Wednesday, February 3, 2010

3:45pm And The Day Has Only Just Begun

Have you ever had the feeling that when the day should be winding down, it isn't even close to half-way over? I'm sitting here with my lady, whose studying for the Illinois Bar Exam while I prepare for my evening graduate course. Whoever said art school was is a breeze has not entered the School of the Art Institute Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Thesis question: What influences the 50%/47% high school drop out rate of young Black American men/women in the United States, and more specific, in Chicago? Why can I not find qualitative phenomenological evidence that explains the social, emotional, political, environmental and psychological issues that influence this epidemic from the mouths of those adversely affected. Again, I am on a mission...to listen to silenced youth voices of color.

Will they discuss these issues with me? After all, why should/would they? What is my point of entry? Who are my allies and what are my resources? I am on a mission. I am a freedom fighter not the savior of our young people. I am filled with compassion and love and support for my people. I want change.

I am consumed with questions.

I am consumed with excitement about my new riding boots.

And now this freedom fighter must go back to work....

2 comments:

  1. i totally know that feeling of the day that never ends! it sounds like you are off to a productive start in your thesis I class! your research question is a really important one. i wonder how you will weave artists and artmaking into your exploration. looking forward to seeing your project develop - i hope you will keep us posted through your blog! :)

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  2. what excellent questions! you've taken the logistics, the practical issues, and begun tackling them first, and realistically, when you begin working with an audience, the theory can inform what you'd like to do, but the hard cold facts of what you're dealing with will dictate what you actually will do. those that are flexible, roll with the punches, and tap their creativity are the ones who emerge with truly successful projects. good luck!

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