Reflecting on Equity in Compostion (tirp4 II)

Though I was not there for half of the class discussion it was made obvious that everyone had about the same stance on equity. Equity seemed to resoundingly be something that is necessary if there is to be a diverse and individualized study of composition. This comes in the belief that since there are so many different languages and voices that we must be more inclusive to them. This inclusion is realized when we notice the different contact zones the Min-Zhan Lu talks about in her article Professing Multiculturalism. These contact zones come in where discourse collides. An example of this would be a classroom setting in which someone whose first language is not English is writing on a topic in English. Here we have the expectation of a certain standard with the ability of someone whom was not raised working with that standard. In this example, we can see that we are not being fair or impartial on the part of the student whom does not have the ability to produce an expected work when they have a firm grasp in another language.

Gloria Anzaldua is someone whom is writing in a way that breaks conventions and thus has open an avenue to further conversation on the dismantling of our American writing standard. With her use of her Chicana language she is breaking conventions unapologetically. Without her feeling the need to translate her Spanish, she is letting the audience know that she is who she is which is someone who alternates between English and Spanish, that is who she is, how she thinks, what she knows, and how she wants to be. Most people can respect this, especially the other students in class who did not find it an issue that Anzaldua would use her native language because it only enhances what she has to say.

From reading the other TIRPS that have been submitted it seems that the rest of the class has seen grammer as an important connection. Grammar has been seen as something that is a structure, but one that can be manipulated by the user, so that it works in their favor. Though this does make sense it does not take into account that those critiquing writing are often those still caught up in the conventions of writing and don't take into account the many voices that come out through work for various reasons, be it education, language, or experience, As long as there is still a guidebook that is being adhered to the voice in composition will continue to remain monotonous. Thus, reflecting on my original analysis, I believe I was accurate in my observations and I believe that others feel that same. We can all agree that equity can only be what it claims to be once we've come to terms with the fact that what composition has been can no longer apply when the voices are so diverse.