Bridwell Bowles, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, talks about how writing should be relevant to your life. Students need to not only learn the various conventions of academic writing, but also the power to change things. They need to dream and look to the future.
As Bridwell Bowles stated, much of her best writing was when she was outside of school, in her own environment. Writing on her own helps her feel a sense of personal power in her work for social change. Unfortunately, she says, we all have differences in out writing and that makes it hard to communicate and harder to write for common causes. The key is to make what one writes relevant, understandable and easier to share with others.
As a professor, Bridwell Bowles says it is important to connect the classroom with the outside world. Professors play an important role in the development of literacy. She says it is sometimes difficult to get students to write about topics that are complex, politically incorrect or politically charged. Many times false labels are associated with these types of writing. She believes experimental writing is very important. We need to try new types of writings and broaden our academic horizons. One problem Bridwell Bowles finds with student academics is that students only write for their field. Working in any field requires one to also be knowledgeable of other areas.
Another important point she makes is that we, as scholars, need to be open to the works of different ethnic groups and cultures. When Bridwell Bowles was finally introduced to pieces of writing from other groups she felt enlightened. As a professor it is also difficult because when she began teaching all professors generally had the same view of the world. As times have changed and we have become a multi cultural society, teachers are now feeling the crunch to incorporate many cultures into their cirriculum. She feels we are now expected to write from multiple perspectives.
Bridwell Bowles ends by saying " I want the opportunity
to see students grow not only on the pages of their paper but
also as individuals and citizens of larger communities."
The challenge to teach and write can have long lasting effects
on both the students and the world.
Bridwell Bowles looks at the importance of writing and communication for students. Writing to her is a very personal and important aspect of her life. I agree with her point that it is difficult to get students to write. It is even more difficult to get students to write about subjects that are controversial. We have been taught to stay away from those topics. Many times we are unable to write because of fear. She is a strong believer that writing is important in our lives and that it can be very influential in our lives. She also looked at the crunch students get into when their writing is only focused on one topic, their major. Students need to broaden their horizons so they are aware of the world around them
Bridwell Bowles also examines the importance of reading literature from other cultures. Many students are never exposed to other types of writing until high school or college. This is an excellent source of learning about the triumphs and struggles of other cultures. We, as a society, are also now writing from multiple perspectives. Throughout our lives our perspectives change because of events that have happened in our lives or throughout the world. We are made to reflect on these changes and to make conscious choices of what to believe or not. This has been reflected in the writings and teachings of many.
Bridwell Bowles is correct when she says that writing can lead to social change. A prime example is Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, which captivated audiences around the world. What people say and write can and do have a profound effect on the world around us. She felt that even by her writing alone she could bring about social change. We are more powerful than we think. Single individuals have changed the course of history through writing. We need to step in and take challenges that are offered to us. Think of what we as a society can do?????
She also stresses the importance of teachers in the lives of students. Teachers need to continue to push students to write and express themselves in a variety of ways. We, as a society, need to build on what we know and to make ourselves stronger in writing. Students need to be willing to take the path and teachers need to be willing to show the way.
Bridwell Bowles piece is very colorful and meaningful. She uses
alot of interesting examples some of which were taken from songs
and poems. This was a speech that was telling people to get involved
in writing and to make it fun. Writing is the passage way to
understanding.
© Becky Novotny, Winona (MN) State University, 30 January 1997. This document may be freely distributed for educational use as long as this notice of its authorship accompanies its distribution.
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