I enjoyed Professor Gutierrez's in-class activity on Monday. I feel like methods of participation aren't often discussed. Young people, especially students, are continually encouraged to join organizations, and stand up for what they believe in; however, there are many ways in which they can put forth their beliefs into society, and the "best" options are not always presented to them.
The questions the professor asked us sparked strong sentiment from my part. When she asked which method did we consider the best way to integrate our values (education, donating to organizations, protesting, or electing an official who shared the same values), the class had many different responses. I truly believe education is the best method: none of the other options would even exist without education. Even when those who answered differently were explaining their point of view, all of them at one point or another mentioned education. I feel as though it is useless to donate to an organization if you don't know anything about what you are donating to. Sure, the organizations may be better qualified to help the cause and have more impact - but only if they are educated on the topic. Protests are initiated through strong sentiments of the people - and how is one to feel strongly on a topic if they are not properly educated in it? Politics are the same; without education, voters would not know which officials share their values, and therefore might not vote for the candidate with the same beliefs.
Of all the above options, education is the one which spreads the easiest and fastest. It affects billions of people, and allows everyone - from the rich to the poor, one side of the world to another - to participate in a movement. This world strives on education, and without it, we would be nowhere.
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I also found Professor Gutierrez's in class activity to be very interesting. One of the most fascinating parts was when the professor asked the class which of the answer choices listed was the most effective form of social change. The overwhelming majority chose education. I agree with Juanita and the majority of the class that education is the basis for every other form of social change. Yet, when the professor changed the question to ask which of the methods she listed we would feel most comfortable participating in I was surprised by the answer. There was no overwhelming majority any more. A lot of the students who felt that education was the most important form of social change said they would feel more comfortable either electing people who share their beliefs or donating to advocacy organizations. I was surprised that although so many people felt education was the most important effective form of social change, the students would feel more comfortable participating in a different form of social change.
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