RACISM: Teachers Can Make a Difference
By Danielle Lawrence
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘inequality’? Many words, phrases, and examples may pop into your head when you hear this powerful word. When I think of inequality, I immediately think of racism. Do you know that there are people who do not consider racism a problem in our society? How are we suppose to make a difference in our society by preventing racism if there are people who do not consider it an issue? One way we can help the issue of racism is making people aware that it does exist and that it is an ongoing issue. Educators should start teaching their students about racism as soon as possible, including teachers of younger grades. Research shows that many children who learn about inequality and racism think that discrimination is unfair. If educators start children young, and children are receiving an education on inequality and discrimination throughout their school years, then the children will at least grow up knowing that racism and discrimination exist in our society and that it is an issue. In the long run, hopefully people will want to do something about the issue of racism and will not contribute in a bad way to the existing problem.
For additional information:
A Must See Video: “Frontline: A Class Divided”
This video is about a third grade teacher, Jane Elliott who gives her class a lesson in discrimination. The lesson Jane Elliott gives her third graders has a lasting impact on the children, which continues into their adulthood.
mwalsh @ October 26, 2008