Attend this event; write up what you learned and how it relates to our class, about two pages, for Extra Credit. Due By March 19.
Bending the Arc of the Universe:
Understanding and Eliminating the Oppression of Young People
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 12:30-2:00p
Location: Baxter Event’s Center
Society’s suspicious attitudes toward youth perpetuate our treatment of youth as criminals or potential criminals and undesirables whose behavior must be watched, controlled and regulated – particularly among youth of color. Chronological age is a physical reality and the behaviors that are deemed appropriate for young people is societally determined. The roles, behaviors, and expectations of young people varies across societies and within societies across time. What contemporary society determines to be appropriate for young people corresponds directly with current economic and technological developments.
“Youth” is a socially constructed identity, and serves as the basis for the organization of the oppression of young people.
This discussion will examine the ways our society oppresses young people, how schools play a role in maintaining that oppression and how the oppression of young people ultimately maintains the manifestations of all forms of oppression. Together we will imagine an alternate viewpoint of empowered youth and how that might change our society.
