I could not think or recall a time when this situation happened with me and my son's, however my co-teacher gave me a situation with her and her middle school aged son.
Last spring Ms. R and her son Z were on a field trip with his 7th grade class at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, Ga. Ms. J said, "As they walked through the museum looking at the artifacts throughout the museum, "her son "Z" said really loud in front of other students and chaprones, "Wow, look at that UPS man, why is her wearing his shorts about his knees," Z continued with, "Look everybody he looks gay with those shorts on." Ms. R said, "The UPS man looked at the group and just shook his head.
Ms. R said, "Z that is the requirements of the company UPS", it identifies the company, as well it is woren for professional reasons and that what he said, "Was not appropriate."
That certain companies require their employees to have certain dress codes and there is nothing wrong with the employees shorts.
An anti-bias educator, could have explained that we should judge or talk about someone, just because they wear their shorts differently than other people. This educator could have gave examples of other companies that require certain dress codes and the importance of looking nice, decent and respectful for the company that people work for.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI liked that you showed us that even older kids can saw some bias comments. My 14 year old has friends over all the time, and I can just hear them talking. I have heard many phrases like, "He is gay," "No homo," "Dude it is because we are white." I have been so focused on showing my younger son diversity that I didn't realize until now that my older one needs some direction as well. Thanks for sharing your insight.
I think it is importannt to realize that older children have bias as well. The learn alot from their environment and peer groups. Sometimes thay may blurt somethign out that they have heard and not even know what it means. I think it is important to continually teach our children so that what they learn does not come from otherw ith no clarification.
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