Alaska has the highest teen suicide rate in the nation at 33 per 100,000. That may not sound like much to you, but think about this statistic… The southwest region of Alaska (where I live right now) has a rate of 130 per 100,000, almost four times the state average. Here’s one for ya - 31% of kids in Alaska live in a household where no parent has full-time year-round employment (I’m willing to bet that number is much higher out here in the villages). I couldn’t find statistics for it, but I would estimate that at least 80% of my students come from homes where English is the second language. As far as school goes, 99% of my students are functioning below grade level, most are significantly below (2-8 grades below). To put that in perspective, I have 17 year old 6th graders in my 10th grade World Literature class.
I pulled all of this information together to try and make some sense of the teen suicide issue and I’ve come up with a theory. I think that their lack of language skills transfers in to a lack of communication skills. The lack of communication skills leads to bottled up feelings. The bottled up feelings lead to depression which leads to suicide.
This is a unique population of teens. They live in a village that speaks Yupik but is located in the United States, an English speaking country. It’s the only place in the entire country that I’ve ever been where the encroaching western civilization is avidly trying to let the natives preserve their culture. It’s a bubble (I almost feel like I’m part of some anthropological experiment some days). However, the bubble is nearly impossible to maintain with the advent of cell phones, satellite TV, and IPods. These teens haul water from the river to their homes while listening to their IPods. They have GPS monitors on their dogsleds. They watch Gossip Girl on their big screen TV, but take showers at school (because they don’t have running water at home). Many of them have only ever seen a flush toilet at the school.
Where else in the United States can someone over the age of 21 be arrested for possession of alcohol? Where else in the United States can someone’s entire team of sled dogs be shot, while on their chains, by a cop to whom they are probably related and never see justice served? Where else in the United States are teachers the highest paid people for 400 miles? Where else in the United States? The questions go on and on.
If these teens choose college or a career outside of their village, the distance that they will put between themselves and their families is monumental. Not only physical distance, but cultural distance as well. The families are tightly knit. Even with the high rates of alcohol and sexual abuse, these families are tight.
These kids have more issues than anyone can imagine. They take care of their parents, their siblings, and even their own children all while trying to pass state standardized tests in school.
One very unique characteristic about this population is their quiet demeanor. Talking is not valued in the Yupik culture, listening is. There are no talent shows, cheerleaders, or pep rallies at our school. Most students barely speak above an audible whisper in class. Socratic Seminars are an outright impossibility in a literature class. Group work is minimal and contrived. Because talking is not valued, writing is not valued either. People with too many words to share are Gussacks (whites). When teens don’t talk and don’t write, they don’t have an outlet for their feelings.
I’ve been trying to get my Creative Writing students to start blogging. It’s definitely been like pulling teeth. They write a sentence or two. They don’t know how to put their feelings down in words. I’m not sure if it’s an environmental block or part of their genetic make-up. Whatever it is, I intend to keep pushing the boundaries of their comfort levels. They are superficial writers. … But, I have an idea. I think that if I can teach them how to express their feelings and write about what’s going on around them, it will be sort of like letting the steam out of a pressure cooker. Maybe it will lift some of the hopelessness and depression that leads to such a high rate of teen suicide. If they could just learn to express themselves, they could experience the satisfaction of being heard. Isn’t that all any of us ever want? Just to be heard?
Perhaps it would also make the transition easier for those who go off to college or find careers outside of the village. If they had the tools for communicating with family members left behind, the distance wouldn’t feel so great. By learning effective communication skills, they could let their stories be known – stories about the lawlessness and injustice that they encounter on a daily basis, stories about living a subsistence lifestyle in the 21st century, stories about struggle and survival. I feel almost as if this is a “lost” race out here that the rest of the country knows little about. It’s high time to get the word out.
I think you have made some good observations .
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the culture was always the way you perceive it now.
The suicidal behavior may be "the tip of the iceberg" ,and indicative of some deeper psycho/social/economic stresses and problems ,in families ,and possibly the culture as a whole .
Kathy, this needs to be sent to a major paper in Alaska. You have such a story to share and your writing style sucks the reader in. Why don't you think about sending it to NEA today? What you are saying needs to be heard and people need to realize what is going on up there. I'm sharing this with my students tomorrow. Maybe my 8th graders who think they have it so bad, might actuallty learn something.
ReplyDeleteJ
Thanks, J! It's exciting to see people talking about my writing - the assistant principal at my school was forwarding my blog, today, too. I will definitely check into submitting it to NEA - I'm hoping to write a book when this experience is over. But then, will it ever really be "over"? I'd love to hear what your students had to say!
ReplyDeleteMs. K
ReplyDeleteWhat you have said, about everything you're currently observing is quite strong, but agonizing. This is our life your talking about, I mean, you have to deal with it but you don't understand us because there is no communication. I mean, it's neither of our fault, but for a teacher to fully understand what's going on in our surrounding has to connect with us without judgement. You have to fully accept us for who we are even if its torturing. I mean, come on, I'm sure you don't like this village. I'm sure you dislike how this village is run or the school for that matter, but if you truly want us to improve, why not taking the time in connecting with us. Give us your part of life, show us who you are. You have studied us, but we don't have a clue of what made you who you are. I don't want pity, this is life, and be glad you didn't grow up here. If you're going to publish anything of Kwethluk or the people, be sure to consider how we're going to feel, it's not like we did anything to fully harm you, and do we deserve this kind of comment? Truth hurts but sometimes just recognizing our cons is enough! I see this, and only this, you are not mentioning our pros, you are giving statements only of the negativity. Is it okay for us to feel "stupid" around you? That's the energy I feel just from reading this...and it hurts! How would you feel if we said these things about you? Or whatever life you had before us? I'm going to express myself here, and it shouldn't be counted against me because this is my expression. I hate how people judge us, and act like they know us based on our curriculum. I hate when people think were "stupid." I hate when people think they have the right to talk about us, like we don't have feelings. If you gave a shit about us, you would try your very best to communicate with us, not to communicate with others and tell them how "low class" we are. It hurts. Well, thanks for finally showing how you really feel about us, except on this blog nonsense. Guess we have to find out the hard way. This is how I feel, this is the sort of things you wanted to hear right? Expressing our feelings? In some ways we are respectful, and considerate, but just recognizing our negative sides of us, crosses out all the good we have in us.
I don't like how you used Samantha as an example of our down fall, she died, what more was there to be said about it? Out of respect you could have said nothing at all. Not cool! She meant a lot to us...things happen for a reason.
ReplyDeleteCharlie,
ReplyDeleteI really didn’t feel like I was passing judgment in my blog post. I’m sorry if it made you feel that way. Facts are facts, and if we don’t talk about them, they can never get better. You know as much about me (probably more) as I know about you. I just hope that you took the time to read the entire post and all of my other posts so that you can read where I wrote about how much my classes have accomplished this year. I wrote about Sully’s race, the friendly familiarity among locals, being thankful for my students, Yupik dancing, and on and on. There are many pros, but I can’t leave out the cons. Charlie, I never mentioned Samantha’s name; you did. I did not use her as an example of your “down fall,” I used her as an example of a serious social issue in this part of Alaska that needs to be looked at, discussed, and somehow fixed. I have had A LOT of positive feedback on my blog and on this post in particular, even to the point of being told that I should have it published. Let’s talk about these issues in class, with our voices and our writing, and then we can all start to heal.
On a brighter note, I’m glad to see you’re putting your thoughts down in writing. Good job!
I honestly think it's impossible to connect. If the village doesn't accept new commers, then why should they go out of their way to accept the natives? We may live in the same country, but that village is a whole other world. I believe that Kathy wasn't writing this with the intention of hurting the feelings or harming the pride of your village, Kwethluk. It's obvious that the intention of the blog was this: Suicide is a problem in Southwest Alaska, and she's posing a plausable, and commendable solution. I enjoy this blog, becuase it exposes life in the village for what it really is. It does NOT just criticize those in Kwethluk, but states facts about the life in the village. It is what it is. This may be a wake up call to you (Charlie) but it's just the way your village is viewed.
ReplyDeleteCharlie, I enjoyed your reaction and post so much. I enjoyed your writing, your feelings and your expressions. I also liked knowing your perspective.
ReplyDeleteMy thought is this: Kathy/Ms. K cares SO much about Kwethluk and your people that she wants your healthy traditions to be preserved... but wants justice, solutions and learning to be enriched within that culture.
Something my dad always used to say is... quit talking about the problems and let's talk about solutions. I feel Ms. K is doing just that! She wants to look to fix the "cons", enrich the "pros" and not lose anyone to suicide, alcoholism or abuse (or your dogs to injuustice). Ms. K clearly has a gift of communication. Why not use that gift to make your village's youth even better? Help them so there are no boundaries to their personal (and educational) growth.
I do not believe (from reading all that Kathy has out there) that she feels Kwethluk/Yupik people are "low class" at all... they are very different and very misunderstood in the rest of America. Not lower, just different from the way my 16 and 10 year-old sons are growing up. It's healthy to be different. It's not healthy to perpetuate problems that inhibit growth, no matter the race, culture or family status.
Samantha's death is so sad. Let's celebrate who she was and perhaps what she could have been by making sure no other youth feel that suicide is their only way out of pain. It would make her life mean even more if understanding it can help another.
Keep up your writing! YOU, Charlie, can write a book about your experiences as well! You express yourself really well and I'll buy one of your books! Thank you!
Suicide is more than terrifying, it's not a solution to start with...but anywhere in the world, it happens! Whatever they decide, it's hard to stop it because we don't know what goes on when they're thinking. We can try but only if they choose to express their feelings in an understanding level or if they are willing to trust us. We never know when someone is going to take his or her lives.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is different, in any culture, or race. "Natives" is always the downfall in conversations, due to the fact that we have a very "different" way of expressing ourselves. Everything all comes out, with opinion, they're not facts. How you feel doesn't justify the facts.
Here's a word for this other ANONYMOUS INDIVIDUAL, whom I possibly know, it really shows they've had experience here in Kwethluk. If you wanted to fit in, should have tried to make an effort. Do something; make the change you wanted to see in this diverse community. We do not "discriminate" other races, but they intimidate us, and silently discriminate us, we know it and it didn’t even have to be expressed by words, the expressions showed it all. We are constantly judged, we are talked about. Something’s we hear are impossible to accept. Here are a few things we hear about, "natives are so stupid", "natives do not have the communication skill they need in order to survive the real world", "I feel sorry for these kind of people", "did you hear how they talk? They don't even make sense", "look at how the natives look, I'm embarrassed to be their friend." We are criticized left from right, and it's not surprising. For new commers to enter our community is terrifying, it's just another thing to worry about. Because we hear over and over again of how we act, dress, and look, it makes us isolate them from our lives, aren't we humiliated enough? I THINK SO!
We are who we are, and if you dislike us, fine, it's your problem. This topic of suicide is a very sensitive subject; there is no way to express how we feel about it. It's that huge. I guess since this area of Alaska has a highest rate of suicide, it speaks out, it might as well say "Bush Alaska=unrealistic life" might as well say its torturing to find out somewhere in the U.S. people are struggling to live based on government standards. Do you feel sorry for the parents whom are unemployed? Do you feel sorry for everyone in Kwethluk? Does it make you feel superior? Do you cast pity upon us? Are you giving us more reasons to isolate other races from getting involved in our country? It's pathetic for someone to say they've tried, when I see other "white" people interacting fine with us natives, but the question is, why is that? Well, starters, they do not criticize us, instead they support us. They know we need help, they know we are below the government standards, but that doesn't stop them from loving us. Kathy, you know things happen for a reason, but if you would have a chance to find out how our community really is, would you have come here to teach? That's a question I would like to know...
CONTINUE.....
ReplyDeleteOur school needs improvement as well as students, but like I would say, it's up to the teachers to put in the effort in bonding with students (I'm not trying to say its only up to teachers to work, students as well need to put in effort), encouraging and believing in students and always SHOWING support. Sounds like a lot of responsibility, but it's your career, you knew from the beginning there were going to be difficulties, if not, why on earth would you have chosen your career as a teacher? Teachers adapt, all the time. But sometimes, some hate change, and that hate, represents yourself. Students start seeing who you are, how much you don't understand students or if you dislike what we are, or who we've become..so they push themselves away, to prevent humiliations. You want change, make it happen, its what Ghandi would say.
We may assume why someone would kill themselves, but we will never know why. WE MAY ASSUME, so this subject doesn't justify the truth, it justifies opinion.
(TO THE OTHER ANONYMOUS)This is not a wake up call...do and say what you have to say about this community and yes, do it with pride, I'm sure telling people about this community gives you superiority, our life is nothing compared to yours. This makes me completely angry, beyond max, for someone to fucking say "ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONNECT"...we've tried & tried. It's impossible for someone to get motivated and excited to connect with us "natives"...in the end, everything leads to disappointment!
Communication...sucks. That's something we're working really hard on, it's a risk we take visible or not. Take time to show caress, and mean it, thats all I/we ask.
I'm willing to express myself in a great manner and with maturity, but we are not perfect, and what I have to say, is really deep...I could write a book about it, I can change the world. IM GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD. I'm going to expand my knowledge but I'm not going to let anyone stamp something on my forehead, no one can't knock me down, I wont let anyone knock me down, I'm an Alaskan Native and I'm proud! I'm you're future, and THE FUTURE!
ALTHOUGH I AM SLIGHTLY OFFENDED BY YOUR COMMENTS/REMARKS ABOUT KWETHLUK, I THINK IT'S AN EXCELLENT PAPER. Way to go Kathy!
P.S: I may have went off topic
I arrived in bush Alaska many years ago with a number of other teachers. One of them tried to write a paper for an educational journal about her experiences here. It was her first year after all and she wanted to share this "new found knowledge" with the world. She had a native teacher proof-read her paper and the end reply was this, "You need to have lived here, to have lived it for at least 10 years before ever writing with understanding about this village." I thought those were wise words then, and I think they are wise words now. As "outsiders" we judge so quickly. My students can see it in my eyes, can hear it in my tone, and feel it in their hearts. That would be my recommendation; wait and then write.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, reach out to the students: show up at community events, talk to them about what's important. You have to create a bond with students before they will open up to you. Without that bond you're just another white person selling salvation. Without that bond they will not tell you how they feel because they know that you're going to leave like everyone else before you.
Lastly, the issue of suicide runs deep in Kwethluk. It's in issue all over the delta. Numbers are important, but without being there to witness the whole event, without being there to witness the funeral and the fallout, without being there to comfort those you are reaching out to makes you that much more unlikely to ever understand what the students are feeling.
I understand the truth needs to be told. I want the students to tell the story. I want them to open their hearts and tell their tales. Slowly over time they will. Since I have been in bush Alaska more and more students are telling me their stories and I encourage them to tell the world. One person at a time right?
I in no way say that I understand the village. I merely write what I see – no judgment, no understanding. This post was just my attempt at offering a way out for pent up teenage feelings – via communication. I’m not necessarily trying to get them to open up to me, but to just open up – to learn to write, to speak, to discuss, to be heard.
ReplyDeleteAll teachers need to create a bond with students in order to actually succeed in teaching. Being heard has disadvantages, for one, I do not like hurting other peoples feelings, it makes me feel like a bad person.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your an excellent teacher, and like us student's...you are learning. We need to take responsibility for our actions and need to accept others for who they are. It's never too late to bond with students. You have showed students a taste of what they're supposed to know in English, and you're teaching it the right way. But we're in a slow process, and if it means a lot...higher your expectations for the students.
Write the book, do what you have to do, if you are certain that this needs to be heard, do it without hesitation. I like the idea of what needs to be heard. The government does not have a clue of how students from bush alaska disabled with learning, or how low our English standards are. Students need improvement in writing, speaking, and being heard, but in time, they'll get the hang of it.
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteYou haven't been in Rural Alaska for over a year and yet you are making an opinion on how you see us in our community. "Suicide is a problem in Southwest Alaska." Said Anonymous. It isn't just in Southwest Alaska it's everywhere. We were told from our Elders as we were growing up that we cannot take our own life, only when it is our time to go, it will be our time. Every parent isn't unemployed in this community, there are a lot of parents that I know who work. This community is growing compared to other communities. Kathy, you really need to interact with us NATIVES before even thinking of writing a book about Kwethluk and the people.
I live a long way from Alaska; St. Louis, Missouri to be exact. I teach English just like Mrs. Kysar. I posted Ms. Kysar's blog on my Facebook wall - not to pass judgement, but to educate my colleagues on a part of our country that many have never heard of. I wanted to show a group of teachers and administrators that once again this idea of "No Child Left Behind" is ridiculous. Many of my co-workers discussed this with me. Not one of them passed judgement on your culture. Not one of them referred to your population as "those people". Their reaction was more of anger and the fact that living conditions - many without running water - was alive and well in the United States.
ReplyDeleteInstead, one single post opened the eyes of many. A World History teacher commented, "I can't believe how strong these kids and their families must be." I don't believe that Ms. Kysar said that she feels sorry for you. She did not say that every parent was unemployed. Would have Ms. Kysar come to your village if she knew what she does now? Only she knows the answer to that. However, she has chosen to stay. Ms. Kysar could have packed up and left, but she didn't. (Believe me...she could have broken her contract. This is done everyday)
She cares about what she is doing. Does your village and school deserve to have access to the resources that my students have? ABSOLUTELY! Do you have a right to an education in the least restricted environment? YES! Does any of this make me feel sorry for you? NO! You are working with what you have.
I think many of you are missing the point of Ms. Kysar's initial post. For whatever reason an amazing teacher, who has lived through many things most of you can't imagine, has been dropped into your village. I think you may be surprised to see that she does understand more than you are giving her credit for. In allowing her to share the knowledge and what is necessary to be successful outside of your community will only increase your view on the world. This doesn't mean she is telling you to leave or your customs are wrong. It is our job as educator's to take you to places you have never been through writing, literature, and yes communication.
As far as publishing her story - I was the one who suggested it. Ms. Kysar is a survivor. She has a story to tell which will inspire educators, women, and anyone who was dealt a hand of cards and had to live with them. It is not just all about you. The story of her time in your village is only one small part. I suggested sending her initial post to an educator's journal, the story of your educational system needs to be told. The government and the educational system is leaving you behind. Hearing stories that sometimes it takes three months to get necessary supplies for the classroom is mind boggling. All of this makes me wonder how many other students (not just in Alaska) and their school systems are being left behind? Do I feel sorry for you, judge you, or look down upon your culture - no. Do changes need to be made - yes.
The only way that change can happen is through communication. Every person who has responded to an initial informative blog posting feels passionate about Kwethluk. This outsider believes that this passion should be productive. Talking about it is the first step. Action is the next. I encourage all of you to use this as a teachable moment. Don't be afraid to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of your village. You are the leaders of tomorrow. Only through acceptance and communication will your legacy be left behind.
As a good friend of Kathy, and the best friend of her daughter, Sarah, I read this blog and the comments, and decided to post my own comment.
ReplyDeleteWhen Kathy decided she and Sarah were going to move to Kwethluk, Sarah was actually at my house. I remember seeing Kathy's face, and she looked so excited. From the time Sarah and Kathy started packing up their house to the time I said goodbye to them at the Homer Airport, they were excited and open to this new adventure. I can tell you for a fact that Kathy wanted to learn about life in the village. This is not an assumption; it is something we talked about before she even left Homer. Kathy is a Language teacher - she writes. She writes well. Naturally she is writing about the new experiences that surround her.
Kathy would never write an article such as this meant to hurt someone, (an individual OR group of people such as natives), she would only write to inform. She does not target individuals; she merely explains life in the village as she sees it. Even if she may not be best friends with the natives there, this is one perspective of Kwethluk. It is not wrong in any way; however there ARE other views (as pointed out by several comments). If you are reading this blog with the notion that Kathy is not aware of other views in the village, or thinks that how she sees the village is the only way the village is seen, then you need to open up a little more. (Or a lot more.) Kathy is obviously aware that her perspective of the village is different from a native’s; however, she could not possibly write a blog on anyone’s view of the village but her own. If you are offended by her views: good. That means she is writing her own, truthful feelings.
I decided to comment on this article not only because I believe this is a very informative, well written blog, and not only because I am good friends with Kathy, but because I wanted to add something to it.
Less than a month ago I flew out to Kwethluk to visit Kathy and Sarah. Of course I missed them both, but I also went because I wanted to see where they were living and how village life was for them. Even though I was born in Homer, Alaska and have lived here my whole life, it was my first time in the bush. My uncle owns a bush plane, so that was no new experience for me, but arriving at the Bethel airport was, for me, a whole new world. Literally. I walked into the one room airport and was surrounded by easily 200 native Alaskans. How many other white people: 0. I had no cell phone service, and felt totally alone. I sat down and my ears were smacked with Yupik. I thought that was so cool, honestly. At the same time, I felt extremely isolated. I had prepared myself, however, and had no expectations of there being other white people in the airport. Boarding my little bush plane was the only time that I saw another white: the pilot. (Returning home I had a native man as my pilot). I made it to Kwethluk about 10 minutes later, and the agent who took me in to town was a native man who would not talk to me, and who did not know much English. His little boy who was in the truck with him would sneak looks at me, but when I looked at him he would shrink away and toss his eyes in the other direction. Oh boy. When I arrived at Kathy and Sarah’s house, I was glad that they had running water and a flush toilet. I knew that they were some of the only people in the village who were this lucky.
(cont...)
(...cont.)
ReplyDeleteThe next day I went to school with Sarah. We were the only two white girls. The ladies at the front desk were speaking Yupik and staring at Sarah and me as we walked by. Sarah’s first class was with her mom: Language. There were about 6 students in the class that day, including Sarah. For a language class, there was no talking. So weird. Kathy introduced me to the class. (She was the only teacher that day who introduced me). She said, “This is Katie. She is Sarah’s friend and she’s staying with us for a week.” There was one response: “Who?” Yeah, well, she is the only other white girl in the school besides Sarah, and she is sitting right in front of you. Throughout the day, I felt like a cross between a nobody, (“Who”?) and an alien. I definitely expected to be stared at, but I guess I had underprepared myself for just exactly how many stares I would get. Art class was the most interesting. Sarah and I sat at a table together. As students came in, they filled all the other tables. As more students came in, they looked around, spotted the two white girls sitting alone at our table, and pulled up chairs to the surrounding, already-filled tables. The last student to arrive was a young, 7th grade boy, who looked around and saw the only empty chair was at our table. He pulled it to the other end of the table and sat there. Huh. This was something new to me: racism enforced on ME. I had never actually encountered any type of racism in my life before – however now I was experiencing it… and against ME. This was extremely interesting.
On a walk through town Sarah showed me the three-legged dog that had been shot. She told me many dogs were shot there. We walked and saw the steam houses where people essentially shower (it’s more like a sauna.) We saw their beautiful Russian Orthodox Church, and we passed colorful houses and a cute native toddler who grinned and waved at us in her turquoise parka. On the way home, three 3rd grade boys ran after us and said hi.
To shorten this story, I will just say that I could definitely see pro’s and con’s on my adventure to Kwethluk. Reading Kathy’s blog after I have been to Kwethluk, I can say that she is writing honestly, and she is not trying to damage anyone’s pride or hurt anyone’s feelings. She respects the differences between herself and the natives of Kwethluk, and is reporting and blogging her life and how the village is through her eyes.
From my opinion, experience, and with respect, I have to say that Kathy is doing a phenomenal job. Blogs do not limit themselves to only positive subjects, and I am glad Kathy is recording everything she is experiencing – positive OR negative. It is very brave, to say the least, and am proud of her for writing about powerful things even after negative feedback.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
Wow. Kathy I am proud of you for your thoughtfulness. I don't believe you have to be in a place for ten years to have informed observations.
ReplyDeleteThough I don't live in Kwethluk I have been in the YK Delta for about two years. From my experience I validate your observations on so many levels.
I know you from a brief acquaintance via a mutual friend. And I know without a doubt that you would have wished for nothing less than to become fully inculcated into that community.
I believe that your school site administrator is at fault for fostering a school-wide culture that treats 1st year teachers as outsiders.
Kwethluk will be worse off when you leave. The sad thing is that you weren't given the chance to fit in. Because of poor school leadership the village will never truly realize what a gem they have lost.
Change needs to happen. Good education fosters change. Suicide, alcoholism, domestic violence, rape suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, the YK Delta leads the nation in many of these areas. Without caring teachers like yourself who are willing to sacrifice themselves for a season, villages like Kwethluk will never change. They won't have the intellectual tools.
No, I don't believe they are stupid, but the problems exist and need to be addressed.
Your friend,
M.
The world is changing. AK Villages can no longer have it both ways. Cell phones, ipods, etc are pushing them further and further away from traditional values.
ReplyDeleteThe solution needs to start with individual families. Elders need to not just rise up and teach the younger generation, they need to lead by example. How many elders have you seen who are alcoholic. How many have a history of domestic violence, rape and incest.
Kwethluk, break the cycle and embrace your traditional values! And no, domestic violence, rape and incest are not traditional Yupic values.
Running Bear
Rosebud Reservation, SD
A final word...
ReplyDeleteThe power of words. What an appropriate title. I've always heard that there are three parts of any communication. What was said, what was heard, and what was intended.
Kathy, I think your intentions were noble. I'm sorry that you were so misunderstood by the people of Kwethluk.
Your friend
M.
"Kwethluk will be worse off when you leave. The sad thing is that you weren't given the chance to fit in. Because of poor school leadership the village will never truly realize what a gem they have lost." said anonymous "M"
ReplyDeleteI am a community member and what Kathy had to say was not surprising. I understand why we can get misunderstood because as honest as I can be, teachers come and go, and quickly judge. There is not enough teachers here that have the commitment of staying in Kwethluk, so they're expected to stay a year or few and dash. I have children who struggle but what counts is that they are learning. As long as they're learning. Everyone has different paces and not all will succeed. If Kathy choses to move away after her contract is over, then it should be viewed as waiting for a teacher that wants Kwethluk as his or her place to live. Kwethluk is better off with teachers that love the community and love our lifestyle regardless of our bad issues. I love the students and I'm happy they are being educated because when my grandparents were in school, the farthest education was middle school. I would like to say to (M). Please don't offend us, we are only human, and everyone makes mistakes but its very hardening to see someone say things like they know everything and without knowing, offend us. You offended us, maybe without knowing but I forgive you. I love this community and even were not perfect, I have all the hopes in the world that one day we will be a better and healthier community. Quyana cakneq (thank you very much)!
I am so confused by all of this. A colleague of mine shared this post with me and I have been following it for days. George Bernard Shaw once said, "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” I see a definite pattern amongst many of these posts; miscommunication. If you go back and read the initial blog, how can you truthfully say that this woman was "attacking" the people of Kwethluk? Sharing facts, albiet facts that you may not enjoy, is not casting shame on anyone. You talk about a teacher who has not made an effort to learn about the natives, but I see someone who has done her research and is passionate about teaching her students. The problem with this type of communication is that it is missing what I choose to call "the people factor". The written word is so easily misunderstood. Although I do not know this teacher personally, I beg all of you who are upset by what was written to stop and reflect. Please ask yourself this: Are you upset about the truth that was written? Or are you upset about how the truth may be perceived? If you answered yes to either of these questions, please ask youself this: How are we making our village look by reacting so negatively to written facts? I have not seen any of you list WHAT makes your village so wonderful? WHY do you love your lifestyle? The best way to offset the negative is to accentuate the positive. This reader would like to learn more about a place she never knew exsisted until this was posted. I am not saying that you need to explain yourselves. I for one would like to learn more. Suicide, drugs, unemployment, alcohol, broken homes, parents in prison, incest, English as a second language - all of these affect my High School students as well. The only difference is that we are not afraid to talk about it. We don't look at it as some type of shame. It happens in every high school across America. Now is the time to act upon it. Perhaps the administrator's of your school should be looking at classes such as: Child Development, Family Issues, Contemporary Issues, Sociology. We offer these and they are quite popular. To the young people who were hurt by hearing the facts: I implore you to open up the line of communication in your homes. Do not attack your teacher for stating facts about problems in your society. Help her to help you find solutions.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for your forgiving spirit. I wish I knew what I said to offend you. I meant no offense, and I am grieved if offense was taken.
ReplyDeleteM.
I sincerely believe this teacher is way under appreciated. Charlie how could you perceive her as attacking you or trying to belittle you or your community? The old saying "the truth hurts" applies here. Your a people in crisis. Yes it sucks but when someone comes along to try and HELP and she is shunned for having the audacity to try and bring about change in a community fraught with drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, incest, unemployment, poverty etc. There IS hope of only the wall of silence is broken and people get involved in trying to find solutions. Only then can change come. I believe holding onto tradition while making positive changes is possible. This generation has the power to break the sad cycle that has destroyed so many native people. But the defiance and denial has to end. Instead of being angry at someone for bringing attention to issues that the native community would rather sweep under the rug, take the opportunity to work with that person (who clearly CARES) to bring about change.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope that things can be done to instill a sense of fulfillment to the kids of these isolated communities. Everyone needs to feel purpose in thier life. Without that sense of worthiness, a kid feels lost, hopeless and isolated. They turn to drugs or booze to numb the pain. With that comes the horrors of addiction and unless treated, it ends in one of 3 ways: Jails, institutions or death. Natives are a strong people. Stronger then most. Draw upon that inner strength to rise above and succeed. God doesn't make mistakes. Each one of us is put on earth for a reason. It's up to us to find that purpose and find what brings meaning and happiness to our lives. I pray the native people can work together to heal and create positive changes. And to recognize a gift when they are sent one..in this case a teacher dedicated to helping people change their lives.
MoonShyne