A Hurtful Reality: Racism in Education
Kathryn Craig, M.Ed.
Data Nerd. Goal Setter and Goal Achiever. Poverty-Mindset Breaker. Accountability Partner. Success Maker. A K-12 Servant Leader.
The workshop presenter asked the audience of urban educators to give words to describe the picture of four dark-skinned young men projected on the screen. The young men were clad in white muscle shirts, blue jeans, and tennis shoes.
"Thug."
"Criminal."
"Gangster."
I was appalled! From the back where I was seated, I took another look around the room. How could these educators be saying such negative comments? Did they not realize that the young men looked like the thousands of students who attended the district?
I could stay quiet no more. From the back I shouted, "I see future businessmen! I see future preachers! That's what I see!"
Out of this real-life incident that happened almost 7 years ago, the following poem was born. Although not perfect, I pray that it will open the eyes of educators and provide a unique perspective of what so many students experience.
***
“I’m not as you perceive me to be…”
by Kathryn L. Craig, M.Ed.
As I walked by the training session
Up on the screen I see
Images of people who look like me.
I hear educators answer,
Thugs
Criminals
Gangsters
Losers
To the presenter who is pointing at the screen.
Don’t you see that is what society perceives me to be?
You too, it seems!
I’m not as you perceive me to be,
So take the time to get to know me!
You say you teach to make a difference,
But of how to help us you ain’t got no sense.
Just because our zip code is the same,
You yell and say parents and students are to blame.
I don’t listen to my momma when she’s talking that way,
So what makes you think you’re going to change my ways?
I’m not as you perceive me to be,
So take the time to get to know me!
Know what I really need?
Encouragement, guidance, a warm smile, and respect.
Then maybe you’d realize my future involves being a medic.
I wish you would take the time to get to know me,
And of all the positives you would see.
I’m not as you perceive me to be,
So take the time to get to know me!
Distinguished Educator and Historical Advocate of Our Liberties
4 年Let's all bear down on that ignominious racism that is hiding behind every other person. If we can't find it then select something that you can attach racism to. It is the perfect excuse that absolves us from finding better ways to educate our children to benefit from a successful educational experience. We'll feel better using racism as the anathema for all the failures of our students and not making them impervious to the conditions threatening us all. Let's not all jump on the in-vogue train of the panacea that we can eliminate racism but visionaries who can innovate better ways of moving our students toward success.