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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums'Highly Offended' White Teacher Kicked My 9-Year-Old Son Out of Class for Taking Knee During Pledge
Dash had not asked for my permission to take a knee; nor did he need it. He has followed the national conversations on state violence and policing in this country. He has seen video of police shootings. Wed like to think that our babies havent seen people who look like them gunned down in the streets, but they have. Between social media, iPhones, YouTube and news stations, theyve seen it. As parents, we just have to figure out how to talk to them about it.
Link to tweet
snip
The idea that black children have the luxury to be as oblivious to the world around them as white children is absurd. But it comes from the sedentary minds of willfully ignorant white adults, who were once the oblivious white children who didnt have to worry about deputized bigots gunning them down if they walked to the store to buy Skittles.
My baby has been rocking #42 since he was 5. Hes always taken stances against injustice. He knows that police officers are gunning down his people with impunity. He made the decision to take a knee on his own and Im so proud of him. They will not dim his light. pic.twitter.com/YriCNfXMfu
Kirsten West Savali (@KWestSavali) May 10, 2018
Black pain is nothing more than a threadbare cushion for them, passed down from generation to generation, protecting them from confronting their own aggressive white mediocrity.
This past week, Ive really thought deeply about what it means for enemies to educate our children. Not the national dialogue around slavery in textbooksnor teachers and security guards inflicting violence on studentsbut the smaller moments that occur in between the lines, in hallways and advisory periods; the ways in which some educators attempt to colonize our childrens minds until their blackness becomes palatable to society.
In an open letter to his nephew, James Baldwin wrote: The details and symbols of your life have been deliberately constructed to make you believe what white people say about you. Please try to remember that what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure, does not testify to your inferiority, but to their inhumanity and fear.
Read More:https://www.theroot.com/highly-offended-white-teacher-kicked-my-9-year-old-so-1826077615
Dash
sharedvalues
(6,916 posts)I feel that something white people should do is show solidarity for black people getting harassed by other white people.
Id take a knee right next to the kid, or any other black person who wishes. So should we all.
This country- and this Democratic Party - is all about equal rights and equal opportunity.
RandomAccess
(5,210 posts)So should we all indeed.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)I agree with you 100%...
"So should we all."
We are looking at the future here, just like the Parkland students.
mountain grammy
(26,608 posts)BBG
(2,530 posts)Give me that opportunity to take a knee and Im there too.
So should we all.
ProfessorGAC
(64,971 posts)And take a knee with you. I hate the stupid pledge of allegiance anyway, so anything to strike a blow against that ridiculous ritual is something i'm going to jump on.
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)I thought that was gone.
Mariana
(14,854 posts)Yes, they still do the pledge in schools. Every so often there's another story about some ignorant-ass teacher who illegally throws a kid out of class for not standing up for it. Fortunately, most teachers know better, so it doesn't happen very often.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,315 posts)Nevernose
(13,081 posts)In Nevada, every public school has to recite the Pledge every single school day, followed by 30 seconds of silence (for prayer). Other states have no requirements or leave it up to the Districts or schools themselves.
Personally, I think repeating it daily has the opposite effect: by high school, kids are completely numb to it, even the MAGA!!!! kids.
I think forcing people to swear allegiance to a flag (or anything else for that matter) is a dumb waste of time. No one thought, Today I join ISIS, so death to America! Oh, wait. Damnit, I pledged my allegiance to the flag. Guess Im a patriot now.
That minute every day could be better spent with a short piece of civics and theres no reason to sit in silent contemplation for a minute. Nevada legislators that Ive spoken to seem willing to change the law to be once a week instead of daily and think Republicans would conmpromise at that. The problem is I only know Democrats. Nevada legislators have a limited number of bills theyre allowed to file during their biannual session, and Democrats tend to file ALL of their bills (some Republicans have never suggested a single bill) and usually on far more substantive stuff.
luvtheGWN
(1,336 posts)guess what? Not one of us has ever recited any kind of "pledge". Love and pride are brought about by experience and the examples set by our families, and by our history, and certainly not by being forced to recite a pledge in school every day. Has it made Americans in their country any better than Canadians (or Swedes, or Danes, or the French) in their support for their country? I have to wonder what those who support Trump, or the NRA, or any white supremacist group were actually thinking when they recited the Pledge of Allegiance every morning for 12+ years.
Spending 5 minutes every morning teaching civics, or how government works, would do so much more in developing good citizens.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)BumRushDaShow
(128,734 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Its long past time for grown-assed Wypipo to stop abusing black people, especially our children. Do it in advance and they dont have to apologize.
Its also time for other white people to stop making excuses for them, either blatantly or passive-aggressively.
BumRushDaShow
(128,734 posts)mcar
(42,295 posts)One would have thought a teacher would know that.
GaryCnf
(1,399 posts)But what this young man will experience throughout his life isn't just, or even primarily, about whether he encounters good people or bad people, but the intrinsically racist society and institutions of the nation where he lives.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)I read it as it is in the article I posted. One that I read every word of, did you?
First of all I am appalled this person is even a teacher. She had to add a word with a ^ and then wrote over a misspelling. Seriously, she could not take the time and effort to rewrite it.
Lame.
Better question would be what do YOU think about it? You have been all over this board on every post about race the past few days. You are dropping bombs, never responding. There is also your behavior concerning EffieBlack. Stop shadowing her, stop mimicking her with your counter OPs. This is unbecoming behavior of a DUer.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Kind of "unbecoming behavior of a DUer" to regularly post articles by people who despise the Democratic Party in general, and the Clintons in particular.
In terms of the letter, I know a prince who once wore a Nazi armband and is now considered "woke" by some folks here.
Response to oberliner (Reply #19)
sheshe2 This message was self-deleted by its author.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Im getting a little worried about you. Youve always come across as a little flaky, but lately, you seem to be having some memory/cognitive issues.
For example, you just wrote Kind of unbecoming behavior of a DUer to regularly post articles by people who despise the Democratic Party in general, and the Clintons in particular. But just yesterday, you posted an article by an author - you know, the guy whom youre obsessed with almost as much as you are with me - who has been very critical of Democrats and the Clintons in particular. So critical that youve repeatedly attacked him for it.
I could maybe see this not being a problem if youd done that a few months ago. But you just did it yesterday. And we all saw it and remember it. And while we can live with you being the resident apologist tasked with doing oppo research on and then "outing" every commentator who says anything that makes white people uncomfortable, turning around and posting them as an OP when it suits you completely undercuts any point you're trying to make.
So, Im concerned that youre getting a little confused. And, besides that, I hate to see you keep making such an abject fool of yourself in front of so many people since people see us as a thing and you might start making me look bad. You look ridiculous and petty and not nearly as clever as you think, which Im sure isnt what youre going for.
And it makes me sad because, you know, youre my boo and I want you to do better.
erronis
(15,219 posts)sheshe2
(83,711 posts)JustAnotherGen
(31,798 posts)He's your bae!
This is a beautiful relationship I see building between you two. It's just like my marriage - he says anything to get your attention. Negative is better than no attention at all!
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)I know a man/senator in his 30's that wrote a fantasy rape essay. Is he sorry for it? No clue, yet truth is people grow, they change for the better.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)and let her know she married a Nazi. I'm sure she'll be horrified to learn that. Maybe it's not too late to get the marriage annulled.
Any suggestions for who should make that call? I know the perfect person, but maybe you can think of someone else.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)Interesting fact that I know you know
The first and last Prince of Sussex.
The prince supported the abolition of the slave trade, catholic emancipation, the removal of civil restrictions on Jews and parliamentary reform which were apparently all at odds with his ruling father.
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a20743664/duke-of-sussex-prince-harry-meghan-markle-royal-titles/
I find it sad that some people want to piss on an amazing event. A beautiful biracial woman that is not only talented, she is an activist. She and Harry will be making a huge difference in our lives.
Diana is smiling.
heaven05
(18,124 posts)your true colours on this one. No pun intended.
betsuni
(25,447 posts)And if you're going to judge people by what they've done when young, get ready to get the same treatment.
George II
(67,782 posts)Vermijelli
(76 posts)They'd hardly be alone in that respect.
moriah
(8,311 posts)... and only after the principal got involved.
And that it had to be written at all is a travesty. The kid understood more about the movement and why the kneeling was more respectful than merely sitting than the teacher.
And that she's a lazy teacher who didn't care enough about said apology to write it fresh after making a mistake.
Which kind of shows right there how much it was meant.
Exactly, Moriah.
George II
(67,782 posts)Last edited Mon May 21, 2018, 10:44 PM - Edit history (1)
....having to apologize. I'm not perfect but I think before I say or do something.
In many cases an apology is a second thought. Avoiding a reason to apologize should be one's first thought.
Response to George II (Reply #25)
sheshe2 This message was self-deleted by its author.
UpInArms
(51,280 posts)Her grammar sucks
People are who
Things are that
I hate it when people are objectified
Bernardo de La Paz
(48,988 posts)Any time somebody says or writes that a person "serviced" another person, they are wrong, unless they are talking about a prostitute.
We service cars. We serve people, for example in shops and restaurants.
For those of you who have time to follow the link, please do.
Thanks sheshe2
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)So much more at the link. It makes it hard to decide how to post and still make sense. I love this story and all, including Colin that supported this beautiful young man.
IluvPitties
(3,181 posts)He's an American, and needs to be respected as such.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)Seems to my dismay, comes in at a second, for the second amendment. Seems they have use of both and deny us our first.
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)They have certain legal protections as all people do, against crimes committed against them but proper 'rights' ... they really legally don't have many. The '1st Amendment' and all others ... have been interpreted by courts as be applicable to adults, not minors.
School could pass a rule saying straight up 'you'll be expelled (for doing what he did)', and he'd have zero legal recourse, personally.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)They should be along any minute now.
Or, maybe, hopefully, theyll stay away his time. Please.
erronis
(15,219 posts)OK - not just the NRA, but they are the principal catalysts for this obsession with bearing assault weapons.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)demigoddess
(6,640 posts)Taking a knee should be recognized a political speech and as so is protected. 1st amendment.
Stryst
(714 posts)I salute this young man. True patriotism is never easy, and there will be scorn. Stay strong.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Please have some respect.
It is President aggressive white mediocrity. And his aggressive white mediocre family of thieves.
Bok_Tukalo
(4,322 posts)Pass
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)MaryMagdaline
(6,853 posts)I am sorry you are going through this. On the other hand, I am very proud of your son. The teacher wins this round through force but your son made other children think. Bravo!
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,479 posts)Most schools are conformity factories where individuality is discouraged. This is one reason I want to see some changes.
Individuality is the essence of freedom and, as Einstein said, "Laws alone can not secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population." and "Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom."
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)Kneeling is a sign of respect.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)It's just a different way to be respectful.
Gore1FL
(21,122 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)It's kneeling while black that's the problem.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)33. I will never understand why kneeling is disrespectful.
Kneeling is a sign of respect.
One kneels in church...no longer there myself, yet one kneels to god. Believers do and when I do go I do the same to show respect to those that do believe.
Knelling is respect.
Mr.Bill
(24,263 posts)has to be said daily, or even weekly or monthly for that matter. Ask any politician who thinks so if he repeats his oath of office every day. Do we repeat our marriage vows daily? Why to we have to repeat an oath to a flag on a daily basis? Did we forget what flag we owe allegiance to since yesterday?
A forced oath of allegiance is one of the most un-American things I can think of. And I have felt this way since I was a child in the first grade.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)and has for years. It's pretty Nazi-ish.
Orsino
(37,428 posts)...with the noise about disrespecting troops as mere distraction.
But I guess our public schools are an arm of the government, with every student required to attend until a certain age. I wouldn't be averse to some form of patriotic display, but daily? And participation mandated? That strikes me as stupid Dear-Leader stuff that democracy should shun.
Alwaysna
(574 posts)Of the pledge be part of brain washing goal?
Takket
(21,550 posts)gratuitous
(82,849 posts)If your flag stands for abusing women, children, orphans and refugees, I disrespect it.
If your flag stands for enriching the wealthy at the expense of the poor, I disrespect it.
If your flag stands for imprisoning millions for minor offenses while the well-connected go free, I disrespect it.
If your flag stands for building palaces for wealthy sports teams while citizens are homeless, I disrespect it.
If your flag stands for waging wars in far-off countries and ignoring the wounded and the veterans when they come back, I disrespect it.
If your flag stands for destroying the environment so the wealthy can get richer, I disrespect it.
If your flag stands for selling off public lands for private gain, I disrespect it.
And, for the teacher who decided that Dash needed a Good Talking To, I assign a reading of and a 250-word essay on e.e. cummings' poem "I Sing of Olaf Glad and Big" :
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-sing-of-olaf-glad-and-big/
keroro gunsou
(2,223 posts)in the voice of Davos Seaworth... it reminded me of the time he owned Melissandre over her role in the death of Shireen
"if your lord commands you to burn children then he is EVIL!"
that said, i wish i had that kid's guts when i was his age.
exboyfil
(17,862 posts)thought of her as mom? That that seems particularly messed up to me. These kids are 4th graders. I don't know much about teaching especially younger children, but I would not want any teacher to characterize their relationship with my child in that fashion.
Just a couple of weeks before this incident, the teacher who threw Dash out of class sent me an email. She wanted me to know that she truly cares about my son and that when hes at school, he should think of her as his mom and feel free to come to her about anything.
Blue_Adept
(6,397 posts)But once you hit first, things shift and that kind of mindset is completely counter to what's needed.
Demsrule86
(68,539 posts)Georgia where it was a form of child abuse (went into business) at least where I was ...and I am the teacher not their Mom...many other teachers act like they know the kids better than their parents...but they don't....and you involve parents ...certainly you don't attempt to become them...and you respect parents as more knowledgeable about their child than you will ever be...get them on the team.
Alwaysna
(574 posts)A tack in her chair.
rockfordfile
(8,701 posts)BobTheSubgenius
(11,562 posts)The Pledge of Allegiance came about as a marketing ploy to sell flags. Sounds right.
Which President was it that said "The business of America is business?"
FailureToCommunicate
(14,012 posts)AdamGG
(1,288 posts)Which I remember thinking was cool that she'd thought things out about something I hadn't given much thought. But, throwing the kid out of class is completely inappropriate. That teacher should be suspended.
heaven05
(18,124 posts)too bad some can't "get it". But, they are the usual suspects.
sheshe2
(83,711 posts)...and your comment, so true.
Orsino
(37,428 posts)Did the teacher finish the Pledge first, or interrupt it to stomp on this mildest form of dissent?
And I'd love to know how many of Dash's classmates will be joining him now that they have tacit permission.
argyl
(3,064 posts)Anyone can follow the crowd. He took a knee to stand up for injustice. Bravo.
niyad
(113,216 posts)alongside this amazing young person!!
neohippie
(1,142 posts)Taking a knee isn't disrespectful at all, it's a form of reverence. People take a knee when proposing marriage. I never understood the whole disrespectful connotation thrown at this
Victor_c3
(3,557 posts)And I applaud him for his non-disruptive protest.
To me, the pledge is a promise I make to the nation and to the ideas of liberty and justice. Just because there might not always be liberty and justice doesnt mean I shouldnt continue to make that pledge to do so on my part.
If this was my daughter, Id be proud and respectful of her opinion. Kids these days a growing up to not be silent in their political beliefs
The same thing with the National anthem. Id never do anything but stand at the position of attention (as the military dictates you do when you arent in uniform) during its playing. To me, it has a different meaning and symbolism than probably to most - but I respect and completely support those who take a knee. I understand the meaning it has to them too.
McKim
(2,412 posts)This young man should be celebrated for thinking deeply. We trained our daughter to not salute the flag in class because my husbands brother died in Vietnam for a lie. We do not honor out flag also because the words of the flag are simply not true. We explained this to her fifth grade teacher saying that when these words come true, she can do the pledge. The teacher understood, after we explained that this was our dauthers right to free speech. It was a good lesson for the teacher and we felt honored as parents.
debsy
(530 posts)... during the pledge should be relieved of her job. She has no business being in that position. If only all the citizens in our country were as well-informed and active in their civic duty as your son is, we wouldn't be where we are as a nation now.