Sunday, January 24, 2010
When we discussed "Acting White" in class on Friday, it was a really big shock to me. It breaks my heart that for some people success is literally defined for them as off limits and as a "disappointment" to their race. I understand that this is not the accepted truth for everyone out there who is of a minority, but it absolutely blows my mind nonetheless. I don't know how to react to it because I don't know where my part will be in this problem as a teacher. We discussed the different options in class and I agree that for some students addressing it up front when it first happens may be the best way to combat this kind of a situation, but I also agree that it is going to have to be a case by case situation and we'll have to figure it out as we go. Mental blocks like these are going to be difficult. I cannot begin to try and say that I understand where these students are coming from, but when we talked about it in class, I can totally see how this would create a conflict in the individual student because it may not be a conscious decision to "act white" but rather they are attempting to succeed in school. The documentary really opened my eyes to the reality of everything thats going on because they openly discussed it with students. I know that now that my eyes are opened, I will hopefully be able to be more aware within the classroom to this kind of pressure that is harmful. To be honest, I do not think that I would have thought the idea of “acting white” to be a true concern within the school system because it seems like such a foreign concept, but I am very thankful that I now can see this perspective.
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The statement that I relate to the most in this blog is when you said you didn't realize what a problem this was before the documentary. I also was unaware of this bullying, but I am stunned nonetheless. For someone to call someone out as "acting white" they are insulting the white race and their own race-so what is gained? Nothing. I think that is what our job as teachers is. You can make a student stop bullying in your presence, but when you make them understand why what they are doing is wrong, that is when lifetime improvements are made.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is exactly how I feel! I was really shocked about how HUGE of a problem "acting white" is in school. I, too am confused about how I will deal with it; I have a few ideas in mind, but I have a feeling this is going to be extremely frustrating. I do not really know how to relate to the problem, seeing as it was either not a problem at my high school or I was just blind to it; either way, it is much more prevalent than I thought. I also feel that it may only get worse if we all do not learn to get along and accept each other for the people we are, not the races we are from. Until we can rid ourselves of these old stereotypes, the problem will remain.
ReplyDeleteThe dilemma of how to approach this issue as a teacher is one I also was struggling with after watching the documentary. I feel as though it is important to share the positive accomplishments of member of the black community to student. This could help prove that being successful is not defined as "acting white".. Instead being successful is what you make it. To me, the accusation of "acting white" sounds like an excuse.
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