Reimagining Education: A Chat with Professor Ray Dademo
To be teaching from this very male, very white, very eurocentric point of view does nobody any good.
Imagine an English class where the curriculum is designed to be inclusive and diverse. That's exactly what Professor Ray Dademo is striving for. In this episode of 'The Lighter Side with Jay', Jay Casale sits down with Ray to discuss his mission to 'decolonize' and 'queer' his classroom. Ray's efforts aim to make education less biased and more reflective of all students' experiences. He doesn't shy away from tackling the tough issues, even if it means challenging the status quo.
During their conversation, Ray opens up about his journey, including the amusing yet revealing moment when Jay accidentally outed him. They also dive into topics like the musical 'The Most Happy Fella', Ray's quarantine life on his sister's couch, and his surprising past as a high school bully's friend. Through it all, Ray's passion for creating a more inclusive classroom shines through. Ray also shares his thoughts on the LGBTQ+ movement, warning against complacency and superficial acceptance.
He emphasizes the need for ongoing progress and genuine inclusion. On a personal note, Ray talks about how childhood experiences and media have shaped his views and the importance of exercise for his mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education reform, inclusivity, and the ongoing fight for equality. Tune in to hear Ray's candid reflections and gain a fresh perspective on what it means to truly educate.