Over the last couple weeks it has been an interesting experience in the classroom. It went from bullying and debates to praises and more bullying.
Who knew how much of an impact hate can have on an eleven year old brain. It's true that most kids at this age will believe whatever their parents believe, and it doesn't bother me. What bothers me is the hate taught to them. When I was growing up, I was taught to accept people for their differences. Actually no, growing up in Saudi Arabia I realized that everyone was different from me, and I loved it. I was intrigued and loved learning culture and traditions that weren't my own. I remember wanting to be Indian so I could always wear the pretty head dresses and have henna on my hands. I remember enjoying hearing the prayer call at sunset. I just grew up in a community where we all loved one another. I realize as a child you have that accepting heart, and it's not until you go off into the real world that you face prejudices and criticizing.
Where in the world did having a political stance become the right to show hate towards other people. Love always wins, but what happens when the world is so corrupt to hate it seems to triumph over showing love and care for people?
The things that I hear in class are terrible. More than you would ever know. It's discouraging to see a generation impacted by the action and words of adults they are surrounded by. The only thing teachers can do is try and share love and try and stop hate. To teach respect is so difficult, especially if they are not learning it at home.
None of my personal bias can go into my day to day; just care and support. However; how do I not show what I believe in if the students start harassing others for their skin color, religious beliefs, and what country their ancestors are from. It's bad enough having a congress and senate that is divided, but to have students having to come to school, a "safe" place where you are supposed to be allowed to speak and share opinions, and not feel "safe", is terrible. It's to the extent where one kid will be getting bullied and then the next week that person is starting to do the same exact bullying that was happening to him/her.
Has teaching always been this way? Or was it worse back when schools were segregated? I can only hope that maybe my acceptance of all students and the belief that everyone deserves a good educator, will impact these students lives. I mean, it's just 7th and 8th grade, but who knows what they will see in the future? I barely remember those years myself.
