So, this is a tough assignment for sure. I’ve never thought about any biases I have before. I can see how important it is to be reflectively introspective and examine honestly what might influence my teaching.
I consider myself to be pretty progressive and open to diversity and individualism. And yet, Jesse said that we all have biases, and we have to dig deep to figure out what they are. So, after some thought I feel I’m biased towards those individuals who feel they are superior to others based on ignorance.
I don’t mean ignorance as uneducated, but people who I feel are intolerant and unjust to others, especially those who bully or use violence towards others. When I see or hear of someone being abused or bullied, it pushes my buttons and I get very upset quickly. I will usually react by saying something to them or taking some kind of action.
This is just my nature, as I have always been an advocate for the underdog. Even as a kid in school I would call people out if I thought they were bullying someone or making fun of them based on ignorance like racial or sexual prejudices.
Right now, APS has a major campaign against bullying in schools and I have seen on television that it’s an epidemic nationwide in public schools. It’s rampant in schools and online, and kids are committing suicide because of this cruelty. To me it’s really scary, because I just can’t comprehend how kids can be so cruel and that there is this group mentality where bystanders just watch or walk away.
This bias within me will never go away since I truly believe in justice and fairness towards others; especially those who are smaller, weaker, or less fortunate. As a teacher, I will always be an advocate for all students’ rights, and I will set the example in my classroom. If I hear or see anything going on that indicates bullying, then I will address it immediately.
I will have to make sure that I don’t overreact however, and maintain a sense of calm when addressing it with the students. I will try to teach them to be more understanding rather than taking a punitive approach, unless that's the only choice for whatever reason.
I always root for the underdog as well:)
ReplyDeleteI like what you wrote, there are so many mean people in the world today and it is extremely frustrating!
I think as a teacher it is our job to teach our students that there is no tolerance for bullying. My high school kids that I coach know that any behavior that is aimed to put someone else down is unacceptable. Too by honest it does not happen often due to the kids knowing how strongly I feel about treating others with respect. It can quickly and very easily get out of control, that is why it is important to notice your students behavior in and outside of the class as well as who they tend to hang around. Changes in their peer groups are a good reason to sit down and have a chat with them...I am happy you are aware of these situations going on and it is a positive bias to have....
You have a really interesting perspective. It is kind of hard to find a positive bias. I agree with you. I think it's important to stand up for the underdog and take a stand against bullying. How we resolve those conflicts is important. It's not an easy thing to do, but it's possible with patience and understanding. Albert Einstein once said "The world is a dangerous place not because of men who do evil, but those who do nothing". I never want to be the bystander who watches somebody else get victimized. If we can take a stand against prejudice, intolerance, cruelty, and any type of abuse, then I think we are doing something good in this world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lucid messege. The punitive issue of who has value and who does not, is a consuming theme in society. I'm encouraged that there are people like you who will not bring this dysfunction to the classroom.
ReplyDeleteBullying has become a major issue...so at least your bias is to help those in need when you see something inappropriate! Some people say that kids are just "babies" now and can't handle anything...but...I don't think that summarizes the bullying issue. It is way bigger than that, as we can see on t.v. Girls ganging up on one girl and beating her practically to death? Bullying driving boys to suicide? It's sick, actually. Perhaps we see a lot of it because the media projects everything that is going on in the world, but even so, the behavior of children is appalling. At least you're there to help others, and I know that you would never stand for it :-)
ReplyDeleteBeing biased against a bully may not be a bias. I think it's totally rational to judge the behavior of the bully as being wrong. If a bully in the classroom where to do the same types of things as an adult he might wind up in court on assault charges. I think your bias against bullies is perfectly normally, and I can see how observing the behavior of bullies upsets you and offends your sense of justice.
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