The Very Basis of Research

Only a few classes into the Fall 2008 semester of my 2nd year as a PhD student in the iSchool at the University of Maryland, I am faced with some challenging information – the history of qualitative research methods.  My first reaction is a recollection to something I recently read by Nikki Giovanni about how higher education is in itself a racist and classist descriptor.  Qualitative research has it’s beginnings in studying the ‘other’ and presents the ‘other’ as powerless, lower class, at times illiterate, and darker skinned.  For many reasons, these descriptors are challenging to me as one of two Black female students currently in the program.  It forces me to reflect upon a number of things – Nikki Giovanni’s comments being one of them.  This is a glaring challeng to me because my research interests include finding a way to create effective culturally relevant educational (formal and informal) software for children, particularly Black/African American children.  (A fellow student recently asked me if I had a preference for either term.  I’ll share my answer in another blog.)

The bottom line is that I now have a clearer understanding of how and why folks think those in higher education are (or can be) elitist and racist.  And as a Black women, it is consistently challenging to digest these readings without being offended.  No wonder the original sentiments of the ‘other’ linger in the halls of academia.  Look at how careers begin – with history and high positioning (which easily equates to privilege, at least in the mind of the soon to be academic).  From these readings, the ‘other’ is absolutely anyone who is not of European, Caucasian descent, as qualitative research methods has it’s origins in imperialism and colonialism.  The ‘other’ were studied as a means determine how to capture and conquer.   Had the ‘other’ also had a change to ‘observe’ I think there would have been a totally different fight and different results throughout American’s history.

On the other hand,  it also serves as motivation to continue my proposed research agenda to get more Black folks in these halls of academia.  Even in the case of America’s history, we have come a long way.  I mean look who is now running for President (more thoughts on that also in another blog).

Although the history of research can’t change, the current perceived notions of the other that still persist, that is those of lower class, less intelligence, less power, less say, can change to a more balanced outlook.

I realize my presence is a good one.  It exposes non-Black faculty and students to a different perspective and maybe even forces reflection and modification of their own views of the other in current times.

There has to be more of us, there has to be!