I thought the 50's were over?

Apparently not. It's just different now. Now it's not derogatory, it's funny. But still painful.

Racial comments. Evil.

Surprisingly, Michael and I haven't experienced really any of these. Just a few extra stares when we were in China. Unfortunately, I got the worst one yesterday from one of my students. Even worse? Others joined in, like it was some joke. I hear the kids call each other names all the time--however they try to justify it by saying if you're of the same color and say such names, it actually means the opposite--you're buds. How twisted can this get? I try to draw attention to history with some of these names..as well as the pure fact that it's inappropriate and derogatory to put someone down in any way! Of course their young, high school minds just don't get it yet. Plus I'm sure some of their parents go along with some of this language. How do I know this? I called home on the student who named my baby and she acted so nonchalant, like it wasn't anything new. However, I did receive an apology from the student today.

Am I required to have thick skin just because I'm a teacher? To some extent, yes. I didn't let this one sink too deeply--he's immature and doesn't understnad the depth of hurtful words. I just hope he learns sometime soon. However, he paid his consequence today. I can't let these things keep happening...at least not in my presence.

50 years later and the switch is flipped....yet still disgusting.