aside from being accused of being a "parrot of other men's thinking" as Emerson put it, i'd like to thank you, ken, for the article. it's the one cited in your post by The City Journal.
Source: http://www.city-journal.org/html/12_2_the_prep.html
the article is clearly of the "hide your head in the sand and smile away racism" ilk. the idea that prep-schools are upset that race is being discussed, or that prep school students complain that they are overburdened by racial awareness, is truly worth considering. shocking. and they think Singleton is wrong. wow. from prep school people? what next?
how many awareness seminars am i supposed to have attended before i am qualified enough to realize that there is a difference between enforcing social norms and questioning them?
i think that it IS appropriate to question how loud "loud" is. I also think we should challenge the assumption that a long shirt equals a bad kid. I want to quit hearing from my black friends that they feel unwelcome here. I'm sick of my students enduring racial epithets when they walk down the streets. This doesn't come from seminars, ken. it comes from the same experiences i witness you having at the library. i, too, talk to people. and as for enforcing social norms, i do it for a living. but let's please simply concede the point that we must be carefull in our approach, and enter into dialogue that doesn't negate the claims of the minority.
i guess this would be best settled over an amiable cup of coffee. maybe next week at bella?
Race, Courage, and The Future of Lakewood
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Sean Wheeler
- Posts: 184
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- Location: Mars Ave
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Ivor Karabatkovic
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- Contact:
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Kenneth Warren
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Bill Call
- Posts: 3319
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Ho
Sean Wheeler wrote:i think that it IS appropriate to question how loud "loud" is.
No it isn't.
Just because a student calls his mother a M...F.. doesn't mean it's ok to use that language in school.
Just because a students vocabulary consists primarily of Mo Fo this and Mo Fo that doesn't mean that actually demanding proper behavior is racist.
Just because a student thinks that learning is white doesn't mean he should be given a pass.
Just because a teacher buys into white guilt nonsense doesn't mean children must waste their time learning to feel guilty.
Just because a student doesn't show up for school physically or mentally doesn't mean society has failed him.
For a dose of reality read:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articl ... _cult.html
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Justine Cooper
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:12 am
- Location: Lakewood
Last year a group of black kids up to the age of 17 jumped a freshman on my street and stood on her arms while kicking her face, because she had previously broke up a fight with the smaller kids in the group beating up an Albanian boy. While they did this, they called her "white bit--". Why was that not treated like a "hate" crime or racist crime? The next day the kids all walked right by her house, awaiting "justice" in the juvenile system.
I know there is some racism in Lakewood, but people are more concerned with behavior regardless of color.
I know there is some racism in Lakewood, but people are more concerned with behavior regardless of color.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Jeff Endress
- Posts: 858
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:13 am
- Location: Lakewood
Here's a quiz:
A student at a Lakewood school is denied permission to participate in an extra-cirricular sports activity because of failing to meet the academic standards for participation. The student has been provided one on one teacher assistance and tutoring. The Parent of the child has been advised on numerous ocassions of the poor performance. The student, upon being excluded from the activity complains to the parent. The parent should take the following action:
A) Require that the child keep a daily homework assignment schedule, have the teachers sign off on it, and check that all homework is being done,
B) Set up conferences with the teachers, see what work is missing, what work can still be turned in, and develop a joint plan to make sure that there are communications between the teacher and parent so any shortfalls are immediately remedied.
C) Determine if there is a need for an IEP (Individual Educational Plan), and set up special tutoring sessions as needed.
D) Blame the teachers and staff for their failures to educate the child, ascribe the failures to institutional prejudices and when the subject of parental involvement in the educational process is discussed, indicate that you pay taxes for your child to be educated and that you have your own job.
Jeff
A student at a Lakewood school is denied permission to participate in an extra-cirricular sports activity because of failing to meet the academic standards for participation. The student has been provided one on one teacher assistance and tutoring. The Parent of the child has been advised on numerous ocassions of the poor performance. The student, upon being excluded from the activity complains to the parent. The parent should take the following action:
A) Require that the child keep a daily homework assignment schedule, have the teachers sign off on it, and check that all homework is being done,
B) Set up conferences with the teachers, see what work is missing, what work can still be turned in, and develop a joint plan to make sure that there are communications between the teacher and parent so any shortfalls are immediately remedied.
C) Determine if there is a need for an IEP (Individual Educational Plan), and set up special tutoring sessions as needed.
D) Blame the teachers and staff for their failures to educate the child, ascribe the failures to institutional prejudices and when the subject of parental involvement in the educational process is discussed, indicate that you pay taxes for your child to be educated and that you have your own job.
Jeff
To wander this country and this world looking for the best barbecue â€â€
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ryan costa
- Posts: 2486
- Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:31 pm
ach
Jeff Endress wrote:Here's a quiz:
D) Blame the teachers and staff for their failures to educate the child, ascribe the failures to institutional prejudices and when the subject of parental involvement in the educational process is discussed, indicate that you pay taxes for your child to be educated and that you have your own job.
Jeff
D.2) And get the kid an Ipod and a new bigscreen tv....
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Justine Cooper
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- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:12 am
- Location: Lakewood
Can we pick A, B and C! If my child does not do his work, he does not make a good grade!!! I just don't see our schools being racist! He has a couple friends that are white and failing because they don't care and their parents don't care enough!! For anyone to make a blanket statement that all blacks want to learn less or vica versa is ridiculous. There are both that want to learn, and both that don't! The schools cannot fix the obvious breakdown of the family that is going on across all races.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Gary Rice
- Posts: 1651
- Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 9:59 pm
- Location: Lakewood
Jeff,
I tried to stay off this posting. I really did.
I wish that all of this was as simple to solve as an A) B) C) D) answer.
Oftentimes, the issues are complex and intertwined.
I know. Been there, done that.
You know your law, but I know teaching.
I've had the honor to teach all kinds of kids over the years. Black, White, you name them, I've probably taught them.
Sometimes, learning difficulties can foster behavioral consequences. I'm not sure whether the computer-literate elite on these pages can relate to the high-stakes pressure being put on students today to excel.
If some students, for example, feel that they are unable to file through the same cattle chute at the same time, they might respond by active or passive rebellion, acting-out behaviors, or non-compliance. Often these can be short-term issues that can be resolved with patience.
Of course, you are no doubt aware of the high percentage of children "in the system" having many problems ranging from comprehension, to inability to fit in.
Add to that, peer pressure, rebellious music, and wholly inadequate system response, and there may be problems. If parents are not supportive, problems can increase exponentially. Still, even these parents can often be reached with care and guidance.
There are also very real racial and cultural components that work into these factors as well. Remember that racism is not defined by the racists, but by those who feel discriminated against. The same is true for cultural norms.
What some, for example, might feel to be benign sports logos around the country, others might view to be horrid things.
This does not, however, need to be an oil-and-water discussion.
The Golden Rule applies well here.
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
Young trouble-makers in this town are few, and far between. The trouble they cause is indeed a problem, but most young people thankfully want no part of that sort of thing. Let's not go into overkill here, lest we become a bigger problem than that which we seek to solve.
I am very disturbed with some of the posts here. People seem to continue to exhibit thinly veiled hatred and racism behind their thinking.
Jim said it best. People are framed by their words on these threads.
My thought for some of these people is real simple.
May God forgive you, you know not what you do...or write.
I tried to stay off this posting. I really did.
I wish that all of this was as simple to solve as an A) B) C) D) answer.
Oftentimes, the issues are complex and intertwined.
I know. Been there, done that.
You know your law, but I know teaching.
I've had the honor to teach all kinds of kids over the years. Black, White, you name them, I've probably taught them.
Sometimes, learning difficulties can foster behavioral consequences. I'm not sure whether the computer-literate elite on these pages can relate to the high-stakes pressure being put on students today to excel.
If some students, for example, feel that they are unable to file through the same cattle chute at the same time, they might respond by active or passive rebellion, acting-out behaviors, or non-compliance. Often these can be short-term issues that can be resolved with patience.
Of course, you are no doubt aware of the high percentage of children "in the system" having many problems ranging from comprehension, to inability to fit in.
Add to that, peer pressure, rebellious music, and wholly inadequate system response, and there may be problems. If parents are not supportive, problems can increase exponentially. Still, even these parents can often be reached with care and guidance.
There are also very real racial and cultural components that work into these factors as well. Remember that racism is not defined by the racists, but by those who feel discriminated against. The same is true for cultural norms.
What some, for example, might feel to be benign sports logos around the country, others might view to be horrid things.
This does not, however, need to be an oil-and-water discussion.
The Golden Rule applies well here.
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
Young trouble-makers in this town are few, and far between. The trouble they cause is indeed a problem, but most young people thankfully want no part of that sort of thing. Let's not go into overkill here, lest we become a bigger problem than that which we seek to solve.
I am very disturbed with some of the posts here. People seem to continue to exhibit thinly veiled hatred and racism behind their thinking.
Jim said it best. People are framed by their words on these threads.
My thought for some of these people is real simple.
May God forgive you, you know not what you do...or write.
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Rick Uldricks
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Joe Ott
- Posts: 216
- Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:59 am
- Location: Lakewood
Jeff Endress wrote:Here's a quiz:
Answer is B.
A and C should be covered and developed during B. A) can be covered simply by using Progress Report. If a computer is not at home and you can't use one at work to access Progress Report, then go to the Library. If that's not an option, pick up the phone and call the teachers...
Race and/or nationality doesn't matter. Resources are there for everyone. I guess excuses are too if that's what one chooses.
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Justine Cooper
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:12 am
- Location: Lakewood
I just came from the high school to see a drama skit and there was a group of students (mixed) using the "N" word right in front of security. I just looked at them and they continued walking. It was a black student who said it but the group was mixed.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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ryan costa
- Posts: 2486
- Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:31 pm
integration
where I live(old brooklyn) it is common for young whites and blacks to casually call each other "nigga", to punctuate their sentences with that word, and to begin their phrases or sentences with that word. It is just the new slang. The new vernacular.
My friends in Columbus confirm that even young adults there have reached this level of comfort with the new slang. Yet it is important to differentiate between "nigga" and "nigger". The latter is more likely to be taken offensively.
We're just old. We just ain't hip.
the "urban" or "street" or "hip hop" or "dirtbag" culture that sends so many adults fleeing ever outward is just young people buying what is being sold. The technology of media is cheaper and more robust and versatile. The merchandise is cheaper cuz its nearly all made overseas. These kids are just buying what is being sold. Hip hop is the Vanguard of present American culture. The race to the bottom is a bumpy ride, but there are plenty of offramps and outlet malls along the way.
My friends in Columbus confirm that even young adults there have reached this level of comfort with the new slang. Yet it is important to differentiate between "nigga" and "nigger". The latter is more likely to be taken offensively.
We're just old. We just ain't hip.
the "urban" or "street" or "hip hop" or "dirtbag" culture that sends so many adults fleeing ever outward is just young people buying what is being sold. The technology of media is cheaper and more robust and versatile. The merchandise is cheaper cuz its nearly all made overseas. These kids are just buying what is being sold. Hip hop is the Vanguard of present American culture. The race to the bottom is a bumpy ride, but there are plenty of offramps and outlet malls along the way.
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Dee Martinez
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Tue Oct 24, 2006 6:47 am
Ive started about 10 different posts on this thread and hit the delete key every time. It seems kind of pointless.
The topic has meandered and branched off but one thing stands out. Its still all White people talking. Theres nothing really to engage in. I already understand White people's attitudes, being one myself. The honest dialog Mr.Wheeler hoped for hasnnott materialized. Just Whites talking about Blacks (and make no mistake, theyre talking about US too somewhere).
The topic has meandered and branched off but one thing stands out. Its still all White people talking. Theres nothing really to engage in. I already understand White people's attitudes, being one myself. The honest dialog Mr.Wheeler hoped for hasnnott materialized. Just Whites talking about Blacks (and make no mistake, theyre talking about US too somewhere).