RE: Use of red ink

[Rick Adams]

Title: Use of red ink

Beth wrote: 

 

 Has anyone ever gotten pointedly negative feedback about red ink being "culturally insensitive"?  A student objected to my use of red ink for corrections on a paper (saying his parents agreed!!...) because his parents "come from cultures which regard the use of red ink as very degrading and insulting" (from his note to me) and he would appreciate it if another color could be used in the future.  Parents are of Italian descent.  
 

    This is _not_ a typical Italian tradition--and since I'm _married_ to an Italian all of whose grandparents came here from Italy, I can speak with some authority there.

 
I am floored.  Am I missing something?  Any suggestions for response?   (A side note which may prejudice you but is [oh, so innocently!!] intended for background:  The red ink appeared on his first draft as feedback for improvement [okay:  lots of red ink, because it was a very poor paper]; his second draft was handed in ignoring my corrections, unchanged from the first; so the second was "red-inked";  the final draft was handed in with - once again - no changes.)  
 

    Try pointing out that the red ink would dissapear if the errors did. You might _also_ point out that in the Italian culture ignoring the instructions of the teacher is considered the _height_ of disrespect--and that if he wishes you to respect his culture, perhaps it would be appropriate if he did so as well!

 
I have lots to say to defend the grade, but admit I'm stumped about the "Red Ink Accusation."  Sure, red ink connotes criticism (no duh, as the students say), but I am lost on the cultural connotation.  Help!
 

    There _is_ no legitimate cultural connection. The student is either inventing it or is relying on a little known local (as in a specific Italian region) custom with no tangible connection to the overall culture itself. 

 

    If you really want to meet his "cultural needs" you could always inform him that you will respect his wishes in the future and simply enter a grade on his papers (in black) with NO feedback whatever (and thus no chance to improve the work). See if that sounds more attractive to him.

 
     Rick