Moé Yonamine shows that climate change is personal for Pacific Islander students. For them, it’s not just about science. It’s about losing their homes, their culture, and their families. Through Ethnic Studies and community events, students are finding ways to speak out and fight for climate justice.
“Because if our islands drown, our identity goes with it.”
Climate change isn’t just about science or the environment; it’s about culture, identity, and survival. This reminded me of Lisa Delpit’s idea from "Other People’s Children," where she discusses how education must reflect the lives of students. These students are literally saying, “See me. Hear me. This is my life.”
How do we talk about climate change in school without turning it into just facts and charts? How do we center the people most impacted?
“How can you say that you don’t have time to hear from us?”
The students weren’t allowed to speak at a climate march. They were ready, organized, and still got ignored. It shows how even when students from marginalized communities do everything right, show up, get involved, and speak out, they still get silenced. This made me think of Allan Johnson’s point that privilege makes people blind to others' struggles. The organizers probably didn’t even realize they were leaving someone out.
How many voices are we missing just because we aren’t paying attention?
How many times have I seen someone get cut off or ignored without realizing what that meant to them?
“It’s either walk now or swim later.”
These students can’t wait. Their homes are at risk. This is why education needs to be connected to real life. These students aren’t learning for the sake of a test. They’re learning to survive, to fight, and to be heard. This also ties into Sleeter’s article about the value of ethnic studies. These students were empowered because their Ethnic Studies class gave them tools to understand, organize, and express themselves.
What would school look like if it focused more on students' real lives and communities?
I really appreciate this course and how it's opening my eyes to so many crucial topics that I would never consider. Climate change and education and culture??? Wow. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteLoved this choice of article and the connection you made to the ethnic studies courses in the Sleeter article! This is an inspiring example of students being impassioned by learning and making real life change in their community!
ReplyDeleteAaron this was such an captivating read. Climate change is such an impactful issue that affects so many around the world. For those from cultures and communities that depend on the preservation of nature and climate, I resonate with the loss of identity and belonging. To be silenced and misunderstood further speaks to the cry for help that must be addressed to not only bring awareness to such a sounding problem, but to also honor all people from all nations.
ReplyDeleteAaron, this article relates to the video we watched last week, "Precious Knowledge." Just as Mexican Americans want to be seen and heard, Pacific Islanders also want to be seen and heard. I also like how you explain each quote.
ReplyDeleteAaron, as a Science teacher, I appreciate this blog. I cannot tell you the number of times that I hear "climate change is not real, it is just Earth changing naturally"! I also love the new perspective that this have given me. To think of cultures "drowning" with our land is something that all should be taught. Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog -- love all the ways you can connect it to our course texts. Sounds like your post really resonated with others as well.
ReplyDelete