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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!) The topics of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are sensitive and can evoke feelings of guilt and anger. However, they are important historical events that must be taught. One must be careful to include positive portrayals when presenting these topics, positive portrayals of both Caucasians and African-Americans. One does not want their Caucasian students to feel guilt (as if they are being blamed for slavery) or their African-American students to feel angry to the point where they begin to dislike Caucasian people. Also, it is important to discuss with your students prior to beginning the unit that everyone has different opinions and feeling and that we must be respectful of them. This would also be a good opportunity to discuss how the Civil Right Movement affected other cultures so that it's not just a discussion about Caucasians and African-Americans. |
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