Latino culture festival

Kelly House
Thousands flock to Hillsboro’s annual Latino festival for a lesson in community, culture
http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/04/thousands_flock_to_hillsboros_annual_latino_festival_for_a_lesson_in_community_culture.html
4/17/2011
Topic: Latino culture in Hillsboro

This Sunday was Hillsboro’s annual Latino Cultural Festival. The festival’s purpose is to educate those interested in Latino culture, about the customs, traditions and valued beliefs of the Latino Community. Food, shows, art and many “culture rich” activities were around for students, parents and children to experience.

Key points: Break the barrier, immerse yourself in Latino culture.

Relevance: We recently had our culture project. I had a tough time defining the meaning of the word culture. Or identifying the culture I relate to. I have never been to this culture festival, but I am curious as to what they identify as culture, or as to what kind of information is printed on the education pamphlets. I’m not going to lie, I think many times these kinds of things reinforce stereotypes. I wonder if the information printed on the pamphlets resembles false throwaway facts, much like “George Washington cut down the cherry tree”—BOOM! American culture. Much of the culture I see is of traditional past culture. I would like to see what Latino students of today define as culture, and what they think should be included in the festival.

My Teacher is a Lesbian

“‘My Teacher is a Lesbian’ Coming Out at School” by Jody Sokolower

Rethinking Schools Volume 24, Number 2 (Winter 2010-2011) pg. 30-33.

Topic: A middle school teacher in the Bay area struggles with how/when it is appropriate to come out to her students and the politics of it all.

Summary: A lesbian teacher in the Bay area shares her story about how she has chosen to come out to her middle school students over the years of teaching. She shares stories about questions students have asked, backlash she has received from administration (and surprisingly – lack of backlash from parents), and the “unexpected benefits” of the entire process.

Intended audience: Teachers (Straight and LGBTQ), Administrators

Key Points:

• Coming out is difficult/controversial even in the Bay area.
• Being honest with your students can create a more dynamic classroom community where other issues can be discussed openly and respectfully.
• This is something that will be encountered no matter what district/school you are teaching in and it is important for schools to be a safe place for students and teachers. That being said, students and teachers should not share more than they are comfortable sharing.

Relevance: I thought this article was a good lead up to the conference we are going to tomorrow and it is relevant to me personally as well as to our upcoming cultural identity assignment for Learning Communities. I really liked the section about the “Identity Poster” to further explore the idea of my own cultural identity.