The Will to Learn

The title of Hooks' chapter, The Will to Learn - The World as Classroom, from Teaching Community (2003), caused quite a debate between my husband and me. The Ashe readings also helped with my questioning and urge to discuss. The "will" to learn took on a different meaning - as in the strength, fortitude, intention to leave one's comfort zone and look, discuss, and learn what may be counter-intuitive or just counter to what one has always known or thought to have known as true.

The parallels between black studies and women's' studies helped frame the debate and issues within my mind; however, when I broached the subject with my husband, he had a somewhat different feeling based on his experience and what he knew. He attend VCU for two years - back when Richmond, VA was the "rape capital" in the nation and perhaps only number 2 or 3 as far as murder rate. Richmond, VA was (and in many ways) is still a very segregated town...divided along the lines of race and socio-economic status. My husband was a minority white male in the dorm and in many of his class. He elected to take a black studies class because he wanted to learn; but, his experience was less than positive as he felt that he had to "pay the price for all the bs white men committed in the past..." (he was the only white student in the class). Needless to say, his experience in his diversity class was not a positive learning experience for him, as this course is for me. Of course, I countered by saying, well, I guess you know what it's like to be a minority and have to "speak for your group!" And we were off on our debate/argument. Humorous from a husband/wife argument over coffee on a dog walk, but very revealing for both of us as well.

Later that evening, I returned to my readings for class and re-read the article by Beverly Daniel Tatum - re-reading the section, "I'm not racist, but..." and "Empowering students as change agents." I discussed with my husband how being a change agent is so important versus just paying lip service. My husband did admit that his experience in "that" class helped him be more sensitive to listening to others. This class has brought me to better understand my own personal development and find my voice on the topic. I am not a good debater and find myself flustered when caught in a political debate, etc. However, I have noticed that I have less fear and am more willing to put myself "out there" after reading these articles, reflecting, discussing and debating.