Race: Some Teachable and Uncomfortable Moments

             

   The chapter I decided to read about and share with our group is a topic I had to get up close and personal with was during this past Summer I session class.  "Race: Some Teachable and Uncomfortable Moments" discusses the topic of racial justice. The literature states that with topics that need to be covered in the classroom, there are opportunities to open the door for discussion of such “elephant-in-the-room” topics. Topics being discussed that bring awareness to injustice that otherwise would not be even touched upon.  Having the opportunity to use the classroom as a safe environment to help elicit conversation about race and its influences from the past, the effects on the present, and the future offer a leeway to meaningful conversation.   These conversations should focus on how repeated past patterns continue to have influence in today’s society. The teachers in this section used The Secret Life of Bees, to show the contrast between whites and blacks in the 19602 and Spike Lee’s documentary, 4 Little Girls to show the gap between the two communities as a starting point. The fact of the matter is that as Heidi Tolentino stated, “Talking about issues of race is so difficult.  It’s painful. Most adults don’t want to touch it and will silence others when they do.”  She also believes that giving students room to discuss their thoughts and feelings will allow growth and thinking to those who otherwise wouldn’t. Also, “…it is crucial that we attempt to understand how the conditions in people’s lives affect them,” (161)  Click here for information from Teaching Tolerance (Teaching Tolerance)

The takeaways from opening the doors and the willingness to use resources that may prompt student responses at a deeper level are opportunities to create discussions. As uncomfortable as they may become they induce a deeper level of thinking and reflection. Here is a graphic organizers to help reveal what may be the cause of our own vulnerability. (Graphic Organizer)  and this organizer to assist with how to think ahead and respond in uncomfortable situations (Preparing to Respond in Uncomfortable Situations).  Lastly, a list of resources to explore (Resources and Resources)