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 believe that there is great relevance in teaching the events of our past so that we do not repeat them in the future. I can also understand why white students often feel like they are being demonized in class when learning about slavery and segregation. it is important that the teacher realize that many white students shut down and feel guilty when these issues are discussed and taught in the classroom. It is important for the teacher to let the students know that not all white people owned slaves and not every white person believed that slavery was justified and acceptable. I think that this teacher should begin by letting these students know that there were many white people in history that did not approve of slavery and were anti-racist. I believe that sharing a list of those individuals and their contributions to the abolition of slavery would definitely be a step in the right direction. The teacher should let them know that numerous white people acted as allies for the black people and aided in their escape from slavery to freedom. These students should not feel demonized and guilty because they are white. They need to realize that there was just as many people that hated slavery as there were who supported it. Once they understand this, they can begin to build an anti-racist identity of their own. the teacher should continue to teach his lessons, but remember to include some white anti-racist heroes into his lessons.