The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
Most
recently I was watching “Akeelah and the Bee” with my sixth grade students when
I noticed racial bias by the mother of the main character Akeelah. She made a
statement about Akeelah going to the suburbs and asked her if she though those
white people really cared about her. Right after this blatant racial
discrimination one of my male, black students gasped and asked me if we were
allowed to watch this. In the moment I did not stop and have that conversation
with Quardale, but reflecting on the experience I wish I had.
It was
apparent to Quardale that the woman in the movie had said something that was
wrong and that she should not be spreading such a message of hate and
discrimination. His reaction was appropriate and made me proud. In the future I
will take the time to extend the discussion and approach the subject of race
relations with my students.
Was there a particular reason why you didn’t stop to have that conversation with your students? Even though one student had the question it would have been a perfect “teaching” opportunity to address the issue with all your students. Life often gives us “teaching” opportunities and they are missed because of lack of preparation or being “caught off guard”. What was the purpose of them watching the movie? I know in my school district we have in depth lesson plans and part of that reason for that is to make sure we are intentionally teaching every day. I am grateful to you for sharing this information with us. It helped make me aware as well. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe were watching it because it was an FCAT day. We don't teach after the kids take such a demanding test. So they were watching the movie for enjoyment and inspiration.
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