September 2nd Class

Today we had our second class—in a bar! It was an interesting dynamic to be sipping cocktails beside your professors while holding discussion about race, the state of the SC educational system and other serious topics. I have to say I rather enjoyed it, although was warned not to get accustomed to it!

Our conversations were based on two different readings (excerpts from J.W. Cash’s The Mind of the South and David Delaney’s Race, Place and the Law 1836-1948), as well as a documentary detailing the conditions of schools along South Carolina’s I-95 corridor entitled Corridor of Shame: The Neglect of South Carolina’s Rural Schools. All were very insightful, especially considering I have spent the majority of my life in the Northeast and was born after the time of Jim Crow laws; however the video left the greatest impact on me. Aside from being more of a visual learner, it was almost unbelievable to me that conditions like this could exist in schools—sewage backups, no heat, collapsing ceilings, etc. In my opinion, the early years of school are difficult enough, let alone with the additional challenges that these students are facing.

As a child, my family moved a fair amount. I was fortunate enough that when we relocated to a new area, my parents would ask the realtor where the best school district was located and only look at houses within that area. Initially, it was hard to understand why the concerned parents (who are probably in the minority of parents in this area, which leads to another entirely different but equally important issue) could not do more for the situation. My initial thought was why not leave? But then you realize there are other circumstances and limitations such as education levels, job availability, skill sets, dependence on family, etc. that are preventing this from being an easy solution. Even if they were fortunate enough to be able to move, what about the children left behind???

Having spent the majority of my years in the north and only the past six years in the south, I do not possess a true southern perspective, but am slowly learning. I would say I had preconceived notions of what it meant to be a ‘southerner’ when I first ventured below the Mason Dixon Line. In my defense, I think both Southerners and Northerners each have preconceived notions about the others culture, lifestyle, etc. Cash’s book had an interesting take on the ‘Grand Ole’ South. In a sense, he deflated some of the romantic notions associated with the south and its great plantations and great southern families. Overall, he gave good insight into reasons that the south is the way it is. Whether they are all accurate or not is debatable, but it is a good start for understanding why life here in the south is different in many respects from the northern life to which I am accustomed.

Lastly, we were introduced to Harry Crissy, a Clemson extension agent in Bamberg County. He is a very passionate and energetic man that has been working to promote economic revitalization within several communities in southwestern SC. We will be working with Harry throughout the semester to make improvements to the Bamberg community through planning and design concepts. Our first step will be conducting door-to-door interviews with its citizens to gain there input. This will be an adventure I am sure. I have not gone door-to-door since I was selling a girl scout selling cookies! Our group will be in the area on September 25th …..more updates later.