CASC 3400 Critical Reflection #1

According to Freire, the concepts of practice, theory, and knowledge are all connected. Practice is needed in order to gain knowledge. In the piece, Make the Road by Walking by Paulo Freire states “Without practice there is no knowledge” (97). People should practice constantly because “Knowledge always is becoming. Knowledge is changed to the extent that reality also moves and changes (101). Knowledge is constantly updated and many things are discovered everyday. When practice and knowledge are implemented, theory comes into play: To repeat myself, I would say that we have to go beyond the common sense of the people, with the people. My quest is not to go alone but to go with the people. Then having certain scientific understanding of how the structures of society work, I can go beyond the common-sense understanding of how the society works not to stay at this level but, starting from this, to go beyond. Theory does that (101). Practicing with the people not only gives us knowledge but gives us the ability to build theories which create better understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures. Calderon also believes in working alongside the people to truly engage in practice so the community and the ones who are practicing can create effective theoretical solutions. But in order successfully practice and theory, Calderon believes that classrooms and educators are essential to gain knowledge for effective social engagement and leadership toward personal and social responsibility: “Faculty can draw on these perspectives to make their classrooms places where students and community members work together to create a better world: one with higher levels of perspective-taking, social engagement, and leadership toward personal and social responsibility”.

Both Freire and Calderon believe that neutrality is a problem. When more people are silent, there will be not changes because politics or society doesn’t change when the people stay silent. Freire claims, “But if in being neutral, you are just hiding your choice because it seems possible to be neutral in the relationship between the oppressors and the oppressed, it’s absolutely impossible. It’s the neutrality works in favor of the dominant (103). Remaining neutral, hides the real opinion, siding with the dominant. The people create the movement. It is important for people to understand privilege and check their own privilege to change the world. Calderon says “Certain individuals or groups have the power to define dominant culture, and therefore the power to oppress or liberate others”. Neutrality is a huge issue these days, people are not aware of their privilege and don’t know how to use it to help others.

I am lucky to feel safe in my own skin as a woman of color, I’ve been fortunate to have been growing up and living in the Bay Area. Although due to recent events such as the election and my recent path towards public health, I want to use my education and privilege to help others with anything they need and want help with. From being a supporter of their cause to helping their community.