We must look at our education system with a critical lens. As students, we attend class every day and strive to earn excellent grades. But for what purpose? Why do we, as people from all racial and socio-economic backgrounds, chose to subconsciously adopt the "banking method" as our own? Is it because we are inclined to perform better than the person sitting next to us? Or is it because we feel the need to prove ourselves worthy to an institution that was created for white, upper-middle class "American" citizens?
As a queer-identified, Filipino male, I have felt as though this University did not belong to me. At times, I felt as though I was merely a vessel for this "American" institution to "deposit" information in hopes of cleansing me. It was no surprise that I felt inclined to study Biology in hopes of becoming a doctor when it was truly the last thing I wanted to do. We view our education as the only way to achieve social mobility. Coming from disadvantaged communities is when we the word "oppressed" really comes to mind. Why is it that so many people view relevant education as irrelevant? It should be no surprise that we are in a routine of meaningless memorization when we feel inclined to study something that we do not want to study! But alas, it is a product of oppression and colonization. The banking method is a product of Prop 13, a measure that stated that public schools would be funded in proportion to property taxes in surrounding areas. Poor kids would attend poor schools. The banking method is a product of prop 8, which stated that same-sex couples could not marry. The oppressed would stay oppressed.
This is where education comes in. We enter the University in hopes of bettering our lives. But coming from the bottom, we hit a few obstacles. Racism, sexism, violence, assimilation. So we stand up and move on. People, from all backgrounds become doctors, lawyers. People that look just like you and me are able to graduate and make something of their lives. Not because it's what they wanted to do, but because it was the only option. We have to use the banking method. It's our only choice when it's our only way out. And like those who struggled before us, we can be successful. But somehow, along the way, we can forget about that part of our identity that made us oppressed in the first place. No history, no self.
I think you have a very interesting take on this article. I like that you said that the banking method is not a product of the education system. It is a product of inequalities in society that produce hostility between communities.
ReplyDeleteI like that Paolo Freire brought to the surface the problem of the banking system in our education; however, I am also in favor of popular education. Nevertheless, I would not like for one to displace the other method completely. I agree with you, coming as an immigrant from another country we too have that idea the education is the only way to achieve a higher social status which is the main reason why my entire nuclear family decided to leave our home country and come study here. My mom had to let go all of she had, and I am thankful for all the sacrifices both of my parents have made without them I would not have learn English or even be here at UCLA. I also like how you mention why so many students study they subject and get a degree in a major they do not enjoy. I have talked to many and they are mainly in that specific major for the money which to me is a sad way out that they believe will solve their problems. I take the classes I want because I am truly interested in them and am not discourage if they professor “grades hard.” What does that even mean, I am here to learn and grow as a person, and yes I do see education as a way out, a way to improve financially and help my family out but that is not my main motivation in becoming a Historian. I hope that soon many students realize they should take classes they want to get something out of and not just obtain an A; that is not the point in receiving an education. Endless memorization is not going to take them anywhere, but learning and hard work will open their eyes to what is going on in the world and be capable of analyzing and promoting the betterment of it all.
ReplyDeleteIt is not true that going to college is the only way to succeed. Tons of people rush into college only because college is the "easiest" way. There are lots of information in college so that we can decide where should we go in the future or how can we achieve our goals. I totally agree with you said of " not because it's what they wanted to do, but because it was the only option". I forget since when I feel like I have to go to college and then graduate school and then become someone "great". Hardly have time to think what was my childhood dream, was I pushed to go forward. We are not only being oppressed, but also choose to be oppressed, because there exists another choice.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it won't take us to anywhere. We must face hard choices in the future where to go in the end.
I agree with the idea that education to most people seems like an escape from current circumstances or a way to elevate one's status in society. And I also think it's an extremely valid point that many people use their education as a way validate their right to be in a university and pursue careers that they might not have had they not come from a disadvantaged background. Maybe the banking method is not just about the education system but rather has become a way of life in today's age where people never stop to question anything that goes on around them but rather subconsciously accept it and move on with their own lives.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in a family of Indian doctors, I was always taught to strive to achieve the best and go to the best university. I guess along the way I just made the assumption that going to a university like this one was the best option, if you can afford it. However, now that I think about it, there is so many options out there and people still achieve just as much as a successful person who went to a university
ReplyDeletestraight away. A lot of my cousins took am much longer route and took a long time to decide what they wanted to do with their life, and they turned out just as successful. The key point that should be stressed is that, no matter where you get an education from, education and learning is what matters. Promoting an education in order to achieve happiness and success is what matter sin life.