Grant Kester Reading

I really enjoyed the picking though the challenges Kester explored in the reading this week. Although I though there were some very important points presented, there was indeed one thing I though was overlooked. I think that implementing such radical reform in our society must begin at the base. We need strong educators in the public school systems. Giving children the tools to feel empowered as an individual and a sense of a group, or "community," is the most base necessity. We need more equal school systems so that the privilege of learning isn't solely attainable in private schools. One very valuable thing that we need in schools is, of course, art. As said in last weeks reading, everyone learns differently. Art is a way to meet everyone where they are at and breeds a tremendous amount of individual confidence. Art also allows space for empathy. Kester's writing also made me realize that we are the product of a long series of hateful and unsympathetic ideals created by people who were too afraid of "the other." This lineage needs to end here now. In regards to Dedeaux's installation, I think it is brilliant (as Emily said) that she recognized her own prejudices and made a change by connecting directly with that fear and sharing the empathy she found. I also think this is a wonderful example of education that penetrates by going about the presentation of information from a new and applicable angle. I have a lot of respect for her boldness. It is inspiring.