After being asked again yesterday if I had noticed that I was white, I came home in a bit of a funk, to say the least. The woman who asked was very polite about it but nonetheless informed me that I would have trouble in the classroom and was I afraid of african american children?
I am irritated.
I am saddened.
I am frustrated.
I am questioning myself.
This is not what I want out of a teaching experience, I don't want to be questioned not on my abilities as a teacher or as an artist but on my skin color. This is ridiculous.
I've spent my entire work history and training working with urban, diverse populations. I've read a bazillion books on the subject, lectured on the subject and am all around well informed. A principal I interviewed with yesterday was african american. This was her first year in an urban school. I can garuntee you she did not sit through this kind of questioning. I have more urban experience than she does.
Part of me is angry and proud and saying, F this. Part of me is worried for our future and saying, I'll show you.
I don't know which part is winning right now. I think the worried part because that's the part that always wins.
I just don't know.
My optimism is faltering.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Obviously, it's a challenge to overcome. Nobody knowns your capabilities and limitations better than you do. If you know you can do this, then YOU CAN. Simple. If this is truly what you want to do, then your perseverance is going to be an asset and a gift to the children you will be working with. Keep pushing, I know you can do it.
Post a Comment