Education and Poetry

This week's articles, Pedagogy of the oppressed (Freire 1993) and Poetry is not a luxury (Lorde n.d.) were on the two types of education, that is, the banking concept of education and the libertarian education/problem-posing method of education, as well as women’s power, especially in poetry. The former article discusses how the banking concept of education, that is, the type where rote memorization, docile obedience, and non-critical thinking are emphasized is beneficial to oppressive systems. It also juxtaposes the concepts of libertarian education. The latter article discusses the power of poetry to set women free and as a vehicle for the courageous expression of their dreams and ideas. Both articles are related to freedom and knowledge.

A particularly interesting passage I wanted to point out was my favorite section from Poetry is not a luxury (Lorde n.d.):

"As we learn to bear the intimacy of scrutiny, and to flourish within it. as we learn to use the products of that scrutiny for power within our living, those fears which rule our lives and form our silences begin to lose their control over us."

Essentially this passage is talking about how, once we learn to accept scrutiny as a way to learn from our weaknesses and mistakes, we are stronger and more able to live our lives without being controlled and in fear of scrutiny. This is significant because a lot of people can be held back from their full potential due to fear of scrutiny or doing something wrong. This fear can be very controlling and limiting in one's growth and, thus, this statement helps to rectify that fear and paint scrutiny in a different positive light. Since we are interdependent and social beings, it is in everyone's best interest for individuals to reach their full potential because their talents and skills can make a positive contribution to the world in some way. Thus, if we all accept scrutiny and free ourselves of fear and control, the world will probably be better.

I agree with the argument in the above passage because as social beings, we are conscious and wary of the opinions of our fellow peers. That is to say, what people think of us and whether they like us, matters. Thus, we tend to filter our thoughts and ideas when presenting them to others for fear of rejection or offending someone(s). If we were, however, to take the scrutiny that comes with rejection or dubiousness, we can grow that much stronger. Criticism and scrutiny, therefore, are not always negative concepts.