Kontan.

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.