Racism in the Classroom

Race is an international topic that affects every individual throughout the world. In today’s society, and through almost all of time, our race defines us as an individual. Whether we know a person or not, we typically judge their social, political, and economic standings based upon their race. And although many of us deny that we participate in forms of racism, we unfortunately do unconsciously. Racism is not simply defined by verbally or physically being mean to another race, it also includes the unconscious thoughts and actions we take when involved with someone of another race in everyday situations.

I believe that it is incredibly important to discuss issues that have racial dimensions, because if we do not, what difference will we make? In the United States, we have been discussing and battling the topic of racism since our founding fathers landed on the shores. And despite the advancements we have made since then involving racism, there are still many situations that involve racial dimensions. For example, the incidents revolving around the young black man who was shot by a white police officer in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri earlier this month have circulated completely around the idea that racism was involved. Whether the crime made against the young black man was legitimately a racist action, this event has caused an emotional uproar across the country. Therefore, it is important to discuss events like this in order to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Educators play a key role in fostering productive examination of these types of issues that are seen to be influence by race or ethnicity. At an early age, we must teach students about the events that are happening in our world, but also incorporate why they are wrong and what they can do to fix it. Many young students and children do not see race as we do as adults; they see someone as black or white or different from them, however, they do not see that individual as any different on the inside. Therefore, while teaching children at this young age, we must feed this thought process they have by encouraging them to examine racial incidents and decide how they can have an impact on society as they grow up.

Although it consumes our daily lives, race tends to be a hard issue to discuss, especially in the classroom. Teachers do not want to offend a student or say the wrong thing. However, using current events, like the Ferguson example, is an easy way to arouse a conversation regarding race. If students can physically see racism in action, it is easier for them to form their own opinion and discuss how it makes them feel. Encouraging students to discuss their own experiences with racism is also a good way to initiate a conversation.

Racism is a subject that will never just disappear. However, it is a very important subject that must be tackled within the classroom in order to teach students the true depths of racism, how it has changed over time, and how they can have an impact on it throughout their lives.