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!) It is important for students to learn about the inequalities that existed in the past that have inextricably lead to the present time. In an effort to help your White students feel less offended by the topics, instead of primarily relying on lectures and small group work, perhaps you could assign a project wherein students are able to research individuals that were allies to the slaves and the civil rights movement. Not only will the students be able to learn about White individuals and groups that helped the plight of African-Americans, but students should discover that other ethnicities helped during these challenging times as well. The students should also be informed that these events happened in the past and although the past cannot be changed, they can control how they act and respond to the content of the lesson. By acknowledging the past, and not shouldering personal responsibility for the Whites that enslaved another group of people, your students may have a better outlook on this topic.