White Not Right: White is Not Always Right - White Supremacy, Fear & Intimidation in America
Upon recently speaking at a predominately Latino middle school in Texas, I received a very lively and heartfelt response from the kids.
Beyond laughing, paying attention and applauding throughout the hour long presentation - both groups in the two assemblies were very involved and well behaved.
An African American teacher thereafter told me concerning the presentation, "That was great!"
Later however I received an email from the principal (who wasn't present during the 2nd session) telling me a teacher complained because I told a funny story about when I went to Africa and was the only white man deep in the bush within Malawi and Mozambique, where some children screamed and fled in fear thinking me to be a "ghost".
Apparently the white teacher felt me calling myself a ghost and "mzungoo" (term for white man in swahili) was offensive. Ok, but get a grip! I'm speaking to kids and they can take a joke. Why not a white teacher!? Man, lighten up.
This again is the problem with American education, too many teachers are white conformists walking on eggshells and lording themselves over kids all day long ...lacking inspiration...opting for stale heartless education, facts, figures with no real life application.
This white supremicist and manipulative fear I felt intimidating the kids in this title 1 school was a bit overbearing. Yet I must say the kids were very respectful and well behaved. Much good is occurring, but a few uptight white supremicists can ruin it for us all.
Let's remember as educators to impart as much heart as we do head to our kids.
www.PaulFDavis.com author of "Teacher Success & Survival Secrets" and worldwide speaker
info@PaulFDavis.com - invite Paul to speak in your city!
Beyond laughing, paying attention and applauding throughout the hour long presentation - both groups in the two assemblies were very involved and well behaved.
An African American teacher thereafter told me concerning the presentation, "That was great!"
Later however I received an email from the principal (who wasn't present during the 2nd session) telling me a teacher complained because I told a funny story about when I went to Africa and was the only white man deep in the bush within Malawi and Mozambique, where some children screamed and fled in fear thinking me to be a "ghost".
Apparently the white teacher felt me calling myself a ghost and "mzungoo" (term for white man in swahili) was offensive. Ok, but get a grip! I'm speaking to kids and they can take a joke. Why not a white teacher!? Man, lighten up.
This again is the problem with American education, too many teachers are white conformists walking on eggshells and lording themselves over kids all day long ...lacking inspiration...opting for stale heartless education, facts, figures with no real life application.
This white supremicist and manipulative fear I felt intimidating the kids in this title 1 school was a bit overbearing. Yet I must say the kids were very respectful and well behaved. Much good is occurring, but a few uptight white supremicists can ruin it for us all.
Let's remember as educators to impart as much heart as we do head to our kids.
www.PaulFDavis.com author of "Teacher Success & Survival Secrets" and worldwide speaker
info@PaulFDavis.com - invite Paul to speak in your city!
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