Forging the divide.

We are embarking on a new era in the classroom and in our homes because we have begun an open conversation about racism.  As a mom, educator, and community member, I am privileged to know and hold dear family, friends, and students of diverse backgrounds. So, for me and perhaps for you as well, the discourse is not political.  It is personal.     

     It is important to be aware and sensitive to words and actions that are disparaging and hurtful to someone and to refrain from saying or doing them.  We all have a right to expect these considerations in a civil society. That is why, in my opinion, our conversation should not be limited to slavery and Black racism.  So many have suffered and suffer still.  We need to see, hear, acknowledge, and understand all of them. We should be able to have honest discourse about all races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, as well as gender identity, and anything else that foments bias and hate.  

     This is where we begin, and it is uncomfortable.  How can we be honest if we do not admit what we think and feel?  How can we explain it to others and to ourselves?  Can we dare to voice our fears and shortcomings? Will we listen and give each other the space to learn and trust and grow?

     It is both serendipitous and fitting that we should be reaching to understand and value each other as we approach the holiday season.  The great astronomer Carl Sagan once spoke of “…the rarity and preciousness of life on this planet," noting that "The flip side of not finding life on another planet is appreciating life on Earth." 

     Even on our tiny planet - which Sagan called a pale blue dot - there is room for each of us and all of us.  This is our time to show the courage and will to talk together, to work toward a better place of kindness, to appreciate not only the Earth but each other.  To do so will enrich our lives and the lives of our children with relationships, meaning, purpose, and shared hopes for the future.   

The world is not always a fair place. It can be cruel. But as Sagan pointed out, it is the only place we know so far where life exists. We should help each other make the most of that gift.  

Answer to Unpacking Education, No. 3, Question of the Day:

Statistics from the Department for Education reveal that of teachers who qualified in 2014, just 67.4 % were still in service after five years in 2019.  (Report issued in Jun 25, 2020.)  https://www.rewire.org/new-teachers-burning-out-early/  So, the correct answer is d), 33%.