Title: ‘White Privilege
Survey’ Causes Controversy at Aloha High School
Source: Acker, Lizzy.
The Oregonian/Oregon Live. September 30, 2016 at 9:31 AM, updated September 30, 2016 at 12:06 PM
Key
Points: A teacher at Aloha High School sent home a survey for student to fill
out regarding white privilege. The goal
of the survey as discussed by the district was to create empathy and
understanding for other students that may not be as privileged. Not all parents were happy about the survey
and/or this specific topic being discussed.
The article is accompanied by a video including interviews from parents
of students attending Aloha High School.
Intended
Audience: Community members, Educators, Parents, Students
Relevance:
Provided a great opportunity for individuals to gain an idea of where students
and parents stand regarding the topic of white privilege. Demonstrates there are individuals oblivious
to social injustice within the community along with the education system.
I am surprised (no, I guess I'm not) that the man who said that he thought the survey was not educational, but a political "agenda." I'd be interested to have a conversation with that man to find out what he thinks the "agenda" is. In hindsight, as a high school student I probably would've responded similarly; saying that I felt the goal was to incite shame.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the English language hasn't developed enough to have a word that would distinguish between a privilege that is recognizably earned and then given (driving licenses) and the type of privilege that is is given through assumption and is not recognized by the person receiving it.
I believe that we should be able to talk about race as educators. It is a hard topic, but we need to help start the conversations, otherwise students won't start it themselves, which makes them uneducated about it. And us as teachers, need to be better educated about ALL races, so we can teach our kids acceptance and respect of others.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with Claudia that race is something that needs to be talked about. In most schools it is an uncomfortable topic for most but in all reality we learn through conversation and experiences. As teachers we need to provide a safe space for hard conversations to be had knowing that in the end the students are learning something from it. If students are starting the conversation about it most times it is because they have been called something they don't like or are hearing what other students are saying about peers.
ReplyDeleteI am super happy that a teacher tried to take this topic on in the classroom. Teaching students about the privileges they have as compared to some people in other situations around the world I believe is important. To help put things in perspective for them. It was not until college that I heard and realized all the privilege I have and I would have been introduced to it earlier.
ReplyDeleteCultural differences exist. Differences exist. The problem is that our society tries to cover over those differences, pretending that we are all the same. We are not. Each culture has different ideas, both good and bad, according to other cultures. The trick is to get people to realize and acknowledge that those differences exist and to talk about them. We shouldn't leave them hidden away, shamefully. We should embrace our differences and celebrate them. However, before we can do that, we need to understand them, recognize them, have the words for them in our mouths. Then we need to share those differences with others, letting them see our uniqueness. In turn, we need to open our eyes to those around us, really seeing who they are, not just a label that has been assigned to them. I like what this teacher tried to teach the students. It was unfortunate that the parent couldn't be taught as well.
ReplyDelete