This week is spirit week here at the school.
The other day was "Holiday Day" -- you know, dress up like a holiday. Some pretty good ones are visible --Santa, elves and etc.
Standing at my door, between classes, I noticed one of our young white, male students...in black face.
Now, since I am one of few teachers of color here (I teach Black Literature-which encompasses history as well), this scene really confused me. The school’s other Black English teacher stood across the hall, saw the student, but just didn't seem to get it.
The other day was "Holiday Day" -- you know, dress up like a holiday. Some pretty good ones are visible --Santa, elves and etc.
Standing at my door, between classes, I noticed one of our young white, male students...in black face.
Now, since I am one of few teachers of color here (I teach Black Literature-which encompasses history as well), this scene really confused me. The school’s other Black English teacher stood across the hall, saw the student, but just didn't seem to get it.
I noticed that taped on the front of his shirt was a photo of a suit. The bell rang, so he turned around, and headed toward class. On the back of his shirt, there was a message taped that read, "I have a dream". He was "celebrating" Martin Luther King, Jr.
Okay. I am trying to come off the ledge, but I call the main office to tell the principal. The secretary upon hearing the words, "white male student in black face" gets my angst. So, they put an APB out on the kid.
Am I wrong?
Clearly, this kid doesn't understand that black face historically was not something that was a positive thing in our history. It made a mockery out of black people. Therefore, my own understanding and knowledge of what just transpired got me riled up.
Okay. I am trying to come off the ledge, but I call the main office to tell the principal. The secretary upon hearing the words, "white male student in black face" gets my angst. So, they put an APB out on the kid.
Am I wrong?
Clearly, this kid doesn't understand that black face historically was not something that was a positive thing in our history. It made a mockery out of black people. Therefore, my own understanding and knowledge of what just transpired got me riled up.
Did I tell you that that kid walked passed several of my colleagues in the history department? Ask me what they said to this kid...and my response is...listen for the crickets.
I will make contact personally with this kid. He doesn't get it, and sadly, neither do my colleagues.
What do you think about this? And how do you think you would have handled it?
4 comments:
I have always heard that at the root of racism and discrimination is ignorance. Essentially, people just don't know better.
I don't know if I agree. While I do believe that exposure to other cultures is valuable because it provides an opportunity to see the common human elements of other people, I also believe that even the most educated, exposed individuals can also be racist and discriminatory. (In fact, some of the most ignorant people are also the most formally educated people!)
So, explaining the historical degradation of blackface may help this young man. However, I believe that there are some far deeper issues going on. Actually, I believe he's well aware of those issues and did it to evoke certain reactions--from both his peers and school administration.
Keep me posted. I'm curious to know how this turns out.
JUST THINK FOR A MOMENT THAT HIS INTENTION DID NOT MEAN ANY HARM, AND HE REALY DID IT TO HONER DOC. KING. THAT WOULD SAY TO ME THAT OUR TEACHER'S ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB EDUCATING OUR YOUNG ONE'S, AND THEY ARE FINDING NEW WAYS OF EXPRESSION.
Actually, i am still trying to get the gist of this angst.
Was this sarcasm of sorts, or was this the child's vision of what MLK stood for?
According to "witnesses" the young man might have had some indication that his attempt to "celebrate or honor" Dr. King was offensive. Once the office tracked him down, he was overheard saying to other students - "I guess I should wash my face before I go down to the office". Additionally, It has also been alleged that this young man strategically took the signs off and on, so that some of the people that saw him - including the teacher whose class he was called out of - did not see the signs he wore in the hallways during passing time.
I don't know if my angst comes from his act or the action or lack of action from my colleagues -- especially the two history teachers in the hallway. Or even better as it has been alleged from one of the students in his first class of the day (7:30 - 9:08) that he applied the black face during that class - and the teacher said nothing.
I am with you Lee, he was aware of the potential problem he was going to cause by dawning this makeup in our school but chose to do it anyway.
Post a Comment