Lincoln Brown, a Caucasian teacher from Murray Language Academy in the Hyde Park neighborhood, was recently suspended for five days because he used the "n-word" during one of his classes. Brown had intercepted a note students had been passing that contained lyrics to a song including the n-word. He then took this as an opportunity to talk about the usage of the word with the sixth graders, and to have a class discussion about racism. At this point the principal of the school walks in to observe the class and remains silent, only later to notify Brown of his suspension.Brown says that he used the full word but "didn't address it to the students. [He] was very careful about that." However, the principal charged him with using "verbally abusive language to or in front of students" along with "cruel, immoral, negligent, or criminal conduct or communication to a student, that causes psychological or physical harm." This incident occurred last October, and Brown is now suing his school district, alleging that they violated his civil rights.
This unfortunate case is a clear example how racial tension is still very prominent in American today. The fact that the n-word can not be used during a classroom lesson without it turning into a huge deal shows how far we have not come. This lack of progress in reducing racial tension is due largely to the message that is given out in a situation like this. That message being that we must leave issues regarding racism alone, rather than address them. Matters like these that go unaddressed will not change. So when choosing not to address these situations, we are only encouraging racial tension.
{An article and video can be viewed about this case here}
Interesting post Sarah. It seems like the teacher was using the word to talk about racism and the atmosphere that his students have grown up in. I imagine if this principal had walked into our American Studies class, he or she would not be terribly happy, as we do basically the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's clear that the teacher meant no harm or offense in using the n-word. But you're right, how far have we come, if at all? When our American Studies class went to see the play Clybourne Park, a similar theme was present. Everyone was so afraid of offending someone else, or of "crossing the line," which ultimately made conversation forced and uncomfortable. In this situation, it's obvious that the teacher was trying to avoid situations like that in his classroom. I trust that he meant well.
ReplyDelete