YOUTH WORK IS SOCIAL JUSTICE

Why do people think that they can decide what a student gets to learn and what they don't? Book bans? What is forbidden knowledge, and why is it forbidden? I listened to Freedom Readers: Why Kids Should Learn about Racism, hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw with guest Ibram X. Kendi. They begin by speaking about how the history in this country is repeating the concept of "forced illiteracy," where a group of people are being withheld knowledge and education.  Often, students aren't even aware that their education is being censored. Through the book ban, students are not learning about the creative storytelling of authors expressing their journey through literary pieces, often from black authors sharing a peek into their minds, views, and ancestry. The podcast stresses the need to educate children about racism and its historical context to create a more diverse and understanding society. Kendi argues against the common belief that young children shouldn't learn about race, asserting that discussions about race can be developmentally appropriate, even for younger kids, by using language that they can understand at their age. He highlights that it's essential to talk about race because it isn't something that is not thought about; children can start to form concepts about race, associating skin colors with specific attributes. Kendi provides practical advice on discussing these topics in ways suitable for different ages. He recommends using books and resources designed for various age groups to help parents and educators facilitate these conversations. 

My key takeaway is the importance of forcing yourself to find information that schools are unwilling to teach you and never stop seeking information. Another key takeaway was the internalization of views and familiar associations. The podcast mentions that students internalize connections that society makes from a young age, from skin color to quality. Many topics are seen as "off-limits" or "that's just how it is." Connecting the podcast to the reading is not enough to take things with a grain of salt; you must actively work on making a change and fighting the systemic practices put in place in society. Thinking about issues more profoundly, why does society place these bans? What is the greater picture, and how can we as a society challenge this belief to create a more prosperous and diverse education system where students are being taught real history and not one crafted to view a more "positive" experience.