You Can Take the Slave Out Essays - Discrimination, Racism, Hatred

You Can Take the Slave Out Essays - Discrimination, Racism, Hatred You Can Take the Slave Out Of Slavery but You Cant Take Slavery Out of the Slave There is a famous quote that I always hear people say, and it states, You can change the player, but the game remains the same (Unkown). This quote is commonly used by females to explain, even though males may come in different colors, shapes, forms, and sizes, they have the same intensions. In my own opinion, that same quote can apply to racial inequality, mainly known as racism. The reason I applied this quote to racism is, no matter how equal the media and other sources say America is, it is not. No matter how many black friends a white person has there are still white people who dislike blacks, and vice versa. Lastly, everyday a child and or children somewhere in America is being taught strong hatred for people not of their race, and the cycle continues. Even though racism is not as prominent and as blunt as it once was, it will never end. Society has come a long ways in terms of racial equality, racism, and prejudice; society for the most part has come together as one and overlook the color of one anothers skin. It is rare to see someone refused service because he or she is a certain color, and there are plenty other of examples. However, even though the majority of the country is together as one, there is still that small fraction of whites who hate black and vice versa, Hispanics who hate Asians and vice versa. That small is what hinders the full equality, the peace, the togetherness, and the love of all races. No matter how society tries to hide the fact racism is still in existence and is still affecting lives through mass media, it still lurks around the United States. For that small fraction of people who continue acts of racism it is not their fault, nurture plays a major role. No one is born racist, no is born hating blacks, no one is born hating whites, no one is born hating Hispanics, and no one is born hati ng Asians. This is all something that is taught with in the home, which in turn effects the United States ever ridding itself of racism and racial inequality. The person I am today is not because I was born this way, young man I am today is because of the guidance, and the constant teaching learning and teaching from my mother, father, grandmother, and life experiences. For the most part, I did not choose to be the way I am, I was taught to be this way. The same way I was taught to be who I am is the same way racist become racist, they were taught and bred that way, not born. The way each of us are as individuals is a for the most part a clear reflection of our parents and our environment. Those who are racists today will teach their kids how to be racist as well, and those kids will teach their kids, and it will continue throughout that generation. With that being said, as long as racists continue to preach and teach racist behavior racism will never come to an end When I see someone, yes, I see that person for what skin color; however I do not treat him or her a certain way because of it. I treat that person the way anyone would want to be treated, with respect. I believe we should judge and treat people according to the content of their character and not the color of their skin (Martin Luther King, Jr.). Racism has destroyed this land and will continue to destroy the land. This is not a problem that can be fix, it will continue until the world ends, especially because of the constant teachings of racism and acts of racism being done to one another. Will racism ever come to an end, no I do not think so, but I pray that it does

The Value of Self-Reflection for Success in Teaching

The Value of Self-Reflection for Success in Teaching In a profession as challenging as teaching, honest self-reflection is key. That means that we must regularly examine what has worked and what hasnt worked in the classroom, despite how painful it can sometimes be to look in the mirror. Once you self-reflect you then need to take your answers and turn them into positive, resolute statements that give you concrete goals on which to focus immediately. Be honest, work hard, and watch your teaching transform for the better! Ask Yourself These Tough Questions - And Be Honest! Where did I fail as a teacher in the past? Where did I succeed?What is my top teaching goal for the coming year?What can I do to make my teaching more fun while adding to my students learning and enjoyment?What can I do to be more proactive in my professional development?What resentments do I need to resolve in order to move forward more optimistically and with a fresh mind?What types of students do I tend to ignore or do I need to spend more time serving?Which lessons or units am I only continuing to perform out of habit or laziness?Am I being a cooperative member of my grade level team?Are there any aspects of the profession that I am ignoring out of fear of change or lack of knowledge? (i.e. technology)How can I increase valuable parental involvement?Have I done enough to foster a productive relationship with my administrator?Do I still enjoy teaching? If not, what can I do to increase my enjoyment in my chosen profession?Do I bring additional stress upon myself? If so, how can I decrease or eliminate it? How have my beliefs about learning and pedagogy changed over the years?What minor and/or major changes can I make to my academic program in order to directly increase my students learning? What Happens If You Refuse to Self-Reflect Put earnest effort and pure intention into your self-reflection. You dont want to be one of those stagnant teachers that drably presents the same ineffective and outdated lessons year after year. The unexamined teaching career can lead to becoming just a glorified babysitter, stuck in a rut and no longer enjoying your job! Times change, perspectives change, and you must change in order to adapt and remain relevant in the ever-changing world of education. Often its difficult to get motivated to change when you have tenure and cant be fired but thats precisely why you must undertake this effort on your own. Think about it while youre driving or doing the dishes. It doesnt matter where you self-reflect, only that you do it earnestly and energetically. Examine Your Teaching - Any Time of Year One of the best things about teaching is that every school year offers a fresh start. Make the most of this new beginning - any time of year! - and move ahead with the confidence that you are mindful and motivated to be the best teacher you can be! Edited By: Janelle Cox