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
Laura,
ReplyDeleteWhat you say about creating a safe environment is perfect. Children do learn racism, but they can learn tolerance and acceptance, too. I completely agree.
I also love that you say students should be encouraged to share their views on racism in the world in the classroom. Sometimes the best way to understand something is to hear the perspectives of others. Sharing with peers in a safe environment can open up a lot of eyes.
I agree, creating a safe environment is the optimal way to promote tolerance and acceptance within a classroom. If the students can comfortably discuss the touchy subject of race without feeling the need to walk on egg-shells, then maybe we can see some progress.
ReplyDeleteI was interested to see a woman's point of view on the McIntosh piece. While she references the white male a few times, the majority of it appears to be about just whites/nonwhites. I agree that there are distinctions being made, and I was curious about whether or not they were just made between race. I think she raised more questions than answers, but succeeded in allowing me some insight into what privileges I have that have gone unnoticed.
Laura -
ReplyDeleteYou definitely make a great point here. Children do learn racism. As teachers, and occasionally role models, we can create the environment for them to learn a different way to deal with matters of race.
I felt that Mcintosh was creating a divide between white and non-whites, but simply acknowledging it. It's kind of a harsh reality that she paints, but it's important to recognize it in order to make a change.
That is an excellent point: people are taught to hate they don't just naturally do it.
ReplyDeleteFor example, in the USA if you have red hair nobody gives it a second though, but in the UK there is a small yet distinct prejudice against people with red hair. The only difference is that the prejudice is taught in the culture of the UK but not here in the US (or at least I'm not aware of that happening here).