Tues 4/24

The grass-root campaign in the article “The politics of Race; political identity and the struggle for social rights” highlights the tension between Identity Politics and coalitional politics when organizations form political alliances. As a former active social justice member of Californians for Justice myself, I also questioned which category do CFJ’s goals fall into. However, as I reflected, it could be both identity and coalitional politics: helping Latinx and Black students with the School to Prison Pipeline System and fighting for equitable school funding for low-income youth of color. Additionally, it is important for marginalized minorities to work together so we can have the courage to face the U.S oppressive systems. Without solidarity among the oppressed, they cannot carry out changes.

Moreover, I was surprised that “every resistance” appears within the organization process. A campaign organizer warned students “to avoid altering the teachers and the principal that a campaign was underway” (p. 72). So, in this sense, everyday resistance is as important as institutional organizations.

Rereading about the importance of grass-root campaigns made me feel a little nostalgic. I remember my old self in high school mentioning about making my voice heard and CFJ had provided a plat form for me and other youth of color to make changes. Additionally, I also feel grateful for education in helping me change for the better. The author highlights that campaign involvement can reverse our mentality that schools are not just as hegemonic institutions, but a space of resistance for the youth of color.

Film:   

The theme in Monkey Dance highlights the cultural resistance experienced by South-east Asian communities (Cambodia, Thailand, Khmer). The documentary follows the lives of three teens from different communities who reside in low-income neighborhoods. The purpose is, of course, to shine their struggles and response to the struggles so educate others. I am familiarized with the experience of living in a low-income neighborhood and I understand how hard it is to deal with the daily struggle and other issues relating to race. Therefore, coming to a prestige university is a privilege to me and I am grateful to be here and learn about the Asian communities, including mine. The purpose is obvious, to lessen the internal conflicts and remove all the negative barriers that hinder me from living my life.