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!) Without a sense that historically and culturally there are many whites who struggle against racism, black students stereotype all whites as being racist and, consequently feel hostility and resentment. In turn, white students resent discussions of racism because they are made to feel personally guilty. Educator and African American activist Beverly Tatum suggest (and I concur) that you begin your discussion by asking your students to think of the name of famous white racist. Then ask your students to name nationally known white people who could be identified as antiracist activists. The point of the questions is to make both white and black students aware that there are positive white role models for antiracist activities but the white role models are not part of their own mental construct. Further, white antiracist are not discusses in history texts. To engage your class, it is not necessary to abandon discussions about race. However, it is necessary that white and other antiracist activists be given just as much prominence as blacks. It is important to remember that while discussing the contributions to history of Frederick Douglas, W.E.B. DuBois, or Martin Luther King Jr., not to forget the actions of Viola Liuzzo, James Reeb or Michael Schwerner. Without taking such inclusive actions, students can leave public school without coming to the realization that whites played a pivotal role in ending slavery and fighting for equal rights for all people.