Racism is many things. It is a system of domination and exploitation based on the idea of race. Racism has been around a long time and is alive and well today. It is perhaps the single most influential social force shaping American life. It is woven into the economic, political, and social fabric of our country. Here’s a simple way to define racism: prejudice plus power. Institutions such as schools and child care centers have the collective power to enact and perpetuate racial prejudice in ways both overt and so subtle that often the people involved in these institutions don’t even recognize what’s happening.

Roots & Wings: Affirming Culture in Early Childhood Programs, revised edition, written by Stacey York, published by Redleaf Press in 2003. 
28 notes
7 years ago

I had a question are you gay or lesbian and do you think middle schools should be discussing homosexuality or are they too young? i just saw a video and a middle school have a gay straight alliance and it worries me that kids are talking about sex.

Asker's Portrait Asked by Anonymous

Answer

Discussing sexuality is not always the same thing as discussing sex; one can discuss attraction without mentioning sex, one can discuss romantic love without discussing sex. However, middle school aged children need to discuss, verbally express, and receive counseling about their sexuality in a safe, tolerant, and accepting environment. Middle school aged children are thinking about sex and their sexuality, and they are anxious about whether they are normal or okay, or safe. Schools that have clubs, and/or counseling groups, for LGBTQIA students are more tolerant, supportive, and safe; and all students benefit from this. Children who are LGBTQIA deserve safety, recognition, and acceptance. 

13 notes
7 years ago

What many people do not know is that the use of standardized tests has its origins in the Eugenics movement, where basic tenets assert that certain races are inferior to others biologically and intellectually.

Karen Lewis, President of the Chicago Teachers Union

Standardized testing and the Eugenics movement »

A MUST read by Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis. Standardized testing isn’t about improving education, it’s a way for the system to sort out which kids are meant to succeed and which are destined failure.

(via socialismartnature)

But we can change academia from the inside right??!! Nah. How many do I know who went in thinking that but are now miserable because it’s just white ppl plagiarizing them all day long? Too fucking many.

(via lareinaana)

^^^^^^^^^^!!!!!

(via labrownrecluse)

(via labrownrecluse)

12,464 notes
7 years ago

Representation is Vitally Important–

 today a Mechoopda Maidu adult came into the office and looked through our language resource books, found a child’s coloring book with Maidu words under each illustration. As she traced the words with her index finger she started crying.

16 notes
7 years ago

My school has one of those racist "Indian" mascots, what should I do?

Asker's Portrait Asked by Anonymous

Answer

Great question. They have an “Indian” mascot at the public school in my town. We, that is the Native community, wrote letters to the principal stating how we feel when we see that mascot. We sent articles on cultural appropriation that we found online. Sent them to the principal, the teachers, even the Superintendent. We protested with signs and flyers. Nothing worked and the mascot remains there.

I wish you luck on your endeavors.

5 notes
8 years ago