The ism that I encounter everyday is racism. Everyday everyone say that it is getting better or that I don't exist anymore this is a story. "Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another -- or the belief that another person is less than human -- because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes." (www.adl,org, 2001).Racism is still a major problem from trying to purchase a house to trying to get a job or promotion. On my job it took a long time for the supervisor to recognize the work I do and give me credit for a job well done and a promotion. Whites don't want to think that a African American is as smart as or smarter than them.
My experience with people on my job may cause me to believe that all Whites are this way and cause me to treat my students of this race with disdain and even loathing because of the way I am being treated. I may not give them the time and attention that I know that I should and may give them all the benefits of my knowledge. We, as educator are suppose to treat everyone the same and show respect for all, but if all you encounter everyday from a certain race is racism and you are feeling like you are being looked over and looked down at that will sooner or later start to affect your mind, body and soul. No child is to blame for what thier parents feel and think and I would try my best to get past my feelings and give the best education I can.
Joanne, I so much like this words you made; “No child is to be blamed for what their parents feel and think and I would try my best to get past my feelings and give the best education I can”. Truly every child deserves the best from us. There family attitude and behavior should not be a limitation for us not support their healthy development. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that you so affected by racism, that is truly terrible. As a Caucasian woman, I can not even pretend to understand what you have faced/experienced. I do, however, appreciate that you continue to do anti-bias work within your classroom so that we can continue to promote diversity and acceptance. Equity is the big picture...I hope that our children will have that.
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