The New Form of Racism
When one thinks of racism, they usually think back to the sixties and the civil rights movement and all that jazz. They normally wouldn't associate it with today. But I am here to tell you that it exists still, in many ways. Or maybe what I am about to tell you is sheer stupidity on the AHS administrations behalf. But whatever you deduce it to be, I must say that it has enraged me very much to the point of publicly proclaiming so.
Today as you may or may not know was Martin Luther King's birthday, a day nationally accepted as the day on which to celebrate black history month and give it the full spotlight. Most schools across America received this day off to attend community programs or remembrance walks. The Washington County school system however kept on trucking and attended school on this day. One reason given for this by the superintendent was that this is a "very teachable day," meaning he felt that students would benefit more if they stayed in school and had class discussions with teachers on the subject as well as an array of various other activities. I agree completely with this statement, that there is potential for learning here. But there was one problem: nothing happened. I would almost bet money that there were children who left Abingdon High on this momentous day without even knowing it was a national holiday! Teachers were asked in first period to turn their tv's on to show a movie on the subject. The movie however lasted shorter than five minutes and really had nothing to do with the subject. The teachers led no discussion afterwards either. And no more was mentioned to students for the remainder of the day.
That is unless you are in A.P. Government or a minority! Here's the clincher. Abingdon High School did have a guest speaker! A local african american pastor by the name of William Austin came to share his experience growing up in a segregated community. But as I said before, only A.P. Government students and minorities were given the oppotunity to go to this assembly. Two assemblies were held, one sixth period and one seventh, in order to accomodate both AP classes. And I must say that the audiences were very small at each assembly. The administration set up this event in a SEGREGATED form! If someone was not in an AP government class, i.e. 98% of the student body, they weren't allowed to attend. And then the retarded guidance office called every student from a minority race out of class to ask them if they'd like to attend! Not to say that there is anything wrong with their attendance, but this event should have been a school wide thing. Not for just a select few. And having this event for a room full of african americans seems a bit redundant to me. Isn't that a bit like preaching to the choir? Wouldn't white people benefit most from learning of times as this? And isn't this day about meshing and coming together as a whole and celebrate equality? The way Abingdon High School conducted this was utterly ridiculous and unacceptable. They felt like they HAD to have this for those minorities at AHS and didn't care what it meant! I believe the administration owes an apology to those who were discriminated against by not being allowed to attend, those who were racially profiled by being called to the guidance office, and to the speaker who didn't even get a chance at spreading his message to the students! I did attend the ceremony in lieu of taking yearbook photos, and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. Reverend Austin gave a very wonderful speech. He did note, however, in his speech how racism still exists today, EVEN AT AHS! He said that! He spoke about how he's fought with the school in the past because of unfair treatment and how the inequality still exists today! And I couldn't help but think, as he talked about this, how relevant it was to the problem today and wonder if maybe he'd realized that! As he said, "this school is riddled with politics," I felt in complete agreement with him, and that I must do something! Too little was done at AHS to celebrate such a grand day. It's inexcusable and some sincere apologies are in order. After todays pathetic display of compassion and understanding, I'm embarrased to say I attend AHS. But then again, I always have been. This isn't the first time the administration has completely screwed up and been retarded, and it certainly won't be the last!
Anyway, on a lighter note that I must include, I received confirmation today from the Barter Theatre for The Baltimore Waltz. The show is a go! We'll be holding auditions the first and second of February! Whew! So much going on at once.
We had musical rehearsals this afternoon and must say that I wasn't impressed. Martin, the director, go upset with me for no good reason! I was talking to Ryan Cury and he told me to "please not make a comment" after everything he says. WHAT! Anyway, I think he thought I was talking about him, but I wasn't. I think Martin's a good guy and all, but that really upset me. He's just paranoid because he overheard two people talking about him rudely when he directed the musical two years ago. So he wouldn't direct it last year. He's back now though, and apparently very weird about stuff. Anyway, if this is how it's gonna be I don't need to put up with it. I've got bigger and better things to worry about. And I could leave the musical at a hearts bet. Suffice it to say that if an incident like this happens again, they'll be searching for a new Buffalo Bill. lol. That' sounds sooo weird. But it upset me that he called me down like that. He should get over that paranoia really quickly!
Today as you may or may not know was Martin Luther King's birthday, a day nationally accepted as the day on which to celebrate black history month and give it the full spotlight. Most schools across America received this day off to attend community programs or remembrance walks. The Washington County school system however kept on trucking and attended school on this day. One reason given for this by the superintendent was that this is a "very teachable day," meaning he felt that students would benefit more if they stayed in school and had class discussions with teachers on the subject as well as an array of various other activities. I agree completely with this statement, that there is potential for learning here. But there was one problem: nothing happened. I would almost bet money that there were children who left Abingdon High on this momentous day without even knowing it was a national holiday! Teachers were asked in first period to turn their tv's on to show a movie on the subject. The movie however lasted shorter than five minutes and really had nothing to do with the subject. The teachers led no discussion afterwards either. And no more was mentioned to students for the remainder of the day.
That is unless you are in A.P. Government or a minority! Here's the clincher. Abingdon High School did have a guest speaker! A local african american pastor by the name of William Austin came to share his experience growing up in a segregated community. But as I said before, only A.P. Government students and minorities were given the oppotunity to go to this assembly. Two assemblies were held, one sixth period and one seventh, in order to accomodate both AP classes. And I must say that the audiences were very small at each assembly. The administration set up this event in a SEGREGATED form! If someone was not in an AP government class, i.e. 98% of the student body, they weren't allowed to attend. And then the retarded guidance office called every student from a minority race out of class to ask them if they'd like to attend! Not to say that there is anything wrong with their attendance, but this event should have been a school wide thing. Not for just a select few. And having this event for a room full of african americans seems a bit redundant to me. Isn't that a bit like preaching to the choir? Wouldn't white people benefit most from learning of times as this? And isn't this day about meshing and coming together as a whole and celebrate equality? The way Abingdon High School conducted this was utterly ridiculous and unacceptable. They felt like they HAD to have this for those minorities at AHS and didn't care what it meant! I believe the administration owes an apology to those who were discriminated against by not being allowed to attend, those who were racially profiled by being called to the guidance office, and to the speaker who didn't even get a chance at spreading his message to the students! I did attend the ceremony in lieu of taking yearbook photos, and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. Reverend Austin gave a very wonderful speech. He did note, however, in his speech how racism still exists today, EVEN AT AHS! He said that! He spoke about how he's fought with the school in the past because of unfair treatment and how the inequality still exists today! And I couldn't help but think, as he talked about this, how relevant it was to the problem today and wonder if maybe he'd realized that! As he said, "this school is riddled with politics," I felt in complete agreement with him, and that I must do something! Too little was done at AHS to celebrate such a grand day. It's inexcusable and some sincere apologies are in order. After todays pathetic display of compassion and understanding, I'm embarrased to say I attend AHS. But then again, I always have been. This isn't the first time the administration has completely screwed up and been retarded, and it certainly won't be the last!
Anyway, on a lighter note that I must include, I received confirmation today from the Barter Theatre for The Baltimore Waltz. The show is a go! We'll be holding auditions the first and second of February! Whew! So much going on at once.
We had musical rehearsals this afternoon and must say that I wasn't impressed. Martin, the director, go upset with me for no good reason! I was talking to Ryan Cury and he told me to "please not make a comment" after everything he says. WHAT! Anyway, I think he thought I was talking about him, but I wasn't. I think Martin's a good guy and all, but that really upset me. He's just paranoid because he overheard two people talking about him rudely when he directed the musical two years ago. So he wouldn't direct it last year. He's back now though, and apparently very weird about stuff. Anyway, if this is how it's gonna be I don't need to put up with it. I've got bigger and better things to worry about. And I could leave the musical at a hearts bet. Suffice it to say that if an incident like this happens again, they'll be searching for a new Buffalo Bill. lol. That' sounds sooo weird. But it upset me that he called me down like that. He should get over that paranoia really quickly!
posted by ~chase at 7:49 PM
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