Health & Fitness
CHB: Try Opening The Book, Michael...
Take a look inside that book...the cover may not always be what is seems
I try to keep my blogs to topics not related to previous articles, but the comments on the "” article have gotten so out of hand, especially from a young, misguided man named Michael, I thought I should give it some attention.
Michael, first off, I did see your response before it was deleted, so not to fear. I’d like to start off by pointing out that your observation of the “99 percent Mexican,” is, right off the bat, the first problem to your argument. Now, I was not in that class with you, but for you to assume that every Latino student in that room was Mexican ... that Problem #1. You are trying to group people -- in this case, students -- and that is a very dangerous thing. How do you know that the breakdown wasn’t 34 percent Mexican, 21 percent Honduran, 13 percent El Salvadorian, 11 percent Guatemalan, 8 percent Belizean, 7 percent Nicaraguan, and 5 percent Panamanian?
Then, in your first comment, you clearly mention that most of your Magnet students where Anglo, Asian, or Jewish. Does that imply that many Magnet students who are African American, Latino, Armenian, or any other race just don’t make the Michael Calder cut? Michael, Michael, Michael ... no matter what you’ve heard, you CANNOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, nor can you judge the quality of student by the color of their skin.
Find out what's happening in Studio Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
You also mentioned your teacher friend who stated that he/she was “a good teacher,” and that he/she was the victim of having “bad students.” What a horrible outlook for a teacher. Now look, the LAUSD needs a lot of work. Bush’s ‘No Child Left Behind’ Program was a disaster and we are still digging out of the damage that puppy caused. There are a myriad of reasons why there are problems in Los Angeles County Schools, but for you to so blatantly lay all the blame down on the students, at least the ones not in Magnet Schools, wel ... that’s just bulls***.
I have two things for you, Michael. The first is a definition:
Find out what's happening in Studio Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bigot: n. : a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.
Perhaps you weren’t aware of this concept, but please look back at some of your comments on this article and then take a deep look inside yourself. Some people don’t know things about themselves until an outside observer spots it for them.
The second thing is that I was an after school filmmaking instructor for over six years. I worked in association with the LACER Stars After School Program in Hollywood, the CREST After School Program in Santa Monica and at the Greenway Arts Alliance at Fairfax High School. During that time, my students wrote, directed, acted in, and produced over thirty amazing short films and three award-winning PSAs.
Why do I mention this? Because my students ranged from elementary age through high school and they came from just about every race and socioeconomic background you can think of. Some went to Magnet schools, and others went to what are dubbed as ‘some of the worst middle schools in the city.’ Yes, I’m not a teacher, so I don’t know what it’s like to be with the same students eight hours a day, but I do know this ...
There were numerous times as I was heading to my after school program, talking to one of my students when a teacher would pull me aside and have the audacity to scoff and say “good luck with that one. He’s useless.” I’m not kidding. Because I wasn’t a teacher, I didn’t have to follow the same rules, but the first thing I showed each and every one of my students was a degree of respect and a willingness to listen to who they are, find out what they like, and get to know them.
Yes, I’m sure I had an advantage in working in an after school environment, but by the same accord, most of the kids that I would get in the afternoon were so wound up and frustrated by the school system. Their teachers didn’t get them and it didn’t seem to me they were trying to. I know there are many fantastic teachers out there ... and to you, Bravo!! But, I also know there are some less-than-stellar teachers out there who are going through the motions and collecting a check. Everyday, I made it my mission for the two hours that I had my students, I was going to stimulate their minds and find out where their talents and passion lie.
Was it a lot of work? Hell yeah. Did I have to do it? Hell no. But, I wanted to, because one thing I’ve found out is that your average kid still has a hell of an imagination and they aren’t quite as jaded as you and me. Black, white, red, brown, yellow ... I don’t care what the color. You give a child a little space, compassion, and an ear ... you’d be amazed at what they can do. The proof is in the pudding, Michael. Maybe these will inspire you a bit:
Enjoy. And notice the students ... from every walk of life! Creating, expressing, and enjoying ... all because someone didn't judge their books by their covers.
