Portfolio Summary

This class has helped me to see the world in a different light and understand the privilege that I have been given because of where I grew up, the family I was born into and the social capital I have etc. . However, there are billions of people around the world who do not have these small privileges that I so easily take for granted. By looking back on my life and reviewing the vocabulary we have discussed in class, I have come to the conclusion that I need to keep my eyes open at all times to be aware of my surroundings and find ways in which I can use my privileges for change. This can be through standing up on social media, teaching multi-cultural inclusive pedagogy or speaking on behalf of those who cannot do so for themselves by being an active citizen in politics (voting for those who will benefit the minorities).

To show my understanding from what I have learned in this class (and knowing I have no singing abilities), I decided to write poem about social injustice. I researched and found a few types of poetry on the matter. Here are some poems that I enjoyed reading:

To the American People

Richard Calmit Adams, 1864 - 1921

With your kind permission, your attention I will claim,

I am only just an Indian, it matters not my name,

But I represent my people, their cause and interest, too;

And in their name and honor, I present myself to you.

They have your sacred promise, your pledge of friendship warm,

That you would always aid them and protect them from all harm,

And in my humble efforts, as I briefly state their case,

Will you pardon my shortcomings, and my errors all erase?

I do not come with grandeur, or boast of any fame,

Rank in politics, society, or wealth I cannot claim,

I never went to college, have no title of LL. D.,

As the Great Spirit made me, is all that you may see.

With the forces that oppose me, I certainly should pause,

If I were not depending on the justice of my cause.

I am only just an Indian, who here represents his band;

With this simple introduction, I extend to you my hand.

I really enjoyed reading this poem for a number of reasons. It was written about one hundred years ago. Social injustices have always existed but they really started to come into consideration by the general society because of people voicing their opinion and speaking out. 

Here is another poem about feminism that intrigued me. I love slam poems and that the performance and tone of voice used are what express the main idea as well as the words themselves: 

The following is my poem. I revised it time and time again, asking for help from loved ones on revision and editing. I want to share my message of white privilege and making a change by fighting for social justice through using our voices as a source of power and change.

I have a voicea voice with which social justice can be achieved.I may not always have a solutionbut my new knowledge makes me believe.

I may be just a young woman, coming out of her teens,a broke college student, living paycheck to paycheck, scraping pennies from my pocket,yet I have enough:I'm full of hope, love and dreams. 

I dream of a place filled with answers that to behold,a place where more than one story is told.

Millions of people are not being heard,they don't receive the simple rights we have, the simple choices they deserve.

all the wrongs in the world make my heart ache: innocent children are being oppressed,feminism is being poorly addressed
some need our help, others need care,the homeless are hungry and sometimes hopeless,most of them are full of despair. 

We live in a world that's more than just black and white,it's a place full of opportunities but it will never be right.

I will fight and plea for those who cannot for themselves decide,but all I really want is that these people do not have to hide. 

Many are scared, like the students who are still coming to know,who they are and where they want to go."Am I a boy or a girl? A woman or a man?" they say.how can their parents make that choice for them, when they yet do not understandthere is so much that society asks of them; their lives are full of demand.

It's an active choice to make a difference,to see a fight, and know it's racism and bitterness.People are not who they are because of how they look,there's more to the story than the simple cover of a book.

Life will never be perfect,however, it's something on which we can reflect. Look at the world around you: you've got privileges, food, all the people you need to get to. 

You may ask: What can I do to make an active choice?Well, my friend, You have a voice.