Reflections on Social Change: Sherman Alexie and Walden University’s Mission
Sherman Alexie’s story, “Superman and Me,” powerfully illustrates the transformative impact education literacy on both personal and community levels. In this narrative, Alexie recounts his journey to learning how to read as a young Native American boy, emphasizing not only the change it brought to his own life but also its ripple effects on his family and community. This story resonates deeply with Walden University’s mission and vision, which emphasizes social change through education and empowerment.
Alignment with Walden’s Mission and Vision
1. Empowerment Through Education: Walden University is committed to fostering a learning environment that empowers individuals to effect positive change in their communities. Alexie’s experience mirrors this commitment; through his determination to learn how to read, he gained the tools necessary to advocate for himself and others. His journey underscores the belief that education equips individuals with knowledge and skills essential for driving social change.
2. Community Impact: Walden’s vision emphasizes the importance of contributing to the betterment of society. Alexie’s narrative illustrates how his literacy not only changed his life but also inspired him to uplift others in his community. By using his knowledge to promote literacy among Native American youth, he embodies the idea of giving back and fostering collective growth—principles central to Walden’s ethos.
3. Lifelong Learning: Both Alexie’s story and Walden’s mission highlight the significance of lifelong learning. Alexie’s commitment to reading extended beyond personal gain; he became a lifelong learner who used his education to explore complex issues within his community and advocate for change. This aligns with Walden’s dedication to cultivating a culture of continuous learning that encourages students to evolve and contribute meaningfully throughout their lives.
Comparisons with the Scholar of Change Video
In my chosen Scholars of Change video, “Technology as a Tool for Social Justice,” featuring Dr. Maria Gonzalez, the discussion centers on how technology can empower marginalized communities to advocate for their rights and drive social change. Several comparisons and contrasts can be drawn between Alexie’s experiences and Dr. Gonzalez’s insights:
1. Empowerment Through Different Mediums:
– Alexie’s Story: Alexie’s empowerment comes primarily through literacy and the written word. His ability to read opens doors for him, allowing him to navigate various systems and share stories from his community.
– Dr. Gonzalez’s Perspective: In contrast, Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes technology as a modern-day tool for empowerment. She discusses how digital platforms enable communities to organize, communicate, and advocate for social justice. Both narratives emphasize empowerment but through different forms—literacy versus technology.
2. Community Advocacy:
– Alexie’s Community Focus: Alexie focuses on improving literacy within his own community, directly addressing issues faced by Indigenous youth while drawing from his personal background.
– Dr. Gonzalez’s Broader Scope: Dr. Gonzalez addresses a broader range of social justice issues, including racial equality, environmental justice, and economic disparities, highlighting technology’s role in uniting various movements across different communities.
3. Legacy and Impact:
– Personal Journey: Alexie’s journey is deeply personal; his transformation leads him to become a role model in his community, indicating that individual change can inspire wider societal shifts.
– Technological Collective Action: Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes collective action facilitated by technology, suggesting that while individual contributions are vital, the use of tech platforms can amplify voices and mobilize larger groups for substantial societal impact.
Conclusion
Both Sherman Alexie’s “Superman and Me” and Dr. Maria Gonzalez’s insights in the Scholars of Change video reflect the essence of Walden University’s mission to promote social change through education. Alexie’s journey illustrates how literacy can transform lives and communities, while Dr. Gonzalez highlights the potential of technology to empower collective advocacy for social justice. As students and future alumni of Walden, we are encouraged to embrace both education and technology as vital tools in our own journeys toward becoming changemakers in our communities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.
