Personal+Language-HK


 * A)** Jonathan Kozol's premise revolves around the idea that using the first person "I" has became a source of controversy. Kozol quickly shares his opinion that in most cases, when we know something to be true, we step back and make a claim in the third person, rather than first. He brings up the example of students in one "urban crisis" area talking about schools in another area rather than themselves marginalizing their own experiences. The whole concept of taking oneself out of the equation becomes a reflection of how we perceive ourselves and our society. By bringing ourselves into the present, we have the ability to be transformative citizens rather than just one of many in the crowd. He states that "revolutions are not made by those who live and speak in the third person" (pg. 116). He argues that school "teaches history the way that it teaches syntax, grammar, and word preference: in terms that guarantee our prior exile from its passion and its transformation" (pg. 118). Kozol's premise is that by not using "I" we exclude ourselves from our own success.


 * B)** I definitely had a positive reaction to this essay. I cannot begin to describe the amount of times I have been told to omit "I" from a paper. It has been a frustrating experience! In one way, I understand why using "I" can be a negative aspect of writing. In many ways, it is a safe choice. I feel, I think, I know, I, I, I....It can become a bit repetitive. However, many times it is as though I am having to force my own thoughts out of my paper. My thoughts could be important, so forcing them out could be a hindrance.


 * C)** The connection between Postman & Weingartner's asserts about teaching curriculum and education and Jonathan Kozol's essay stems from how we approach education. Students should be active participants in learning. Using "I" reflects the same idea that students should be taking advantage of their own imagination and knowledge. Allowing students to discover their own knowledge benefits them by giving them the ability to explore through learning. Teaching literacy should be an active participation among students and teacher. Allowing students individual thoughts is crucial to learning. Allowing students the change to take a step forward will create much more active students and future leaders. I want my students to believe that they can do anything rather than simply watch others do everything.


 * D)** I would definitely recommend this essay to other educators as well as individuals who need a bit of motivation. The language is quite advanced for middle school students, but it could be used in a high school or college level course as a way to help students gain more independence in their education.