Students come to school dressed as Klansmen... with teacher's permission

[LaylaMonroe]

Before reading the article and forming an opinion, let me tell you that Dahlonega (the small town where this took place) is about an hour to 90 minutes from Atlanta, and is located in a county that's known for having some racial issues. For the most part, Georgia has the same issues with racism as other southern states, it's just not as intense or common in major metro areas like Atlanta. Dahlonega is about 5% black and probably about 90% white (old, country, white...). Generally speaking, racism is definitely alive in Dahlonega, and there is significant racial tension in the county and that area in general.

http://www.ajc.com/news/teacher-stands-by-lesson-534319.html?imw=Y

The short version: a teacher allows her students to come to class dressed as klansmen for a school project about the history of racism in the US.

[Spiritfingaz]

If not racist..definitely racially insensitive...but I believe the majority of racism is unconscious and unintentional anyhow...

[JustBritt]

I don't think this has anything to do with the topic. But I think I use to be racist when I was younger (so serious). I think I got like that from watching black history movies and stuff. There was a time when I really didn't like caucasian people. And it mostly came from watching certaint movies. I didn't even like white cops.... I still don't, at times. Glad I grew out of that though.

[sjonathan02]

*sigh* So, unnecessary. Whether for shock-value, to be on television or whatever, this was SO unnecessary.

[LaylaMonroe]

I wonder if you can be racist without discriminating.

I also wonder just how wrong it is to acknowledge that some stereotypes are accurate.

I guess I'm kinda off the subject, too. But yesterday during lunch, one of my co-workers made a reference to a time she was bulimic. I had a really hard time with that one because it's very uncommon for black people to be bulimic. Not to say it doesn't happen (clearly it does), but it's uncommon. It's not much different from the black community's reaction when we learned the DC sniper was black, or how we would react if we ever saw one of our children shooting up his school. It's just uncommon. That very observation could be seen as stereotypical by some, and of course, stereotyping is considered wrong in our society...

I dunno... anyway, back to the teacher and the klanskids. What respectable white parent would allow their child to go to school dressed like that anyway, even if it was for a project?  

[LaylaMonroe]

*sigh* So, unnecessary. Whether for shock-value, to be on television or whatever, this was SO unnecessary.

You know, I kinda side with the teacher, although I think she handled it wrong. I agree with her that it's impossible to discuss racism in the US without discussing the KKK. I just think that two things should have happened: she should've made sure her superiors were aware and supportive of this part of the project, and if they consented, students and parents should've been made aware of the project in advance. Also, if the project was a "go" I see no reason that they had to be walking around the school dressed that way, and perhaps they should've even filmed it before or after school, so that no one would feel threatened or incensed. But the bottom line is that I still wonder what kind of parent would allow that, even if the kids wanted to explore that chapter in "history" (not that it's really history).

Unfortunately, the KKK is still very much alive in the south, and in Georgia, and in Dahlonega, so I'm thinking the kids that did that for their project could possibly be children of klansmen, which changes things...

[sjonathan02]

I wonder if you can be racist without discriminating.

I also wonder just how wrong it is to acknowledge that some stereotypes are accurate.

I guess I'm kinda off the subject, too. But yesterday during lunch, one of my co-workers made a reference to a time she was bulimic. I had a really hard time with that one because it's very uncommon for black people to be bulimic. Not to say it doesn't happen (clearly it does), but it's uncommon. It's not much different from the black community's reaction when we learned the DC sniper was black, or how we would react if we ever saw one of our children shooting up his school. It's just uncommon. That very observation could be seen as stereotypical by some, and of course, stereotyping is considered wrong in our society...

I dunno... anyway, back to the teacher and the klanskids. What respectable white parent would allow their child to go to school dressed like that anyway, even if it was for a project?  

Nope.

[sjonathan02]

You know, I kinda side with the teacher, although I think she handled it wrong. I agree with her that it's impossible to discuss racism in the US without discussing the KKK. I just think that two things should have happened: she should've made sure her superiors were aware and supportive of this part of the project, and if they consented, students and parents should've been made aware of the project in advance. Also, if the project was a "go" I see no reason that they had to be walking around the school dressed that way, and perhaps they should've even filmed it before or after school, so that no one would feel threatened or incensed. But the bottom line is that I still wonder what kind of parent would allow that, even if the kids wanted to explore that chapter in "history" (not that it's really history).

Unfortunately, the KKK is still very much alive in the south, and in Georgia, and in Dahlonega, so I'm thinking the kids that did that for their project could possibly be children of klansmen, which changes things...

Yep, I agree that parents should've been made aware and I agree that the children didn't have to be seen throughout the school dressed that way. Filming the project on a Saturday would've been ideal, indeed.

[churchyreal]

I wonder if you can be racist without discriminating.

I also wonder just how wrong it is to acknowledge that some stereotypes are accurate.

I guess I'm kinda off the subject, too. But yesterday during lunch, one of my co-workers made a reference to a time she was bulimic. I had a really hard time with that one because it's very uncommon for black people to be bulimic. Not to say it doesn't happen (clearly it does), but it's uncommon. It's not much different from the black community's reaction when we learned the DC sniper was black, or how we would react if we ever saw one of our children shooting up his school. It's just uncommon. That very observation could be seen as stereotypical by some, and of course, stereotyping is considered wrong in our society...

I dunno... anyway, back to the teacher and the klanskids. What respectable white parent would allow their child to go to school dressed like that anyway, even if it was for a project?  

I don't think it's wrong if we acknowledge it while being reminded that everyone in the particular group doesn't fit the stereotype.

[chevonee]

Before reading the article and forming an opinion, let me tell you that Dahlonega (the small town where this took place) is about an hour to 90 minutes from Atlanta, and is located in a county that's known for having some racial issues. For the most part, Georgia has the same issues with racism as other southern states, it's just not as intense or common in major metro areas like Atlanta. Dahlonega is about 5% black and probably about 90% white (old, country, white...). Generally speaking, racism is definitely alive in Dahlonega, and there is significant racial tension in the county and that area in general.

http://www.ajc.com/news/teacher-stands-by-lesson-534319.html?imw=Y

The short version: a teacher allows her students to come to class dressed as klansmen for a school project about the history of racism in the US.

Exactly

[nessalynn77]

I agree with Hutchins.  Her motive was actually more right than wrong, she was teaching about racism and educating students on what has taken place in our history.  Her methods, however, were more wrong than right as she failed to consider the impact this history still has on those who were harmed by it, and the effect the reliving/retelling of it will have directly and indirectly.  It is by nature a sensitive topic, and not an easy one to approach in a high school setting.  I applaud her for not shying away from it, but hope that she learned a very valuable lesson about putting herself in the shoes of others and taking into account how things will be perceived.

[LaylaMonroe]

Nope.

I dunno, Jonathan. Racism is determined by what you believe, whereas discrimination is an ACT based on what you believe. Can't you believe something but never act on it?

I guess I should say that the reason I was pondering that in the first place is that someone on LGM said a few years back (and I don't remember who it was, but I remember Nessa's response to it) that everyone is racist to an extent. That kinda stuck with me and I've been thinking about it ever since then. So I'm thinking, if my thoughts and opinions stem from racist ideas, but I don't act on those thoughts and opinions, am I just as bad as one who does? And is that even possible (I know you said it's not)....

just thinking aloud again...

[churchyreal]

I dunno, Jonathan. Racism is determined by what you believe, whereas discrimination is an ACT based on what you believe. Can't you believe something but never act on it?

I guess I should say that the reason I was pondering that in the first place is that someone on LGM said a few years back (and I don't remember who it was, but I remember Nessa's response to it) that everyone is racist to an extent. That kinda stuck with me and I've been thinking about it ever since then. So I'm thinking, if my thoughts and opinions stem from racist ideas, but I don't act on those thoughts and opinions, am I just as bad as one who does? And is that even possible (I know you said it's not)....

just thinking aloud again...

Hmmm you got my mind rolling now on this.

[csedwards2]

"You cannot discuss racism without discussing the Klan," she said. "To do so would be to condone their actions."

I dont think I would have done a re-enactment, because that is really not my expertise. But I can identify with her mentioning of the Klan, because without that kids might erroneously believe that every white person was evil and doing bad things to blacks

[BassbyGrace]

I dunno, Jonathan. Racism is determined by what you believe, whereas discrimination is an ACT based on what you believe. Can't you believe something but never act on it?

I guess I should say that the reason I was pondering that in the first place is that someone on LGM said a few years back (and I don't remember who it was, but I remember Nessa's response to it) that everyone is racist to an extent. That kinda stuck with me and I've been thinking about it ever since then. So I'm thinking, if my thoughts and opinions stem from racist ideas, but I don't act on those thoughts and opinions, am I just as bad as one who does? And is that even possible (I know you said it's not)....

just thinking aloud again...

From your friendly EO rep, Racism is an attitude of superiority, often coupled with an act to subordinate an individual or individuals based on color.  The act of subordination can be Discrimination.  You have to have power in an area to discriminate (say restuarant owner denying blacks, power to choose white boyfriend over Indian, etc).  You can be racist, but not exercise discrimination.  I'd write more, but I gotta go play for the general . 

[sjonathan02]

I dunno, Jonathan. Racism is determined by what you believe, whereas discrimination is an ACT based on what you believe. Can't you believe something but never act on it?

I guess I should say that the reason I was pondering that in the first place is that someone on LGM said a few years back (and I don't remember who it was, but I remember Nessa's response to it) that everyone is racist to an extent. That kinda stuck with me and I've been thinking about it ever since then. So I'm thinking, if my thoughts and opinions stem from racist ideas, but I don't act on those thoughts and opinions, am I just as bad as one who does? And is that even possible (I know you said it's not)....

just thinking aloud again...

First, one would have to buy the assertion that 'everyone is racist to an extent'. I do not. People have a preference for or a proclivity towards a thing or people based on cultural experiences (e.g. one's desire to only date Black because they are Black) but to say that everyone is a racist is SUCH a stretch, imho.

[LaylaMonroe]

First, one would have to buy the assertion that 'everyone is racist to an extent'. I do not. People have a preference for or a proclivity towards a thing or people based on cultural experiences (e.g. one's desire to only date Black because they are Black) but to say that everyone is a racist is SUCH a stretch, imho.

I also don't think everyone is racist.

However, I've been told that some of my opinions are racist (by my sister), and that's something I give thought to every time the subject arises. My two best girlfriends are both white, and I love them like blood sisters. I don't have any negative opinions of them at all. In fact, most of the stereotypical opinions I have about white people in general (and some of the opinions I have about black people), are opinions that they both share. But some people will still say that it's racist to think or say that. *shrug*

I don't think I'm racist, but if I am, I do know that I wouldn't discriminate. I guess that's why I asked that question. I can't see myself denying anyone any opportunity based on the color of their skin; nor would I treat anyone any differently because of the color of their skin. I wouldn't even think differently of a person (without getting to know them first) based solely on their race.

This was good to know:

From your friendly EO rep, Racism is an attitude of superiority, often coupled with an act to subordinate an individual or individuals based on color.  The act of subordination can be Discrimination.  You have to have power in an area to discriminate (say restuarant owner denying blacks, power to choose white boyfriend over Indian, etc).  You can be racist, but not exercise discrimination.  I'd write more, but I gotta go play for the general . 

And makes me wonder now... is it wrong to be racist if you don't exercise discrimination?

[B3Wannabe]

From your friendly EO rep, Racism is an attitude of superiority, often coupled with an act to subordinate an individual or individuals based on color.  The act of subordination can be Discrimination.  You have to have power in an area to discriminate (say restuarant owner denying blacks, power to choose white boyfriend over Indian, etc).  You can be racist, but not exercise discrimination.  I'd write more, but I gotta go play for the general . 

I saw some good videos, by Tim Wise, about this a couple years ago. I think I even posted them here.

He even said in order to be "racist" you have to have the power to discriminate. He said that, in the general sense of the word, that African-Americans cannot be "racist".

Check this one:

cnn - tim wise: "race is a factor"

I even heard Glen Beck say what he's talking about in this video.

[stix_clgi]

I wonder if you can be racist without discriminating.

I also wonder just how wrong it is to acknowledge that some stereotypes are accurate.

Stereotypes aren't accurate, otherwise they would be known as facts. I think if you acknowledge a stereotype as accurate, IMO you are wrong.

It's hard to believe in these times that a teacher is so "oblivious" to racial issues that she allowed her students to do this.

[churchyreal]

Stereotypes aren't accurate, otherwise they would be known as facts. I think if you acknowledge a stereotype as accurate, IMO you are wrong.

It's hard to believe in these times that a teacher is so "oblivious" to racial issues that she allowed her students to do this.

I kind of disagree. I think some stereotypes are accurate but the problem is when we try to generalize it to the entire population. Yes there are black folk who are lazy (that's the grain of truth in the stereotype) but does it mean every black person is lazy? Nope. But to say the entire African-American race is lazy? Now that's stretching it.

BTJM