Tatum and Mahiri

I believe that Tatum’s work meshes very well with “Street Scripts” by Mahiri. From his discussions with Quincy, I think it is evident that he was not being taught culturally relevant material or any material that he saw as practical in his own life. Furthermore, he was not being pushed to excel by his teachers and was kicked out of class because his teacher simply didn’t understand him or have the capacity to deal with his concerns. Although his outcome was not favorable (as Tatum states in the end), I think there is a glimpse of promise in what he gleaned from his visits with Tatum. A new door was opened to him; a door through which he saw himself and his life reflected in writing. He started to understand a little more about life and stated, talking about “Yo Little Brother…”, “help me through this confusion” (p. 171). He started to see how literature could help enhance his life and understand himself in terms of the rest of society. I think that is also what was happening in Mahiri’s article. Geoff’s video really helped him to situate himself in the power structure of his school. He was able to articulate (and extremely well) how his voice is not heard in dealings with authority in school. Mahiri articulates, “his perception and explanation of what happened was never really taken into account” (p. 29). In both cases, the students did not feel represented in school. I think these texts articulate how a multitude of various literature and means for expressing oneself can be powerful and utterly important tools for students to develop a love for learning and the environment that helps them learn. The rise of technology provides for so many new ways for students to express themselves and access information. It seems only right that with this should come a better ability to foster students’ interest and give them more channels for learning. Although I’m speaking and referencing young black students, the same can be said for all different types of learners.