On Thu, 24 Jun 1999, Gary Klatsky wrote:
> Louis
>
> What do you do when the offensive person never learns from the "teaching
> moments"
Keep at it. Never is a long, long time. And, that's why patience is a
virtue.
Clearly the earlier instances of derogatory comments were not
> shouted down. They were discussed. The result was there was no learning
> being done. How would you react if a student continuously made racial slurs
> in your class regardless of your taking advantage of the "teaching moment"
Honestly, I don't deal in hypotheticals. I deal with the situation at the
time since each situation requires different response. And if one way
didn't work, I'd try another approach, and another, and another. Been
there; done it. But, I don't think we should stop trying merely because
we think there isn't any impact or the impact is minimal.
> As a parent and teacher I have learned that you have to apply different
> techniques to different situations.
Agreed. But, I have yet to find that shouting, anger, and even violence
is a lasting solution. Talking with someone is far, far different from
talking at someone.
> I am not saying we should now shout him
> down, I am saying there should now be a vocal statement from many members of
> the list noting why his statements are unacceptable.
Oh, I would strongly assert that each person has the right of voice
objections. Freedom of speech works in all directions.
>Having the same
> handful of people responding just says only a few people find Michael's
> comments offensive not that the statements were offensive.
Now that is what I am saying. Although too often too many of us pronounce
that we speak in the name of all humanity. Therefore, maybe we should
also talk about why each person finds the statement(s) offensive. That
is, maybe we should also talk about ourselves and our responses--much more
difficult and exposing--as well as about Michael and his statements.
Make it a good day.
--Louis--
Louis Schmier [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of History http://www.halcyon.com/arborhts/louis.html
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698 /~\ /\ /\
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