Confronting Native Speakerism (Part Two)

Last week I shared what I learned about Native-speakerism - a neo-racist ideology that elevates native speakers of English (most often white Western speakers) into a position of cultural superiority.  This produces wide-ranging impacts in classrooms, between co-workers, and between English teachers themselves. I found this workshop both eye-opening and disheartening.  Moreover, it produced an … Continue reading Confronting Native Speakerism (Part Two) →

Quoterday – The Illusion of Free Markets

If some markets look free, it is only because we so totally accept the regulations that are propping them up that they become invisible. -Ha-Joon Chang - 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism When people debate political economic policy, the same theme surfaces.  One side believes in "free markets" while another promotes "regulation". "When the … Continue reading Quoterday – The Illusion of Free Markets →

Confronting Native Speakerism (Part One)

On March 9th, 2019, I spent a lovely afternoon at the KOTESOL Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Conference.  I embraced opportunities for professional development, networking, and distraction from more vice-like pastimes. One presentation entailed a discussion on Native-Speakerism in Korea.  As a U.S. citizen, I grew up learning that most sociological -ism's implied “discrimination against” or “systems that oppress.” Racism … Continue reading Confronting Native Speakerism (Part One) →

Quoterday – Dangerous Dreaming

Dreaming about a positive future seemed to protect against sadness in the short term but promote it over the long term. Gabriele Oettingen, Rethinking Positive Thinking Fantasizing about the future.  It's easy.  It's free. It gives us direction.  It feels good.  What could go wrong? According to Gabriele Oettingen, daydreaming of an ideal future is … Continue reading Quoterday – Dangerous Dreaming →