Education and Racism

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Education and Racism

"If teachers across America would arise and make the personal commitment to do something about racism, beginning with their own selves, their eventual impact would, I believe, be tremendous" (Hacker 191).

It is time to take action. Not only in our own lives, but in the lives of the children. There has been attempts, there has been success, and there has been failure. Many people have ways in which they believe will help reduce racism. But which is the right way, the best way? According to Barbara Hacker, author of "Advice for Teachers on Racism and Oneness," it is up to the educators. She believes teachers can make a difference in the lives of his or her students.

Hacker suggests four principles that teachers can follow in order to help. The first is to accept that it is okay to talk about racism. Most people know how wrong racism is, and therefore keep quiet about it. They remember the most horrific forms of the act (KKK) and don't want to be associated with it. Many also fear finding that they themselves are racist. Also, people of color try to suppress feelings and experiences related to racism. They "protect" themselves by believing that they have not been personally effected. But, in reality, this suppressing of their feelings and reality is hurting them more.

Basically, realizing that it is okay to talk about racism means realizing that it does exist, everywhere. And that everyone is affected by it some way or somehow. Opening up the lines of communication means to learn to listen to others, use "I" statements relating your feelings and experiences regarding racism, and agree not to judge others opinions and beliefs.

Teachers need to set guidelines for ...

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...types about people like themselves, and the message that they are inferior and cannot achieve, and their coming to believe or internalize those stereotypes and messages" (201). This turns into a loss of self-esteem and extreme hatred towards oneself and members of their group. In the school systems, teachers tend to pay less attention to students of color, or else don't encourage them as much as they do the white children. Also, the students themselves can make cruel comments to their peers and all of this can lead to internalized racism. Teachers need to watch their own actions as well as those of their students to make sure this isn't happening. The teachers should accept, learn, and believe the fact that we are all one. There is not two, three, or ten human species, there is one. If this is stressed enough in schools, children can grow up free of racism.

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