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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!) Spring (2007) suggested having students read books that showed how there were white people who aided and provided support to slaves. I think this would be a wonderful thing just so you can teach the students about the oppression and inequalities without demonizing the "white man." But no matter what you do this subject is likely to make several students experience heightened emotions. No matter the race looking back at this period in time can be very emotional but it is very important we do not forget our past so we can see how far we have come. |
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