Freud, Gilligan, and Kimmel

     Oh, Freud.  I had forgotten how incredibly sexist his Oedipal Complex theory was...to think that he really believed that women were less psychologically developed than men literally because we lack certain genitalia!  I think it's important to not completely dismiss all of his work, because he did have some interesting and useful ideas.  The most extreme sexist theories definitely get the most attention and are the most mind blowing.  I also had forgotten how other psychological theories, built off of some of Freud's ideas, were also based around very sexist views.  The sexism in Freud's views are more obvious, while the sexism in Erickson and Kohlberg seem more subtle.  I think sexism (and the other -isms) are most often subtle, and that's when they are the most harmful. 
      I definitely agree with Carol Gilligan's ideas in "In a Different Voice" that women base most of their decisions with their relationships in mind.  I run a Women's Group weekly at the program where I work.  Often, we have open discussion groups, where the women can discuss any issues with which they are currently struggling.  Invariably, the conversation always centers around relationships - with significant others, friends, parents, siblings, or their children.  You could predict it like clockwork.  However, I can not tell you what the Men's Group talks about.  Who's to say that it's not very similar?  I agree without a doubt that overall men and women are very different in how they perceive life, how they approach problems and conflict, and what their priorities are.  I become hesitant to generalize to all women or all men.  It seems that a viewpoint that explicitly states "women do this and men do that" can still marginalize the men and women who do not fit either description.  
     As a woman, I found the article "Masculinity as Homophobia" by Michael Kimmel as quite interesting.  He states, "I have argued that homophobia, men's fear of other men, is the animating condition of the dominant definition of masculinity in America, that the reigning definition of masculinity is a defensive effort to prevent being emasculated."  Defining homophobia as "men's fear of other men" is interesting, and I see his point, however it seems limited in describing the full impact of homophobia.  Furthermore, I found it fascinating when he discusses the "paradox" in men's lives...how they "virtually have all the power, and yet do not feel powerful." I think he means that because of the pressure to fit a certain "masculine" stereotype, men may feel trapped into fitting a mold versus having the freedom to just be who they want.  Throughout this article, I couldn't help wondering what men reading this might think - what they agreed with, and what they found extreme.

Reflection on Children of Immigration

    I was interested to read about the experiences of children of immigrants in Suarez-Orozco's Children of Immigrants.   One of the first points that stood out to me was the initial optimism and energy that many immigrants experience, particularly related to schooling and education.  The authors discussed how many immigrants see education in America as one of the major benefits for immigrating in the first place.  They are even likely to describe American schools that leave something to be desired in our minds, as wonderful in comparison to what their own city or country may have had.  This energy is something that needs to be used to motivate and liven up the classroom.  If harnessed in the right direction, this excitement about education could be infectious for other students.  

    On the other hand, I found it profoundly sad to think about how these children, who are at first filled with optimism and excitement about school, are quickly discouraged by factors such as poverty, racial segregation, racism, or lack of resources.  Another disturbing factor in this equation is the teachers themselves.  Suarez-Orozco refers to a superintendent in one of the largest districts in the country describing his biggest problem as convincing teachers and principals that immigrant and racial minority children are "teachable." (p. 127)  How can anyone expect a student to be taught, when the person who is supposed to be doing the teaching thinks they are "unteachable?"   It's impossible.   This is good reminder that we can never predict someone's potential, no matter what.  

     Another interesting discussion point in this book related to whether or not bilingual education really threatens American mainstream culture.  This is a fear that I have heard echoed in many different people over the years.  I'm not even exactly sure what people mean by stating this fear  What aspects of our culture might be "threatened" by people being educated in their own language while they strengthen skills in a new language?  It seems that this fear simply stems from people being afraid of what they don't know or understand.  Furthermore, I've found that people are most ignorant and rude when they have no personal context.  In other words, people who are most likely to express negative views of immigration, likely do not know anyone or have ever heard any personal stories from people who struggle to "make it" in a new place.  Without ever hearing someone's personal story, it is difficult for some people to empathize.  

     In the epilogue of this book, the author's state, 

    "A renowned historian once said that the history of the United States is fundamentally 

the history of immigration.  Throughout history, U.S. citizens have ambivalently

 welcomed newcomers.  The fear then, as now, focused on whether the immigrants 

would contribute to the American project.  The gift of hindsight demonstrates just 

how essential immigration has been to the making and remaking of America.  

Welcoming and supporting new generations of immigrants to the United States will

ensure that this vital legacy continues." (p. 161)

It seems to me that it is vital to remember that our country has always been made up of immigrants, and this blending of people from different places is at the heart of what it means to be the United States.