Question: How can I get teachers and administrators to really understand and confront their own prejudices?
I don’t think it is possible to get teachers and administrators to really understand and confront their own prejudices in a large scale. In spite of the higher levels of education that teachers and administrators may acquire through their schooling and life experiences, these prejudices are so deep-seated that keeping an open mind and overcoming such prejudices takes conscious effort. According to a study quoted by Sheryl McCarthy’s Forum piece, “Blinded by Prejudice” “ . . . even when people think they don’t have prejudices they have unconscious ones. Seldom do we acknowledge the depth of racial bias that still afflicts us, and this will continue to be what prevents Americans from working together and living in harmony.”
How can I get teachers and administrators to really understand and confront their own prejudices in a society like ours? I think we have to start like Freyre did with the population. It is human nature to stay within a comfort zone, which our prejudices provide. It is hard work to overcome and change our own beliefs, they are part of our makeup since childhood, passed on to us by our parents.
There are various ways to get a few teachers and administrators at a time, to understand and confront their own prejudices. First I would have to get teachers and administrators to admit that our parents were wrong in their prejudices which they passed on to us, and so we are wrong. Very few people are willing to admit that they have been wrong about anything. My husband’s generation still carries on with their opinions about the other races and religions. Even I, who suffered under discrimination, have moments when my behavior reverts to what I was taught growing up, although I have made serious efforts to get rid of unfounded prejudices. Secondly I would create workshops where interpersonal contacts with diverse others will promote harmony. Also I would create an opportunity for sports events (basketball games, softball games, etc.) where interracial teams (students, teachers and administrators) would compete. Then I would organize a day per month to celebrate the various ethnicities represented in that community. Another possibility would be to urge roundtable discussions.
In spite of all evidence, experiences, readings, etc., the individual has to want to overcome prejudices or nothing changes.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gollnick, D.M., Chinn, P.C. (2009) 8 edition. Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society. Upper Saddle Rive, NJ: Pearson
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment