Blog # 9..."Youth work is Identiy"...

My very first reflection of the readings was the utilization of hip hop music to connect with the students. Utilizing the voice of hip hop is an incredible way to communicate with today’s youth, it serves as a voice of connectiveness. It solidifies to the youth that as adults we are in tune with pop culture and it makes today's topics much more relatable. Shirley Steinberg and Priya Parmar stepped into a youth space using a vehicle such as hip hop to bridge the gap of literacy as well as an ice breaker that would be everlasting. Once the ice breaker was established the ladies were able to state their identities regarding their race with ease. Shirley Steinberg was received by humorous remark by one student and at that point she was a shoe it. I often found making a first impression very challenging upon introducing myself to a new youth space and as I reflect upon my first encounters it was very scary. There was the fear of being rejected or challenged by the youth due to their trust issues and my confidence. Once I became more experienced and confident, the youth could hear and see my genuine intent upon introduction. Therefore my introductions would became unique to the first meet and greet. Whether it was a humorous approach or establishing a no nonsense leadership role, I would apply my technique that would fit each encounter. I identify myself in youth spaces as approachable and definitely nonjudgmental. Being an African American male I stay away from the position of being relatable because I do not believe you can relate to someone’s position in life unless you have expected their process. The majority of the time I’m working with youth of color and our physical identity connects automatically but there personal story is foreign to me. Therefore I’m true to being an empathic ear and will offer my input upon request or if I feel the need is urgent for me to intervene. Most of the time I’m in the youth space performing a leadership role. Therefore I have to be a person who establishes order and boundaries to complete a task on hand. Once I have established my leadership role the affirmation is acknowledged.

Comments

  1. MsVlugoNovember 17, 2020 at 1:44 PM

    Hi Jeff! Thank you for your post. I really resonated with your perspective that although you may resemble the youth physically, their story is foreign to you. To me that sounds like, "you don't know my story until you walk a mile in my shoes" I believe that to be very true. Just because people have similarities does not mean they are the same. As a youth worker it is important to keep that perspective at the forefront in order to meet the unique and individual needs of the youth you work with.

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