I find that we as teachers cannot
focus on all the issues surrounding racism (and sexism, gender orientation,
etc), but we need to have an open and safe environment within our classrooms
for students to be able to learn and to discuss these issues. There are many, recurring behaviors which our
students fall into which is a result of the environment they have grown up in.
Children learn racism. The classroom can
be a good way to allow students to discuss with their peers, hear other views
and hopefully open their minds and get them thinking.
On another
note, as the 'Racial Formation' article pointed out, there is, and may always be, racism
evident in the politics of the world.
This would be our opportunity to bring the topic into the classroom for
student discussion in a less personal way– How do they feel about the issue? How
does the issue affect the people? What
would they do?
Peggy McIntosh's article was thought-provoking, but I am not sure how to take her views. I
