ARED 2110: The Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Praxis, per Feire (2005/1970), is "reflection and action upon the world to transform it" (p.51). I believe that is a very interesting idea and definition. I did not know anything about the word praxis prior to the reading, so most of my thoughts have been developed based off of chapter 1 of The Pedagogy of the Oppressed. An interesting part that I particularly agree with is the idea of reflection. Too often people fighting to make a difference and be heard do not take the time to reflect on their decisions and actions as well as the feelings of others. For example, public protests in which the action is predominately seen by the media and appreciated and viewed as a miraculous thing. With the publicity from the media only the action is visible and much of the reflection is left hidden. I think to make public protest really have an impact it would be helpful to include both the action and the reflections in the media so that the protest can have a well rounded and premeditated effect.

When prompted about the two stages of The Pedagogy of the Oppressed. I immediately appreciated the second stage in which "the pedagogy no longer belongs to the oppressed and become a pedagogy for all" (Freire, 2005/1970. p. 54). Because I believe that it is important for the oppressed to move on from their oppression. So that they are not always labeled as the oppressed. I think this form of pedagogy is very successful in teaching the importance of recognizing oppression. Because without the recognition nothing can be done to address it and if it is addressed it would be by the oppressors and not the oppressed. It is important for the benefit of themselves that the oppressed recognize their oppression and stand up to it without becoming the oppressors of others.

---

References: Freire, P. (2017). Pedagogy of the oppressed. London, England: Penguin Books.