Researching Elite Schools as an Elite Individual

As we’ve approached the end of first semester, I have begun reflecting on what I have learned from our research project and the ED324 course in general. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I initially signed up for the course. Yet, over the past three months, I feel that I have gained a better understanding of the privilege I attain by simply attending an elite institution. I have learned what it means to research elitism and elite schooling as an “elite” individual myself. I have a newfound understanding of what elite bias looks like, as I consciously challenged my inherent privilege while analyzing data. I now realize the importance of separating my preconceived beliefs from my own personal educational experience.

I think it is essential that every Colby student, regardless of class, race, etc., recognize this privilege of elitism. That does not mean that every Colby student is equally privileged by any means. As we have learned, social hierarchies persist in any field, regardless of how selective/exclusive the environment may be. As a result of this, I believe that ED324 is not only beneficial to Colby students interested in Education, but to all Colby students in general. It’s the courses like these that encourage students to grow– not just academically, but socially. It is our duty as privileged Colby students to educate ourselves and each other on issues of elite service, global citizenship, post-colonialism, and the white savior complex.

One of the most interesting things I have studied at Colby is the white savior complex. Or rather, how oftentimes upper-class, white individuals feel as though it is their duty to enter less-privileged societies as “saviors”. Again, entering in to developing communities is not the duty of elite individuals. However, we must utilize our privilege to break down these concepts and recognize the underlying, embedded patterns of classism and racism. Ask yourself why the movie “The Blind Side” may be more problematic than you originally realized. Ask yourself why taking photographs with children in developing communities, without their consent, is problematic and upholds the historic concept of post-colonialism.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWIOGsB3O0/

One example that pertains to Colby specifically would be service trips in which students are in educational or medical positions without legitimate certification. This is damaging in so many ways, as it only reinforces the socioeconomic/racial power dynamic between those who are privileged and those who are not. Less-privileged communities only become more dependent on privileged communities, like Colby.

In addition, ED324 has encouraged me to look at Education from a sociological standpoint; utilizing theory and research to formulate analysis. This course ensures that students reflect on their own educational career, and how certain choices/experiences have thus shaped our education and who we are today. So, ask yourself; In what ways does my privilege make my life easier than others? In what ways can I utilize my privilege to educate myself on what conscious social justice looks like?