Case
Racially charged comments for the sake of humor

Teens today use humor to mask a myriad of racial issues. It is not uncommon to hear a student say "Thanks, Obama" to something that has nothing to do with our President or for an African American students to claim "racism!" with a big smile on their face over something that clearly had nothing to do with race. Many teens love the Key and Peele comedy shorts that plays off of this type of humor as well. As teachers, how should we address this or use it? Is their humor healthy or counterproductive?

Posted on: 03/11/15 | Views: 1145
Solution #1
Top Solution
More often than not, students are copying something they have seen on TV, such as with Key and Peele, or from other influences. In copying, they have no idea the context of exactly "what" they are copying. My students have used slurs when referring to one another in class. When I ask them whether or not they know what that word or phrase they just used really means, they have no idea. I have found that providing historical context for where some of the often used racially charged comments come from will work to decrease the use of those comments in the future. And, clarifying their meaning can lead to meaningful class discussions.

I agree with this solution. Young students are often unaware of what they are saying because they hear it on TV. Talking about what was said can, rather will, lead to meaningful classroom discussion.

I think it is important to discuss that certain words and names can be hurtful to other students.

This is really helpful. Often, the historical context is enough to scare them or make them feel bad for using the slurs.

Its important to discuss proper language in the classroom.

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Solution #2
I once read a study that was based off of journal entries completed voluntarily by college students. Their assignment was to keep a journal with them and write about anything that happened in their daily life that had to do with race. Journals were kept by Caucasian students and students of color. The journals shared insights to ethnically inappropriate names, interactions with people on the sidewalk, and how their friends interacted with their roommates who were of another race. Several of the journal entries contained student experiences with a friend telling a racist joke, everyone laughing, but no one actually being offended. Students began to realize that until they actually became offended and stood up to their friends in these situations that racism would never cease. Even though this study was done by a collegiate group of students, I think it would still be appropriate for high school students in order to help them realize that their actions are inappropriate.
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Solution #3
As a high school teacher, I have witnessed this same type of hatred. Within my classroom, I always address these types of comments with my class as a whole. This allows for an open discussion that has lead to a more acceptable attitude from many students. In many cases the students are mimicking others actions, such as Key and Peele, and do not realized how hurtful they can be.
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Solution #4
Teachers should not use this type of humor. As far as it being healthy or counterproductive I would say neither. As long as students are not taking offense to the humorous comments and the comments aren't causing any trouble I would just let teens be teens.
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Solution #5
I don't not think that this should be addressed or used. Condoning this behavior is not something an educator should do.
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