User:Stuart Strahl

Because Stuart Strahl publishes fiction, and does not wish any controversies caused by his Wikidentity to prejudice people against his work (or any of his views expressed in his work to prejudice people against his Wikipedia contributions), he prefers to remain anonymous at this time.

Education

 * B. A. Oberlin College: 1986 &mdash; majoring in East Asian Studies and also studying Creative Writing
 * Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan: 1985 &mdash; one year of abroad study
 * M. Divinty Andover-Newton Theological School: 1991 &mdash; preparation for ministry in the United Church of Christ. (Completed degree but declined to complete ordination)
 * M. Education Vermont College: 2007 &mdash; certified as a teacher of Special Education (K through Age 21) in the state of Vermont.

Relevant Experience

 * Currently employed in public schools in Vermont
 * 12 years in mental health community rehabilitation
 * 5 years in vocational rehabilitation for developmentally delayed
 * (with spouse) helped raise one daughter
 * Speculative fiction author, published and award winning.

Other Resources
Stuart Strahl 14:32, 25 July 2006 (UTC)
 * Family members' experience
 * Geneticist
 * Ordained minister, UCC
 * Awarded by NAACP
 * Wildlife biologist

More About Me
With some trepidation, I must add that I am a straight white male, 11th generation American, mainstream Protestan, right-handed and left-winged. Why do I say this? All knowledge is politicized, and the notion of neutral, objective reality is an ideology that maintains the power hierarchy. Which means, I suppose, that I have reservations about Wikipedia's NPoV. But one advantage of Wikipedia is that pain and controversy are apparent in its pages (see, for instance, Fidel Castro), despite the goal of neutrality.

I say these things knowing that they pose a risk, that my contributions may be devalued as reflecting a leftist agenda (to pick the only out-of-power attribute in my demographic) or, for that matter, a white male elitist agenda. That it is risky to say these things is part of the very reason for saying them. If none of the foregoing makes sense to you, call it just "Truth in advertising."

My agenda here is based on the work of bell hooks and Paulo Freire, who are both highly recommended.