An incident where I witnessed someone as the target of bias and prejudice happened when I was working in public school.
During the holidays of Christmas and Easter I observed children of the Jehovah’s
Witness beliefs being unable to participate in the celebrations. During
the celebrations these students were sent to another classroom of students who
were not celebrating at the time. This sent the message to students,
"if you don’t believe like us you are wrong."
For me, I remember feeling this was sad and unfair for the excluded students because they received a message "you are different and we don't completely accept you for your beliefs/traditions." I felt as though the teacher could have turned these celebratory traditions into educational opportunities for the students to exchange/share cultures. By creating an environment where students learn and share cultural beliefs and traditions all cultures become accepted and welcomed; therefore, all students are equal with no dominant culture influence.
For me, I remember feeling this was sad and unfair for the excluded students because they received a message "you are different and we don't completely accept you for your beliefs/traditions." I felt as though the teacher could have turned these celebratory traditions into educational opportunities for the students to exchange/share cultures. By creating an environment where students learn and share cultural beliefs and traditions all cultures become accepted and welcomed; therefore, all students are equal with no dominant culture influence.
A book/movie that I feel shows the power of bias and
prejudice would be that of “The Green Mile”. The main character John Coffey has
a healing touch and when he was trying to save two little girls, which he is
found holding bloody and dead. He is found guilty because he is a large black
man in 1932. He was only trying to help the girls but because of his skin color
he is sent to the electric chair. Of course, this is a fictional story but what
do you think the outcome would have been if something like this had happened in
1932. Even though they found out who the real killer was they still executed
him.
I have also experienced a situation like the one you discussed both when I was a young child going to school and as a fellow teacher in a school. When I was a young child it was confusing for me as to why a friend could not celebrate with us during any of the holidays. She was either sent to the office or went home early. In my class I choose to not base my teaching off what holiday is next. We observe the seasons and have a fall, winter, and spring celebration. When other classrooms have a holiday celebration we often have guests (child who cannot participate for some reason) sent to my class. I have made it a point to keep track on the children so that when my class has their big season party we invite the children that missed the celebrations in their class.
ReplyDeleteI love the movie the Green Mile and even though I have seen it a handful of times I still cry. It is so touching. I would like to believe that this would not take place today but I fear in some states it may.
Cathrine and Sherene,
DeleteIt is often unfortunity that celebrations, holidays, and cultures are not discussed in classrooms. This is something that needs to be addressed even if they do not participate in the event. Children need to know that we are all different and that it is okay to be that way. I feel that children would understand and not disrespect other's beliefs if it was explained to them in a way that demonstrates respect for everyone's beliefs.
Luci
Hello Catherine,
ReplyDeleteYou would be alarmed at how often a person of color is targeted for blame before anyone looks into what really happened. I have had parents who do not want their children to celebrate a holiday or take part in a party, and I always start with please explain to me why you do not want your child to be a part of the activity. It still feels like a class can not celebrate what they believe because of a person's different beliefs.
Do you currently celebrate "holidays" in your Head Start classroom? How do you work with the diveristy in your classroom? I remember in elementary school having friends that were Jehovah Witnesses and they always left early the day we were having our parties. I also remember that whenever we got class lists for Valentines Day that their names were always listed so they were not excluded from the class list. Have you had Jehovah Witnesses in your classrooms? If you have how have you taught the other children in the classroom about the beliefs of them?
ReplyDeleteCatherine,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you; when you send children out of their classrooms during holdiay celebrations can send the negative message that being different is a bad thing. I think it can be great teachable moments if we take that opportunity to discuss and compare different cultures and holiday celebrations!
That movie is a touching movie no matter how many times I watch it. Sadly, many people who are African Americans still suffer this type of racism and oppression today. I wish people could see a person's skin color does not make them a criminal.
Thank you for sharing!
The Head start program that i work for does not advocate celebrating Holidays out of respect for children and families. What a find examples bias and prejudices.
ReplyDelete