Monday, December 27, 2010

Day 2 - kujichagulia - Self-determination

What we learned...

Today we reflect on the second Kwanzaa principle, kujichagulia, or self-determination: “to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created and spoken for by others.”

Self-determination can be defined as "Living the way I want to live instead of how others expect me to live," and "Taking the amount of control over your life you want, in the areas you want to control." There are many short term and long term decisions that people make to control their lives. Most people don't want to be in total control of every part of their lives, but may want to share control with family, friends, and others. Letting someone else take control of certain things, however, might mean accepting responsibility for other things like by (me)mom going to work and paying the bills and providing everything you need in return you(kids) go to school and do your best and help to keep the home clean and in order

In order to be self-determined, it's important to have the necessary skills, knowledge, attitudes/beliefs and supports. Skills in areas such as communication, independent living, orientation and mobility, decision making, and self-control are essential. A self-determined person's attitudes and beliefs are indicated by a positive outlook on life, self-confidence, high self-esteem, a sense of determination, and internal control. Supports can come from different places. For example, family members and close friends might offer emotional support. Access to technology and a strong mind might provide the necessary educational support. People who want to become self-determined about something must identify the skills, knowledge, attitudes/beliefs and supports they already have, and those they need in order to become what they want to be or do what they want to do in life.

When you have these skills, you have more control over you life and are empowered to do things you want to do. You can decide what to do with your free time, if you want to continue your education after high school, what kind of job/career you want, where you want to live and much much more! Being self-determined means knowing what you want and knowing how to get it. Knowing yourself means, you know your strengths, your needs, and what your interests are. Maybe you are good at drawing or you are good at solving math problems. If you already know these things, then that means you know your strengths.

It is important to make decisions and speak up for yourself so that you can make your life what you want it to be. If you do not make your own decisions, then everyone else will make them for you. Getting advice helps you make good decisions that are right for you. Praying and following Gods word is important in making good decisions. Making decisions means you are able to think about a situation and make the choice that is best for you. To make an informed decision, first, identify your choices. Next, think about, and maybe discuss with a trusted friend, family member or teacher, the good and bad points of each choice. Then, decide on the one choice that best fits what you want. Later, review your decision and see if it worked out the way you wanted. If it did not you can go back and make some change.

Who we learned about...

Malcom X
Malcolm's style and message stood in harsh contrast to the leadership of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement, who favored nonviolent protests and integration to end discrimination. Malcolm's honest and often offensive political views made him the most interviewed African-American leader by the press and, in 1959, the second-most sought-after college speaker besides Martin Luther King Jr.
He was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, as Malcolm Little. His family was forced out of Omaha by white vigilantes who burned down the family's house. After his mother was institutionalized from the strain of trying to raise her family, the children were separated and sent to various foster homes. Malcolm went to Boston to live with a relative, but he fell into a life of crime—selling and using drugs, running numbers, and organizing a burglary ring. These activities landed him in jail for six years; he was only 21 then.
While imprisoned, he was introduced to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam an organization that works toward the betterment of African Americans in a variety of areas, including spiritual, financial, and social Malcolm began to accept Muslim ideology. He improved his intellect by copying every word of the dictionary and reading voraciously before and after his parole.
Upon his release, Malcolm replaced his "slave name" with an X and rose to prominence as the Nation's representative (1952-1964). He proved to be a brilliant, powerful orator who attracted huge crowds on the university lecture circuit. He had a constant media following. He increased Muslim membership by traveling the country and telling African Americans about their previously rich culture, which he said had been taken away by whites who had then brainwashed Blacks into a mentality of self-hate.
Malcolm's growing popularity became a source of disagreement within the Nation, and his discovery of the leader of the Nation’s alleged dishonest personal behavior created a division. Malcolm left the Nation of Islam in 1964 to form Muslim Mosque, Inc., in Harlem, New York. To solidify his newfound Islamic belief and transformation, Malcolm renamed himself El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.
On February 21 1965, a week after his home was firebombed, 15 bullets fired by 3 assailants entered his body. El-Shabazz died in the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem before medical services arrived. He left behind a loving family, an important social struggle, and an autobiography of bravery, confidence, and self-determination.

What we did....

Rion was seemed very interested in this principle and we spent most of the time just discussing what we were reading about. I would ask if he understood a certain word or sentence and he would give me his own interpritation and his own examples. I was really impressed with how much he grasped. Mani actually does pick up bits and pieces of what we learn too; i asked her what self determination means and she said "ummm I can flip if I want to!" and she flipped. Genious i tell you! Rion explained self determination as being your own driver in a car and if you let the passenger take the wheel you are no longer in control of where you are going. He understands it is importan to be your own driver. He also brought up becoming a pilot when he grows up again. I am excited to see if he sticks with that dream. He didnt learn as much about Malcolm X as I would have liked but I did not want to overwhelm them with information. He got some key points and at least the name is now in his head. I must say am am so dissapointed in the school system as well as myself for the lack of knowledge he has in black historical figures. When he asked me "who is Malcolm X?" my heart dropped. I had been teaching him about other people over the years that I thought the school probably would not but I never knew they were teaching him NOTHING about different cultures!

We added Kujichagulia to our book and then the kids both blew out the candles and so ended our 2nd day of Kwanzaa.

P.S. Mani is really good at remembering and saying Swahili words and the English meaning. She can pronounce Swahili better than English sometimes lol.