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Leah Beth Parsons Reflection Journal 5: Critical Theory and Hegemony

I have been a part of Queens University of Charlotte for the past 7 years. It is an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of students; however that transformation does not come without a cost. If I take a critical theorist approach to my life at Queens I see that the people involved with the organization; students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and board members, have to give up something in order to make this goal transformation of lives a reality. I have been on two sides of this organization, a staff member and a student, and with each role I have had to give or do something to stay a so called member. Exploitation and oppression are 2 words that are used in many ways. For this journal entry exploitation means: someone is getting more than me for the same thing and oppression means: my options are strained and my choices are limited (class discussion, March 3rd, 2010). As a Queens employee I have been blessed with a fairly free and understanding work environment, however there are some aspects I do feel as though my talents and passions are being exploited and oppressed. As the assistant cheerleading coach I am expected to work 3 nights and mornings a week as well as attend games, events, and competitions. However I am not paid or recognized by management. I probably spend 15 to 20 hours a week working on or with this program. If I refused to give of my time and resources I run the risk of allowing this program to no longer exist and for the students I work with to be disappointed. I do feel as though I am being exploited, however I am allowing the University to do so because I have never vocalized my thoughts or feelings. Plus I dont want to let down the girls on the team or myself by allowing it to fail.

As an admissions counselor I am oppressed because I am not allowed to decide when or where I want to work. I am expected to give up multiple weekends and travel at least 10 weeks out of the year. I do not decide which weekends or weeks I want to work, these dates are established by management and I am expected to adhere without complaint. Because of the long weeks and hours I am able to leave early on slow days and take time off, expect on black out months, when I need, plus I am receiving compensation through pay and education. By giving me compensation I am lead to believe that I am exploited and the school realizes it, however I do feel oppressed because I am not part of the decision making. I wonder if the people who work in the GE plant in Durham, which we read about ever feel oppression. They make their decisions so how could they? When I became a part of the Queens community I bought in to the idea that I would be transforming lives which is an extremely rewarding concept. But I wonder how many people within the Queens community really believe this idea, or is this just something that we should think because upper management says so? Personally I believe that Queens is doing just that, transforming lives, and I believe so because I was a person who was transformed. As a student I had many opportunities that were only possible because of the Queens community. In order for this ideology to spread and be accepted by all I think overt and covert power is necessary. Not only should the President, Dr. Davies, state this is our mission and goal, but others should show and spread the word as well. As a student and as an employee I am expected to live by the Queens Honor code. This code is a guideline to how member of the community should live their life. Seven years ago, when I became a freshman at Queens, the honor code was explained to me. Since then, I have had not been explained or read the honor code.

It is a way of life at Queens. While the honor code was created by the President, Vice President and Deans, its power is covert. As a student the honor code was an unspoken way of life that was never questioned, I should respect myself and others because that is how a Queens student lives. Yes students broke the honor code and had to explain their actions, however the true power lies with the members of the community and their acceptance. The honor code and the belief that Queens is transforming lives is all part of the hegemony here at Queens. People who do not believe in these things do not stay at Queens for very long, whether it is because they are fired or because they chose to leave. I think you have to understand what you are getting into before you dive in head first, otherwise you will be miserable in your work life.

I think there are many things I could do to feel less oppressed or exploited. First off I should voice my concerns about cheerleading to upper management. If they refuse to listen then I should find the courage to quit. If I built a stable and successful program then it will last, if I did not then maybe it just wasnt meant to be. I also think that I should be willing to speak with my director and team mates about our long hours. We should brain storm on better methods, the saying work smarter not harder come to mind. I truly believe that they way to beat exploitation and oppression is through open communication. If you dont let people know how you feel then you will always feel and be treated the same way.

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