Critical Pedagogy: A Look at the Major Concepts

            What I found interesting about The Critical Pedagogy Reader is the number of possible cultures and subcultures that are prevalent in our schools.  I believe we want all of our students to think critically about what they see and read in the “dominant” culture.  At the same time, we want to equip them to be productive, law abiding citizens in our (dare I say it) capitalist society.  It appears that, depending on what curriculum is taught and in what part of town, the dominant culture will benefit, will get and maintain the higher paying jobs, and the subordinate culture will remain at a level lower, based on race, gender, and class.  I am having trouble accepting that this is the result of “hegemony” by the dominant culture. 

McLaren does touch on “Social Reproduction” but does acknowledge that is possible f or a student to move out of one class and into another, either up or down.  I agree that we want students to learn about themselves and the world they live in and give them the power to change, or transform, if called to do so. Apparently, the bare bones “knowledge” a student brings with him that first day of school is their struggle in life based on race, class, or gender.  The idea is to take that knowledge, share it with the educator and the other students to bring about collective action, to transform the world they live in.  I believe students are more than free to assemble and make a difference but I don’t think it is the “dominant” culture, or anyone that is holding them back.  The article even took the leap to convince the reader that The Cosby Show is just part of the hegemony of the dominant culture to “effectively secure” their power.  That the portrayal is inaccurate because most blacks are not living like that.  I’m not sure, either, that “punk” groups as a subculture were rebelling against the dominant culture.  That phase was likely a rebellion against parents.   

I will certainly be mindful of how I react when I call on boys in my classroom compared to how I do when I call on girls.  Perhaps I am instinctively perpetuating a hidden agenda by treating each sex differently, I’ll wait and see.  I believe that boys and girls are different, for better or for worse, and I hope to provide a nurturing environment as an educator for all my students to grow.