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!) This is certainly a subject that may cause some student discomfort when discussing amongst a group of peers from many different walks of life. However, it is important to remember that no one person or groups of people are solely responsible for the mistreatment that African Americans received prior to the 1960's. It may be helpful to focus on the roots of slavery in America and how it originated through Triangle Trade involving Great Britain, America and North Africa. This allows you to point out the facts that many different types people were involved in the evolution of slavery in America and how it grew to become completely out of control. It also is very important to teach how overcoming slavery makes America a great place to live today because of equal opportunities for all of its citizens.