UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Messier, Matthew E.
Dept./Program:
College of Education and Social Services
Year:
2009
Degree:
Ed. D.
Abstract:
As a social studies educator in a variety of school settings since 1991, I have spent much time developing my outlook on the world; Prior to my teaching days, I clung to the politically conservative, religiously Catholic viewpoint of my parents. Nothing meaningfully challenged this position and it seemed reinforced by the schools I attended. Often uninterested with the instruction I received, I drifted though classes and ended up choosing my parents profession. Exposed to an uncritical, nationalistic message, I saw meaning through the social studies as I could help many fellow Americans grow up loving our country while opposing the bleeding heart, hippie loving, communist inspired, flag burners who would drag us down. I even joined the army and received a top-secret security clearance from the government.
Upon teaching however, I was surprised to discover dark sides of my country's past and present behavior. Complimenting my self-instruction were.various voluntary educational experiences including travels to poverty stricken areas on four continents. Over time, my worldview dramatically shifted. I now see an imperialistic nation that has attained much of its great power and wealth through underhanded and ruthless means. Profit and manufactured destiny have pulled many powerful Americans to resource rich areas throughout the globe without considering many in the way. Those entrepreneurs that do it best appear to have much influence over our plutocratic political system. Our nation's militaristic behavior and disproportionate way of life have made us numerous enemies and then when we are attacked we often wonder why or come up with simplistic reasons that justify an aggressive response.
Radically different from my earlier days, this perception-shift has modified my purpose. Before, I felt it was important to help people find my particular truth. Now I work toward the deconstruction of mainstream thought instilled by various powehl forces and realized primarily through the school and media. I left my insulated sociefy and gained a different viewpoint, one that I currently offer to my students as they seem unexposed to anything other than the dominant patriotic promotion.
I hope critical thinkers can find their own truth. If more can unlearn and discover for themselves maybe negative trends affecting individuals across the planet can be reversed. Critically analyzing unquestioned assumptions may be another kind of truth I find superior to others. If my conclusions are valid, others may ascertain them though unfettered inquiry but outcome is less important to me than the process. I hope untrammeled truth resembles mine but I also find my students educating me about what's up in the world.
After many years of self-analysis I have constructed my own foundation, more independent of prior influences. Had this happened earlier, I may have had a clearer understanding of my own direction in life. Studying and teaching about educational practice along with the social studies over the years has helped to shape my perception. Many, including myself, appear unsure of our place. Some suggest the school's function is to create good, uncritical consumers and ultimately sort society into various unequal categories. Many seem manipulated by the profit-driven system and possibly kept in the dark about their predetermined role while falling short of their own pattern and potential. Their dissatisfaction with significance and compensation may contribute to an angry, uncertain, reactionary public capable of destructive behavior given ripe circumstance.
Thus as I see it, we within the social studies field have much to overcome. An essential social study would offer time and space to look at our world, ourselves and our genuine interests within a self-designed educational setting. It could help reverse unsettling trends, and go a long way in producing new kinds of individuals, able to reconstruct society.
Upon teaching however, I was surprised to discover dark sides of my country's past and present behavior. Complimenting my self-instruction were.various voluntary educational experiences including travels to poverty stricken areas on four continents. Over time, my worldview dramatically shifted. I now see an imperialistic nation that has attained much of its great power and wealth through underhanded and ruthless means. Profit and manufactured destiny have pulled many powerful Americans to resource rich areas throughout the globe without considering many in the way. Those entrepreneurs that do it best appear to have much influence over our plutocratic political system. Our nation's militaristic behavior and disproportionate way of life have made us numerous enemies and then when we are attacked we often wonder why or come up with simplistic reasons that justify an aggressive response.
Radically different from my earlier days, this perception-shift has modified my purpose. Before, I felt it was important to help people find my particular truth. Now I work toward the deconstruction of mainstream thought instilled by various powehl forces and realized primarily through the school and media. I left my insulated sociefy and gained a different viewpoint, one that I currently offer to my students as they seem unexposed to anything other than the dominant patriotic promotion.
I hope critical thinkers can find their own truth. If more can unlearn and discover for themselves maybe negative trends affecting individuals across the planet can be reversed. Critically analyzing unquestioned assumptions may be another kind of truth I find superior to others. If my conclusions are valid, others may ascertain them though unfettered inquiry but outcome is less important to me than the process. I hope untrammeled truth resembles mine but I also find my students educating me about what's up in the world.
After many years of self-analysis I have constructed my own foundation, more independent of prior influences. Had this happened earlier, I may have had a clearer understanding of my own direction in life. Studying and teaching about educational practice along with the social studies over the years has helped to shape my perception. Many, including myself, appear unsure of our place. Some suggest the school's function is to create good, uncritical consumers and ultimately sort society into various unequal categories. Many seem manipulated by the profit-driven system and possibly kept in the dark about their predetermined role while falling short of their own pattern and potential. Their dissatisfaction with significance and compensation may contribute to an angry, uncertain, reactionary public capable of destructive behavior given ripe circumstance.
Thus as I see it, we within the social studies field have much to overcome. An essential social study would offer time and space to look at our world, ourselves and our genuine interests within a self-designed educational setting. It could help reverse unsettling trends, and go a long way in producing new kinds of individuals, able to reconstruct society.