Thanks for this. I have not been as familiar with Ella Baker as I'd like to be and this filled gaps for me. The overall point you make really resonates with me-- your lucky students.
I've often thought about (the value of) the contrast between 'Martin' and 'Malcom' - but not so much Ms Baker, knowing much less about her - so yes, thanks for this!
"... that end offers us an opportunity to do something radically different: to free ourselves from the shackles of an old world and build a more just one. That does not require ideological proclamations.
We need only roll up our sleeves and, like Ms. Baker, get to work and live our values without exception."
The idea that Ms. Baker could simply "live her values" without the mediation of language or ideology assumes that these values exist in a pure, self-present state—like an unwritten, unmediated thought or feeling—before any ideological "shorthand" contaminates them. This is the metaphysics of presence: the belief that a true essence (the value/the work) can be fully present and immediately known outside of its linguistic or ideological expression.
Thanks, Eddie. Sounds like a great class. I hope your students realize how lucky they are to have you as a professor. I will be looking for works about Ella Baker as I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know much about her.
Thanks for this. I have not been as familiar with Ella Baker as I'd like to be and this filled gaps for me. The overall point you make really resonates with me-- your lucky students.
I've often thought about (the value of) the contrast between 'Martin' and 'Malcom' - but not so much Ms Baker, knowing much less about her - so yes, thanks for this!
"... that end offers us an opportunity to do something radically different: to free ourselves from the shackles of an old world and build a more just one. That does not require ideological proclamations.
We need only roll up our sleeves and, like Ms. Baker, get to work and live our values without exception."
Very nice.
The idea that Ms. Baker could simply "live her values" without the mediation of language or ideology assumes that these values exist in a pure, self-present state—like an unwritten, unmediated thought or feeling—before any ideological "shorthand" contaminates them. This is the metaphysics of presence: the belief that a true essence (the value/the work) can be fully present and immediately known outside of its linguistic or ideological expression.
Lossy transitions:
Reality > Perception > Ideation > Words
I cited Ella Baker’s biography extensively in my master’s thesis on servant leadership. She is one of my heroes of the movement.
Dr. Eddie,
Many have made contributions, but you will certainly be remembered as one of the most significant trailblazers of our times. We are so proud of you!
Thanks, Eddie. Sounds like a great class. I hope your students realize how lucky they are to have you as a professor. I will be looking for works about Ella Baker as I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know much about her.