"The whole movement of life is learning" (Krishnamurti). "To be an act of knowing, then, the adult literacy process must engage the learners in the constant problematizing of their existential situations" (Freire). "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free" (Douglass). "I can learn anything I have the desire to learn" (White, S.G.).

Monday, March 3, 2014

Caught up In a Discourse

     I realized one of the reasons the readings from two weeks ago caused me so much consternation.  Hypertension may be a better word.  It took this weeks text to help me realize it.  I enjoyed the concept of a Discourse, and it's holistic and encompassing view of literacy, culture, beliefs, world view, etc.  I also saw the potential for conflict between different Discourses.  However, I didn't necessarily agree with all of the authors' positions regarding law school and socioeconomic status.  I realize they were just using this as an example or framework to work from, but their sociopolitical leanings and beliefs were obvious.  That's when I finally understood that I found myself in the middle of an adult educator Discourse!  Adult educators have a shared set of values, beliefs, ways of writing, ways of interpreting writing, culture, etc that are the unwritten rules of their Discourse.  These all come through in their work, whether it be theoretical or researched (in their own ways by their rules!).   So what I had been interpreting as bias and research flaws (coming from a medical Discourse) might just be standard operating procedure for this particular Discourse.  Points of view and tenants that I disagree with may be considered assumed truths in this Discourse.  It was also enlightening to see that after over four years of indoctrination I clearly have not swallowed the cool aid.  No mind control for me.....

1 comment:

  1. Ah, be careful Greg...We've had you hypnotized for the past 4 years, you just didn't know it!!
    Seriously, this is a very good insight. Whether its called Discourse, truth regime, community of practice...groups co-construct ways of being with each other that have "little t- truth". What counts as evidence, what counts as authority, what counts as knowledge...all up for grabs, but very exacting within the Discourse. (as outsiders know when they bounced out of one! How invisible these things are, how hard to 'name" in order to critique...

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this post. Diverse opinions are welcomed.