The Silenced Dialogue


This article addresses the issues of cultural clashes within the school system. The author has situated the white middle class community in the culture of power. This culture of power Lisa Delpit speaks of tries to impose help, when help may not really be wanted. Also, by offering help, especially in the area of education, children may respond in different ways.

In some ways I agreed with the author, but in other ways I did not. There are certainly cultural differences that exist between the two communities, but that also goes for various communities. She speaks negatively of the hegemonic influence of the culture of power; at least she does at the beginning of the article. And, I agree with her as to the unfairness of this treatment.

As the article progresses, her argument becomes weaker. Delpit seems to still hold on to the idea that this cultural clash between the two communities, and the undesirable outcomes that can stem from teaching literacy in a multi-cultural setting exists. However, she appears to be okay with this existance at the end of her article. This is quite a drastic change than at the beginning of her article.

Also, she appears to be supporting segregation. Delpit states on page 585 that, “I am also suggesting that appropriate education for poor children and children of color can only be devised in consultation with adults who share their culture.” I did not expect to get this message when I first started to read this article. It shocked me a bit!