Special Thx
The revulsion of rhetoric
Preface: I love my school and I really don’t want to teach anywhere else. The students are motivated, and faculty is allowed to teach without intervention and without being asked if there is any way to ‘help so-n-so pass” so he can play ball.
Facing reality…
Keep in mind I have lived in both Alabama and Mississippi and the stereotype, although not dominant, is certainly present. The racism and American pride here shocks me. No, I am not saying American pride is a bad thing. It is a wonderful thing. However, the idea that America can do no wrong and anyone different is bad bad bad annoys me. The arrogance is shocking! There are times that it is so surprising I imagine Sean Hannity would gasp. Much of the rhetoric is simply for entertainment value, but I suspect there is a good bit of belief in what they spew. It is to the point that it is offensive to me and IMO out of hand. I have to address the situation. Having an opinion is fine. All I ask is that they know why they hold that opinion and back up their arguments with fact. Including in every discussion that America should just blow them up, take them over, wipe them out, the KKK is a Christian organization that was for the good of man, or we’re the best and that’s why all should bow down…it is just not OK!
You need to understand that I do not allow insulting comments and I do not allow discussion to go on the track that some would like to take it. I shut them down rather quickly, but it is becoming a problem. I don’t know how to address the situation in such a way that does not sound anti-American. I’m not anti-American. Not at all! I also do not embrace the imperialist attitude that some have. Furthermore, I hate Obama bashing as much as I hate Bush bashing. It is inappropriate and not allowed! I think we need to go back to the beginning of the year respect discussion. Yes…we need to have the respect discussion and probably a nice written reflection on the matter. I also need to start deducting points for irrelevant comments or comments laced with racist overtones.
6 Responses to The revulsion of rhetoric
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Flair
Why do you hate America?
Hang in there Kontan and teach them the virtue of acceptance and of humility. Thanks for this post!
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“KKK is a Christian organization that was for the good of man”
Um, what? You know what else is Christian? The bible. You know, the thing that says “Do unto others…”. So I guess they are fine with being discriminated against and lynched? Awesome.
I hate ignorance. Hate, hate, hate. If you can’t back up a statement with solid fact – you know, not “Because my dad told me” – then keep your mouth shut.
I’m hanging in there Sage. If I did not like them it would be a serious issue of much larger proportions.
Annie, I know! Giving a full history of the KKK would be wasted energy. They hear only what they want to hear. I despise ignorance and the continual spewing of such. It helps me to realize that the main goal of several students is to antagonize me. At this time, they do not have the social skills to realize when enough is enough. Seems to be a dominant problem in some elements of today’s society.
Kids hear stuff like that from their parents and believe it. When you say some thing that differs, I guess they may look at it like you are saying their parents are wrong.
Mh.
Maybe you need to clarify with them what Americanism is about?
Where, how and why it all started?
Respect sure is a thing that needs repetition over and over (not only in the US).
Sigh. Best of Luck with that tough issue!
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