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SubscriptionsSites I Read
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| TsaiofRelief.blogspot.com
I will try to update this blog as much as possible.
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| Who ever said or think teaching is easy probably doesn't know what they're talking about. Whoever wants or is a good teacher works literally a 12 - 18 hour schedule each day. I don't just say this because I'm working in a difficult school system, I say this because people underestimate school teachers. Now I know why Teach for America looks for certain qualities in a person to do this. For anyone who is wants to do this...make sure you're really driven to make things happen. I know I am at least.
Yeah, and imagine how to deal with a girl and guy fighting and yelling at each other in the middle of your lesson.
First week was.....interesting.
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| blogging takes a lot of effort. I dont' think I can keep it up on a consistent basis.
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| Baltimore is a city that has it's fair share of undue credit. The city is enriched with vivid history and wonderful buildings and housing. The atmosphere of a great college city definitely exists but it also has its fair share of true Baltimoreans that live in the city because they truely love it.
However, there are so many things wrong with the city. It's such a travesty that what I've seen is not just the existence of ignorance, but the subconscious divide that we inherently make of people of color. There is no secret that Baltimore has had racial issues in the past. White flight, gentrification, urban decay, are all part of any city's past and exist because we let it exist. And it is no secret that these are all problems of Baltimore City. We constantly move out neighborhoods because we fear black people.
There is no real solution to the issues of white flight and urban gentrification. With urban gentrification moving the middle-upper class into glorified rehabbed homes only creates problems with real estate, living expenses, city taxes, and city districting. This leaves the lower-middle class nowhere to go because now rent is up, real estate is prime, thus causing them to move out once again. White flight is a cause of glorified suburbia. Every city in America has this problem. In Baltimore, it is the suburban sprawl of Howard County. In Oklahoma City, it is the suburban sprawl of Edmond, Northwest OKC, and Norman. It is true that we all want to live in areas of wealth, comfort, and privilege. But I think the main root of this problem is the lack of awareness that our simple ways of wanting to live comfortably induces the division in American politics and society. In what ways can we reduce these problems? Clearly, this is a problem and it is only one reason why school zoning and districting creates this racial divide in many cities like Baltimore.
Currently, I am part of this process of urban gentrification. I going to be living in a rather nice neighborhood in which the building has been rehabbed with wooded flooring, exposed brick and an outdoor patio. One block later, however, you see an area where no one from Oklahoma would dare step into. Imagine what would happen if the rest of the 3 blocks were rehabbed. Not only would my process perpetuate this problem of urban gentrification, but imagine all the lower-middle class people who used to live in the neighborhood? Where would they go? Where are they to live? Are they reduced to the slums of Baltimore only because real estate has made my position prime?
As I live in Baltimore, I hope to gain a better understanding of what my role as a better citizen of the United States ought to be. Barack Obama talks about two America's, and how we can bridge this gap between between the lower and upper classes. For those of you who do not know, I am a Teach for America teacher and am excited to partake in this challenge of living in Baltimore city. To goal I climb is will be a treacherous and difficult one. However, what I hope to do is instill these values of what I have seen Baltimore City thus far and make these learning experiences, not only for me, but to you as well.
White flight and urban gentrification are no doubt problems with the city right now. If there is one message I hope readers can take away, it is the message of ignorance, respect, and humility. Reflect on these words. The next time you step out into a truly urban environment reflect what ignorance, respect, and humility truely mean to you.
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| Baltimore....is....a really interesting mix of two cultural extremes that you would not find in any large cities.
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