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My Thoughts on Common Sense & Anti-Oppression

Marie-Therese La Rocque

It seems almost like everyone's common sense is different because of our surrounded society, our own culture, and personal experiences. Kumashiro for example had explained common sense for us would be like to seat all genders in the same rows, though in Nepal it is common sense for students to sit genders separately. Someones idea of performing or attempting a certain act specifically their "right way" contradicts from another who thinks their different way is the "right way." What is the right way? Is there a right way or is there just new methods to uphold. Education is important because it should challenge students to view aspects of life in a new way they have not imagined before. Although a common complaint is that Education has presented curriculums, teaching that curriculum, and grading according to the curriculum. School has resorted to "memorization" of what is read rather than incorporating fun new ideas to teach the curriculum.

The way an individual teacher teaches off curriculum (null curriculum) is rooted in their own values and beliefs towards religion and culture and their views on sexism, racism, gender, sexuality, classism, etc. Especially when white superiority thoughts have brainwashed many minds of recent generations because of our ancestors racist minds (which is where white fragility and anti-racism comes into play). A teachers common sense is based from their own unique views, experiences, and what they learned from others. It is important to pay attention to our common sense because society is evolving and changing. The traditional way of learning in school is now outdated, especially since it is written by white male folks that were high in society. There has been a lot of new aspects created that have added to our world like gender, sexuality, and beliefs which cannot be shut down and disregarded. There are new aspects we have to take in account. That also goes along with the connection of the teacher's view to teaching in the classroom. Just like how Kumashiro said, it took time to change her own way of how to think about basic life aspects in the view of someone else's. It is a challenge.

I think Kumashiro defines common sense as a set method/routine that has not been questioned but instead subconsciously assumed as correct. Common sense is a limiting mind set that does not allow society to grow and accept different views. It is was leads to oppression. In able to stray away from teaching common sense factors is to incorporate new ideas presented like the four anti-oppressive approaches Kumashiro talks about. To examine the certain ways we teach and if they are challenging the oppressions or not. As my father and I were discussing 'common sense' he told me a story of when he was a teacher. He stated that one day teachers needed help moving some chairs for the play in the gym. All of the young boys were ready to shoot their hands up so they could be picked but my father instead told the class that the girls will be helping set up this time. Right then my dad strayed away from common sense towards gender roles in the class room.

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