The article that I will be speaking about today really goes along with/ stresses the common assumptions and issues of race we have been discussing in class. There was an occurrence at Middleton Heights Elementary School where teachers took it upon themselves to have one group dress up as “stereotypical” Mexicans, and another group dress up as the border with the ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan. While the Principal did agree that there was no malicious activity in their actions, he did express through a Facebook video that he was deeply disappointed and knew that his teachers are better than that. He has decided to suspend all of the teachers involved on a paid-leave until further notice. With the media just now broadcasting this, I’m sure it will be a few weeks before any further actions are taken. Putting retrospect onto the occurrence, it really is putting a spotlight on the problems with racism in today’s society, hopefully to bring awareness to the issue.
This can be connected with many attempts at racial slurring in the early 1800’s where white men would paint their faces with black paint to intimidate and insult those of color.
Emma Burkey: Honestly I think this is a classic case of doing before thinking. This was an extremely racist action and I think that more should be done against the teachers than a paid leave. I truly hope that people viewing this article don't find it funny, but are likewise ashamed.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the teachers involved were just making a joke and obviously did not put much thought behind this, the consequences of their actions must be seen through beyond a paid leave. Ignorance does not excuse how racist their costumes were and the shock their students must have been experiencing.
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