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.
Teacher PING
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