Posted on 09/17/2008 11:58:09 AM PDT by ExSoldier
I don't often do vanity posts but this week has been very profound in terms of my entire career and my interactions with my students. Since I teach in an inner city high school and many of my seniors are voting for the very first time (kind of like the MaDonna song) I have been able to see how the issues are framed in their minds. Moreover, I am heartened to see there is room for movement in multiple directions based on the extent to which they are able to distinguish themselves from their parents, clergy and neighborhood.
You absolutely have to understand that I'm not about forcing these kids into my mold as so many others have tried to manipulate them in the past. When we talk politics (my mandate: I am an AP American Government and Politics teacher. I also teach Honors and regular levels) I make certain to identify the subject of each discussion. Then we discuss all sides and potential sides which therefore makes the "subject" into an "issue." Then we look at particular sides with an emphasis on persuasion and "spin" by the media and pundits. At some point when I have received all the perceived "spin" on an issue the room gets quiet and I ask: So, that's all? The kids give me an affirmation at which time I give them the opportunity to find for themselves in research as Paul Harvey says: the REST of the story. Then we can compare and contrast on a level playing field exactly what is said as rhetoric and what can be relied upon AND what can be taken on "faith."
We started the year on August 20th (2 days late because of the Hurricane, I think it might have been Gustav) with what is the difference between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. What I got is: All Republicans are white, RICH and racist. So we discussed that one and I took the time to gently lead them into the revelation that I'm a Republican. Aside from being white, it is pretty obvious that teachers aren't rich and the fact that I love my kids and they me which is why I stay in the inner city; they know I'm not a racist. Unlike many MANY of my peers in the profession who are black and from whom the hatred rolls off them (to me) in waves. In fact, I got this really horrible, vitriolic e-mail from one such co-worker yesterday that reduced me to laughter it was so stereotypical. SO we get past the obvious fallacies in their their thinking and really begin the course. Now, I will also teach them a seperate and distinct course in the second semester: Economics. So I begin some of the prep work for that in the Government course since the two really are inextricably interwoven.
Overwhelmingly the students get their values from home. In a great many cases these values are also inculcated from their churches. This is where it gets interesting! These are some really devout kids. Usually when they complete my class assignments, they will whip out a Bible and have a little "study" on their own. Perfectly legal and definitely desireable as reading practice. The conflicts arise when they are forced to reconcile their fervent political beliefs with their equally fervent Christian beliefs. That's where I made the online test OBAMA an extra credit grade to see where their candidate actually lines up with their own beliefs. Right now, the median score is a 66% which is to say the student and the candidate disagree 66% of the time! A few kids are coming in with percentages in the eighties! Needless to say they are highly disturbed. I tell them they must make up their own minds as to how critical it is that he become the President and how frightening it is for the prospect of a Republican in the job but they must make up their own minds, period.
Many think that with a Democrat in office, somehow they won't be held to the strict requirements for graduation like passing a standarized test (in FL the FCAT). They think they have more and better opportunites for college and that the simple fact of having a Dem in the Oval Office will make the cost of college less.
The vast majority say they do not wish to perform any sort of military service under any circumstances. I try to hold my temper here but usually I respond to these comments with a firm I suggest you leave this great nation and don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out. MY FRIENDS DIED so you could be here & that comment to me is like spitting on their graves. Sorry but that's how I feel. Usually nothing I say in this regard means anything anyway.
They all want free health care. Think it's something they are owed. I usually have them research the economic conditions in other countries with the sort of care they wish and they return not too happy with tax rates.
As I said before, my purpose it NOT to change any minds or modify any values. It is to open their eyes so that they know exactly who and what they want to run the country. I think in large part I'm successful. I was my schools nominee for social studies Teacher of the Year in 2001.
Mostly these kids matriculate in and out of my classes every year and when they leave I have no idea of the effect of me or my classes on them. Every once in awhile I get an unexpected visit. Usually it's the kid I probably swore to myself would be dead from a gang war or overdose. Then the kid turns up and he's in his senior year of college majoring in business and on the Dean's List. Or better he's in the uniform of a Navy SEAL and he whispers to me that I'm the one that brought him around and gave him that shove in the right direction and I never even knew.
Folks, that's my payoff. That's my career bonus in spades. That's how I know that when I retire (soon, please dear Lord!) I'll be able to look myself in the eye and know in my heart that at least on some level and with some folks I made a difference.
You’re doing a great job! Teaching is so difficult but can also be very rewarding.
You are doing what you can and that is better than they’d get most other places.
Are you familiar with the writing of Dr. Thomas Sowell? The Vision of the Annoited is probably the best book on social policy availble on the market.
His book Basic Economics is very appropriate for a high school text.
Since Dr. Sowell is probably the most brilliant economist alive today and he happens to be of African ancestry, he could possibly reach some of your students. Good luck!
Very interesting read. Really appreciated.
I enjoyed your post. God bless you for making a difference in these kids lives. More than you know, no doubt!
I remember my Government teacher when I was a senior in high school (1992). He was a major influence in my love of politics and country, and he never knew it. I remember being in his class and to start out, I couldn’t tell you the difference between the conservative and liberal position on abortion. And I remember him asking us if laws were based on morality or what were laws based on. He was always trying to get us to think. He opened my eyes to how the world and our government worked.
The fact that you are opening their eyes and giving them glimpses of something beyond the knee-jerk liberalism surrounding them elsewhere, by default "modifies their values." God bless you, you're on the front lines.
I enjoyed your post. Please do so more often.
I could never do what you do! I salute your diligence.
What a wonderful and amazing essay ... and life you are leading. God Bless you.
GREAT post! You are fighting the good fight in a way most people do not know or understand. Thanks for sharing your experience there.
“He was a major influence in my love of politics and country, and he never knew it.”
If that teacher is still alive, a visit to him at school (if he’s still teaching) or a letter this many years later would be the ‘bonus’ ex-soldier spoke about in his post. Even if he is no longer alive and/or teaching, his family might appreciate knowing how he touched your life.
By the way, thanks for the link to the Obama test. I’m proud to say that I disagree with Obama 94% of the time! 49/52 questions! I wonder on which 3 we agree — hmmm, I must have read the questions wrong. :)
If you do nothing else all year.
Teach your students that....
Voting is for white people.
(now... where did I put that sarc tag????)
sadly, I learned recently that my government teacher has passed away. He retired the year I graduated.
well, then, he does know the affect he had on you ;)
Thanks for the post and for giving your students that chance to achieve success for themselves instead of dependance on handouts.
I like your list.
I would certainly add “A Conflict of Visions” to the “must read” list for understanding the lib mindset.
I have a question to ask. I taught in HS in AL in 1973 and after that did some substituting. Just after the TV drama "Roots", I filled in for the Social Studies HS teacher (one HS in this town). She always requested me because one of my majors was Soc. Stud.
The students all wanted to discuss "Roots"; or I should say, wanted to make known their feelings about slavery, white people, etc.
I realized most or all of them had very static ideas about slavery, imbibed, no doubt, from J. Jackson and years of being taught their victimhood.
They seemed to think slavery in thr US was the only time slavery had ever occurred; that white people sailed up to Africa, went inland, rounded up Africans and loaded the slave boats. They had no concept at all of worldwide slavery; the role of Arabs and their slave marts; the role of village chieftains and even parents in selling their subjects/children; white slavery; the ongong slavery in areas today.
What kind of take on this subject do you or your students have?
vaudine
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