Question.3559 - What is Thomas' main message? What might Angela Duckworth say to Thomas about his assertions? How do your experiences in school relate to Thomas' ideas? Do you agree or disagree with his assertions? Include at least one specific example to illustrate your claim.
Answer Below:
In Paul L. Thomas’s essay, “Why Grit Will Never be the Key to Overcoming Poverty and Racism,” he argues that the definition of “grit,” is made so popular by Angela Duckworth that it makes the challenges of the system simple and negates the challenges encountered by marginalized communities, specifically in terms of poverty and racism. Thomas also says that the focus on grit as a solution to getting back from challenges drives the attention away from deeper societal inequalities that still impact the progress of marginalized groups (Thomas, 2). He firmly believes that personal endurance cannot alone address the structural barriers that create and continue in terms of inequity. His main message is that grit is an excellent quality, but it does not reflect on the challenges of poverty and racism. Thoams is mostly concerned that the rhetoric around grit changes the burden of overcoming these inequalities onto the individuals who are most affected by them, rather than holding systems of oppression accountable for addressing their root cause. If Angela Duckworth were to come up with a response to Thomas’s assertions, she might debate that grit is not meant to serve as the prime solution to societal issues but rather as a personal trait that can help individuals succeed despite challenging situations. Duckworth might emphasize that grit when combined with broader social reforms and support systems, can be a useful tool in helping individuals navigate challenges. She might also acknowledge that systemic issues, such as educational inequalities, poverty, and racism, need to be addressed for long-term solutions, but she would still maintain that grit has a crucial role in individual success. Duckworth’s focus is more on individual endurance and character, whereas Thomas emphasizes on the need for collective societal change to create equitable conditions (Duckworth, 5). Reminiscing about my own experience in school, I can relate to some parts of Thomas’s points. As a child growing up, I always heard that hard work and enduring tough situations make for success, but I realized not everyone has the same resources as me. For example, students from richer families had better tutoring access, extracurricular activities, and even private schools, while students from lower brackets struggled to keep up despite working hard. This imbalance made me question the idea that grit alone could level the playing field. I agree with Thomas that structural inequalities need to be reflected upon alongside teaching perseverance. While I have personally adapted from hard work and resilience, I do acknowledge that some of my peers, despite being on the same level as me cannot afford the same opportunities due to socioeconomic circumstances. These differences underscore how the rhetoric around grit can mask the deeper inequalities that influence students’ outcomes. Thomas’s argument that systemic issues like poverty and racism exist must be acknowledged in relation to teaching grit through my personal experience. While grit is an important quality that can help individuals overcome personal challenges, it cannot be the only one to solve the wider societal issues that continue. Thomas‘s critique reminds us that educational and societal reforms are necessary to provide all students with an equitable chance to succeed, and grit should be seen as one part of a much larger picture. Public schools need to be places that provide support for students from all backgrounds, not just those who can “grit” their way through. Works Cited Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner, 2016. Thomas, Paul L. “Why Grit Will Never Be the Key to Overcoming Poverty and Racism.” Radical Eyes for Equity, 2 June 2016, www.radicaleyesforequity.com. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.More Articles From English
.ico)
.ico)
.ico)
.ico)
