Educational Psychology—Limitations and Possibilities

704 The Praeger Handbook of Education and Psychology
(the mixture, not the jazz) get out your old beater and slip a pumpin’, bumpin’ reggae CD in, turn
it up as loud as you can and twirl and dance as you beat the shit out of your mixture—Remember,
you are paying homage to those who came before so do it with the rhythm of your past adding
your unique flavor to the batter—then beat ...the faster the better.
And call her Oshun, the African goddess of voluptuous beauty, the goddess of love, the goddess
of fertility, the female master of strategy. Oshun is the sweet and sour taste of life. Don’t forget
to add a little Yemaya for water purifies and is a giver of life ...new life
A goddess was just what Rochelle needed. Not only a higher power but one from the historical
memories of an African past. Created with music and brought to life with rhythm and soul, a
goddess with the strength to move the paradigm beyond the margins. She holds a golden chain in
her hands, a chain to tie all of her people together.
Together Oshun and Rochelle will write and speak their truth. Oshun brings voice to the silence
surrounding Rochelle. Rochelle brings life to the historical memory of Oshun. As one they tell
you A Black woman’s story ...
Stage Directions: Rochelle is sitting at the kitchen table in her apartment, an ashtray, an old
battered typewriter and a stack of blank typing paper is on the table in from of her. A lone light
hangs over the table forcing the kitchen to be seen only in shadows. There are several candles
on the table in varying heights. A bowl of grapes sits in the middle of the table with a coffee pot
on one side. One large purple coffee mug is placed in front of Rochelle. Surrounding the table in
a semi-circle are four 6-foot bookshelves. Scattered on the floor are books stacked haphazardly
and in varying heights. The books represent the knowledge of the leaders in the field of Critical
Thinking, Radical Education, and Black Woman’s History. Note: The audience should get the
feeling of “intellectual chaos” from the books.
The Players:
Oshun the African Goddess of Critical Thinking
Rochelle the teacher of all students
Rochelle: (Looking out into the audience.) Where can I find the power to understand the feelings I have?
Who will hold me; help me traverse this hostile world I find myself in? I sit here confused, stuck,
barren. (Extending hands toward the typewriter and then pulling them back, roughly) I cannot
even write a facile sentence in a language not meant for me. It’s as if I’m fighting an abstract,
stubbornly refusing to engage in these words and thoughts that feel alien. Why?
(Standing and moving to the front of the table Rochelle begins to pace.) My head hurts, I
cannot fill my lungs with enough air to speak a thought, even one that is silent. I need to turn
away, take a mind-rest, at least for a moment, from this malaise. But I can’t. It is too important
to work my way through, process my alienation from abstract thought, explain and articulate so
all can understand. I must write and complete this article on critical thinking as a means to help
Black women understand and fight their status in a racist sexist society. But the pieces will not
come together in any type of cohesive whole. Instead, I sit, staring at an empty piece of paper,
drinking coffee, killing myself with cigarettes, questioning my intelligence, my critical thinking
skills. Why? Pufffffff.
Oshun: (As soon as Rochelle utters “Why” Oshun walks out of the shadows onto the stage. Soft jazz
and sounds of the ocean can be heard in the background, which should remain for the entire
play. Walking to the kitchen table, she reaches one hand out toward Rochelle.) I hear and
feel your pain and I have come to help you process that pain. Go inside of yourself, reach
deep, and find the strength to look and think critically about your life. Change your way of