Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Why Should I Listen? As part of my 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, I have to talk about slavery, the civil rights movement, etc. The topic ultimately leads to a discussion of how Whites oppressed Blacks. I try to present these topics in a way that does not suggest any guilt. This year, one of my students had a very bad reaction. When we were talking about the civil rights, John, one of my well-behaved but opinionated students, got up and said that he did not want to listen to this lesson anymore, because all we did was to demonize the White people. Three other students openly agreed with him saying that these topics made them angry. I have to cover these topics because they are a part of my curriculum. Also, I believe in the importance teaching children about these inequalities. However, it seems like the way I teach, which is mainly based on lectures and small group work, is making my White students uncomfortable. What should I do to make sure that my White students do not feel offended by these topics? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I think that it is important to emphasize that it is history, and it cannot be changed. I also think it is important to explain that people have been oppressed throughout history based on race, gender, religion, and different aspects of culture. I would explain that the only thing we can do is learn from the mistakes and move forward. It is a part of history, and we cannot skip over it because it makes people feel uncomfortable. Usually the things that make us uncomfortable are the things that need the greatest attention. I would hope that my students would be able to move past the race issue and realize what the bigger picture is.