February 3, 2017 - 11:43
February 3rd, 2017
This week, I found the conversation about how we could ethically represent the people we encounter and work with at our sites to be very interesting. The point about what writing in an honest and uninhibited manner could do for us, the learners, was compelling. Still, I could not get over my deep feeling of discomfort with the idea of representing the women I meet in the correctional facility. I definitely believe that reflection should be part of the praxis experience. I also believe that because these women are our classmates, they should also be afforded the opportunity to reflect on this experience. Even if we're all reflecting, I don't think we should share our reflections with the rest of the class because they wouldn't have established a relationship with the women.
Women who are incarcerated are commonly misrepresented in the media, in our institutions, and in our communities. I think there is a relationship between misrepresentation and silencing. I wouldn't want to participate in that. If we got informed consent from the women to share our reflections with the rest of the class, I'd feel better. I think establishing a relationship that is respectful and transparent would be worth risking them possibly monitoring their own behavior or what they choose to say in our presence. Sharing our reflections with each other without their permission would feel like we're taking advantage of the faith and trust that the women have put into the class.