The atmosphere at school severely changed last semester when the election rolled around. Students were involved in a way I have never seen before, wearing t-shirts and shouting chants for their favorite candidates. No one could ignore the references in the media and pop culture that inspired the students
***see:
http://www.lyricsyoulove.com/y/young_jeezy/my_president_is_black/
http://yeswecan.dipdive.com/#/~/videoplayer/0/undefined/2207/~/
etc.
Students began holding informal debates before or after class about who was the best candidate and why. One negative aspect glared at me from the front of the room: most of the discussions were sharply divided along racial lines. Sometimes, the discussions even got ugly, and I had to step in and either moderate or end the discussion altogether. Though they are still kids and (for the most part) did not know a great deal about the issues, I was encouraged that they were interested in something so powerful. I feel it is necessary to mention the slanderous comments made by many (primarily white) students. I do not know how to wrap my head around that one quite yet, but I thought it was worth including in the discussion.
Senator Obama’s success allowed the African American students to feel empowered. This was especially true for the black males, whom I feel have the lowest self-esteem and overall feelings of self worth. When Obama won, I was happy and proud for them, hoping Obama’s success might cause a positive change in their outlook of the future.
However, this semester started up on Wednesday, and we began with the usual introductory, get-to-know-you activities. One of the activities we did required that the students pair up and interview each other, then introduce their partner to the class. Of course, I set out some guiding questions to help them along, and one of the questions had to do with career goals or hopes for after high school. Some of the responses:
White female: veterinarian
White male: doctor
White female: lawyer
White male: another doctor
White female: entrepreneur and animal rights activist
Black male: professional football player (does not play in high school)
Black female: cosmetologist
Black male: gangster (actual response)
Black male: no response
Black male: another no response
I think you see where I am going with this. It is disheartening. Even with something as revolutionary as an African American president, the students still feel the glass ceiling. How can we change that?
***see:
http://www.lyricsyoulove.com/y/young_jeezy/my_president_is_black/
http://yeswecan.dipdive.com/#/~/videoplayer/0/undefined/2207/~/
etc.
Students began holding informal debates before or after class about who was the best candidate and why. One negative aspect glared at me from the front of the room: most of the discussions were sharply divided along racial lines. Sometimes, the discussions even got ugly, and I had to step in and either moderate or end the discussion altogether. Though they are still kids and (for the most part) did not know a great deal about the issues, I was encouraged that they were interested in something so powerful. I feel it is necessary to mention the slanderous comments made by many (primarily white) students. I do not know how to wrap my head around that one quite yet, but I thought it was worth including in the discussion.
Senator Obama’s success allowed the African American students to feel empowered. This was especially true for the black males, whom I feel have the lowest self-esteem and overall feelings of self worth. When Obama won, I was happy and proud for them, hoping Obama’s success might cause a positive change in their outlook of the future.
However, this semester started up on Wednesday, and we began with the usual introductory, get-to-know-you activities. One of the activities we did required that the students pair up and interview each other, then introduce their partner to the class. Of course, I set out some guiding questions to help them along, and one of the questions had to do with career goals or hopes for after high school. Some of the responses:
White female: veterinarian
White male: doctor
White female: lawyer
White male: another doctor
White female: entrepreneur and animal rights activist
Black male: professional football player (does not play in high school)
Black female: cosmetologist
Black male: gangster (actual response)
Black male: no response
Black male: another no response
I think you see where I am going with this. It is disheartening. Even with something as revolutionary as an African American president, the students still feel the glass ceiling. How can we change that?
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