How Are We Engaging w/ Our Students?... And More!

Firstly, because this is an education blog, we have to keep its education to some degree. I saw an interaction between a teacher and a student in one of my education groups. It was disheartening because the response was pretty adult-centered. I'm not taking away the need for teachers to unplug. Teaching is a challenging job. Sometimes the difficulties of the job carry over into our daily lives. 

But when our interactions with kids align with this interaction, it makes me question why we do this work.

Is police reform going to happen? That's the million-dollar question that many of us are pondering. While lawmakers decide to undertake police reform legislation, many of us continue to fear for our lives. I'm a law-abiding citizen for the most part. Occasionally I might do 1 mile over the speed limit, but for the most part, I try and live my life according to the laws that govern citizens. 

Moreover, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you the level of fear I have as a Black man when the cops get behind me or get pulled over. I comply, but sometimes yielding may end up with the loss of life. I'm in a space now where I don't know what to do. When I was younger, I was belligerent with cops. I knew my rights, and I wanted them to know I did. Nowadays, the knowledge of your rights does not matter. Self-preservation and making it home are the only things that matter. 

Please, keep your head on a swivel; stay ready, so you don't have to get prepared.



During my internet perusal, I found a meme that spoke to me. It was about how Black males interact with one another. The value of our lives starts with one another. Imagine before every act of violence if the mindset of any culprit was, I can't do that to my brother and or sister. 

I sometimes feel bad writing this stuff, but if we don't acknowledge our shortcomings and takes steps to address those shortcomings, conversations about valuing life are subject to devaluation based on one's inability to understand how certain things happen. In other words, when we love ourselves, it'll be easier for others to see that value. I think folks should value human life regardless, but not everyone is there yet.





Next blog: To Critical Race Theory or to not Critical Race Theory

Comments

  1. Sherri Lucas-HallApril 26, 2021 at 4:06 PM

    WoW!!! Sometimes we forget that we are STILL dealing with children in our responses. Even though they are learning, they are watching and listening to US. We MUST consider how this environment is affecting THEM as the still forming children that they are. They are NOT adults yet. Our responses SHOULD be tempered based on that knowledge. Sometimes, they just don't know. Part of educating them is in how WE respond to THEM, even in tough moments.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sherri Lucas-HallApril 26, 2021 at 4:10 PM

    Thanks for your perspective as a black man, Ray. It is appreciated. My father had lots of conversations with me about his existence in this country as a black man. It always made and kept me aware that our black men have a walk that is not like ours as black women. This society is MORE threatened by the black man. That is the reality. I respect your walk, Sir. Be safe.

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