Read on Twitter
1. This is a thread about racism, most relevant to other white folks. Especially, but not exclusively teachers.
I’m not naming the school where this occurred, because it really doesn’t matter. It could have been anywhere.
I’m not naming the school where this occurred, because it really doesn’t matter. It could have been anywhere.
2. Several years ago, I was warming up a music class with some dancing. I try to include music from a wide range of genres, and introduce students to new artists.
I showed my 6-7 year old students a photo of the singer that day, and one asked me if he was in prison.
I showed my 6-7 year old students a photo of the singer that day, and one asked me if he was in prison.
3. Kids ask weird questions about musicians. Is the composer still alive? Did he/she have kids? Where did he/she live? But this question is one I hadn’t heard before.
The photo was just a headshot of a man facing the camera straight on. A black man facing the camera straight on
The photo was just a headshot of a man facing the camera straight on. A black man facing the camera straight on
4. My young (white) student assumed it was a mug shot.
Children are experts at picking up stereotypes, and they don’t filter them the way adults do. Our society taught this young child anti-blackness, and it is our job to un-learn it.
Children are experts at picking up stereotypes, and they don’t filter them the way adults do. Our society taught this young child anti-blackness, and it is our job to un-learn it.
5. Especially teachers. If we are not actively working to burn down these systems, then we are actively supporting them and passing them on.
In NS, we have some pretty alarming stats about who our education system serves and who it fails.
In NS, we have some pretty alarming stats about who our education system serves and who it fails.
6. Step 1. If you use social media (and hey, you’re here) then follow people of colour. Start with artists you admire, see who they follow, and let that direct you to more people to follow.
Listen to them.
Listen to them.
7. Probably don’t reply much (or at all) Especially if they are posting about systemic racism. Don’t reply with a “not all white people” or an apology. Definitely do not tone police or try to soften their language.
8. Listen to learn. Listen to amplify and educate your white friends who may be on a different stage of this journey.
We’ve got work to do.
Listening is the first baby step to take. There are others, but if you aren’t listening first then those steps won’t be the right ones.
We’ve got work to do.
Listening is the first baby step to take. There are others, but if you aren’t listening first then those steps won’t be the right ones.
