The strongest memory I have when I experienced prejudiced was reading the Underground Railroad in high school. I grew up in a small town which only had one African American student. We didn't see or talk to many children that were of diverse backgrounds.Reading the book, the Underground Railroad with my fellow students was such a big culture shock. I didn't think it was a true story. How can people treat each other so harshly just because of the color of their skin? It was a very uncomfortable story to read out loud in the classroom. And some of my fellow students’ comments torch the book I will never forget. Some of them agreed with how things were a long time ago. I'm guessing that's the way they were brought up. That's the way their parents think so that's the way they think. Others just like myself were disgusted, extremely saddened, and just felt like the story was fictional.
The Underground Railroad I believe should be read by all
students when they grow up. They should know what happened in the past and how
prejudice, disrespectful, and hurtful people could be towards one another. Of course this true story shows diminished equity. Towards other races, it doesn't seem
like there was equity at all a long time ago. And in places of the world right
now in 2021 there still is no equity. I believe as educators we must try our
hardest to welcome all people no matter their race, gender, religion, and background.
We need to treat each other respectfully and without biased to the best of our
ability.
I just recently saw the newly released Underground Railroad movie, On
Amazon prime. Watching the movie Brought back the same feelings I had when I
was reading the book in high school. Just feeling angry at how blacks were
treated. Feeling hurt that the world can be so harsh. I watched the movie with
disgust, and my husband and I talked about each episode afterward trying to
comprehend how the people in the story must have felt at every situation that
they've encountered. It's just an unbelievable story to me. I know it was a
true story, I am just shocked and appalled by the actions taken torts one
another.
I know the world is a different place now than in the 1800s
but so many people are still extremely cruel towards one another just because they
are a different race. I feel that I am obligated as an educator to speak out
towards racism and prejudice in making sure all early childhood students that
come into my classroom know how to respect each other and feel safe and secure in
their own skin. I want to instill in every individual child, including my
newborn son, that when you see something that is right you say something. Don't be
afraid to act for justice. I think more people need to stand up for each other
and show compassion. That's the only way the world is going to change and equality can flourish.
Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat you id, even with reading the book and having those discussion with your students is an incredible first step towards acknowledging and moving forward from some of the terrible things that happened in the past and that are happening now.
Yes, these kids might have been raised to think some terribly divisive stuff, but if we are brave, and if have some of these tough conversations, in a safe place where they can learn and grow without fear of retaliation, they might start thinking a bit differently.
Hey Kathleen, I recently watched the underground railroad, too, on Amazon. I have heard stories about this slave route to freedom. But, unfortunately, still seeing racial bias, though subtly being played out before us in this twenty-first century. You are right, and the time has come for all of us to stand up and speak out against racial injustice. It does not matter if you are white, brown, or black.
ReplyDeleteReading your blog brought back memories from high school. I moved from Arkansas (attending neighbor school) to Wisconsin where I was enrolled in a predominately white school. The experience was one that I had to adjust to. Reading books and literature for History and English courses had me feeling a bit on edge at times however, my parents embraced us on several occasions when we got home which gave us the push to enter the school building every day with a new mindset. I must say I haven't looked at Underground Railroad, will have to add this to my list of "to do."
ReplyDeleteI grew up in private Catholic schools so I can relate to your experiences. This makes me think of the curriculum and how these issues need to be taught. They need to be taught in ways that don't marginalize students, but also make known how serious these topics are and their effects on people. I hope that that teachers now are making a point to address these issues of prejudice and support children of all backgrounds.
ReplyDelete-Rebecca Clark
rebecca.clark3@waldenu.edu
Hi Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I haven't watched the movie yet, each time I see it on amazon, I feel scared to unfold the horrors that I could experience watching it. It is a shame that any human would feel it is okay to treat a fellow human like that. I guess they had to dehumanize them in their minds to do those things. I concur with your statement, "Don't be afraid to act for justice." I believe that it is imminent to summon the courage to speak up for what is right and not to watch injustice prevail.