- What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.
The assistant
director at my center tells the story of when she was in the
Kindergarten room years ago. There was a child that was giving her an
especially hard time and she turned to correct them. The child
stopped what they were doing and turned, looking at the assistant
director saying, “ My father said I didn't have to listen to you
because you were nothing but a monkey.” My assistant director said
her heart had never felt so broken. She is a black woman.
- In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?Because of the racist comment from the father, the assistant director was not looked at as an authority figure. Much less a human being.
- What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
This brings up
feelings of sadness for the assistant director that she had to
experience this, sadness for the child that she will grow up with
such a racist outlook on life and hatred for the father.
- What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
In order for equity in the kindergarten
class we would have to bring more diversification in the classroom.
Through literature, food, speakers, music ect it would have to be
taught that an African American or anyone should never be called such
horrific things. Last year in the Kindergarten class they went to
the museum and learned what slavery was.
2 comments:
Jenifer,
As I read your Assistant Director’s account of the events that were racism, I identified with her because here in Louisiana racism is alive. President Obama would have a hard time here. People here do not respect him as our country’s leader and cannot deal with any African American person in authority. I once read a sign here that said “Go Back to Africa!” I took that personal and refused to patronize that or any business which openly makes racist remarks.
I agree with you when you state kindergarten classes should address diversity through food, music, literature etc…This is a good idea. I think the earlier it is introduced the better accepted it will be.
Jennifer,
I was completely shocked at the statement that child said to your assistant director. I don't know what I would do in such a situation, but we strive to teach children respect, respect your elders, respect you parents, respect authority. By the parents teaching this young child that she did not need to listen to someone because of the color of their skin pretty much throws out any kind of respect teaching that they were trying to instill in her. I would have probably told the family that they needed to find a new school to take their child to if they were unhappy with the staff at the one she was currently attending.
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