighting in the fight of your life, then stand. We’re gonna make it through this hand-in-hand.” , For King and County;
“We didn’t start the Fire, It was always burning since the world’s been turning. We didn’t start the fire, No we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it.” , Billy Joel.
“Lil tear gas cleared the whole place out, I’ll be back with the Hazmat for the next round.” Anderson Paak.
“We hate the government but get government assistance. You Ain’t doing what you did in the past then why tell us and I ain’t blaming no white man for my failures and I don’t blame the judge for the time I did.”, Knocka
From these lyrics, conversation…and here is a sampling of what is on their minds:
“…as I am working toward becoming a high school teacher I am beginning to realize that we really aren’t taught about our civic duties. We kind of take for granted that people will read and learn about what elected officials are up to….BIG MISTAKE believing that!”
“…and I believe, love him or hate him, Donald Trump exposed Washington for what it is. He’s made us see ourselves as well. The idea that many voters choosing him are non-college educated people speaks not to their ability, but to our society!”
“COVID has been a blessing. We have been forced to slow down, see the problems of our world and find new ways to fix them. I cannot wait to share with students the very idea that we are creative enough to get through anything…because we are!”
“Racism. I know this class will look into the power of diversity, but how about the overwhelming power of Racism. That’s a power struggle that we are so afraid to discuss…it scares me.”
“My fear is God gets left out of the equation. …..The US has abandoned the idea of higher power, and morals….what do we expect when we answer to no one?”
“…so tell me this, why would a pandemic ever be political?’
“We must educate our population. We must strive to show them a better way of life. This is a Democracy, a place on many voices. They need informed opinions, not social media posts.’
You can see that there is much on the hearts and minds of these young adults. Follow us through this interesting conversation. It should be enlightening for all sides!
Each week, our men will compete in a themed competition. The Role Model who secures the most votes each week will win an award:
