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How can I change a racist student?

Discussion in 'General political debates' started by 363, Jan 17, 2018.

  1. 363

    363 Active Member Forum Member


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    Aug 23, 2014
    Male
     United States
    I teach English in a high school, and I have an 11th grade student I suspect of being a white supremacist. He is articulate, confident, and respectful, yet I've been noticing clues which, taken in a cluster, point my suspicion in that direction.

    Here's what I've noticed:
    - Iron Cross necklace
    - Views supporting Christian baker who denied a cake to gay couple (Student not Christian)
    - Saying he's proud to be white
    - Interprets certain topics as "attacks on white culture"

    Most of my instruction is based in Socratic seminar (discussion). I ask questions to all students, presenting them with many scenarios, to get them to scrutinize their worldview and opinions.

    I don't want to lose this kid. What do you suggest?
     

  2. LazyFuck

    LazyFuck New Member New Member


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    Jan 16, 2018
    Male
    Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany  Germany
    Do you know anything about his friends or the people he hangs out with?
    Also has he already done something directly against other students or is he "just talking"?
     
  3. 363

    363 Active Member Forum Member


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    Aug 23, 2014
    Male
     United States
    Friends are a generally conservative white kids, but all claim to be friends with students of color. It's mostly talking, but the solidification of his views would push him into a dangerous direction. Possibly the alt-right-type that attempts to intellectualize their racism.
     
  4. ScottO

    ScottO Member Forum Member


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    Jan 6, 2018
    Louisiana, United States  United States
    What a difficult challenge! The typical approach would be assigning readings from diverse writers to cultivate a sense of empathy and understanding. I suspect you already do that, though.

    I think that a lot of young people get into white supremacy because, like pretty much all teenagers, they're insecure. Imagine being a confused, insecure kid who more than anything doesn't want to appear vulnerable, weak, or isolated. Then along comes a person or website that says: "Look, here's a set of ideas that tell you that if you have it better than others it's because you are better than others! Here's a set of ideas that say that you don't need to feel anything for others! Here's a set of ideas that say you don't need to make yourself vulnerable!" And if you feel oppressed, bullied, or lonely: "Look, here's a set of ideas that say you get to be the oppressor, the bully, the crowd." There's a lot of psychological payoff for the confused kid.

    Maybe focusing on insecurities and such would do something?
     
    363 and LazyFuck like this.
  5. 363

    363 Active Member Forum Member


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    Aug 23, 2014
    Male
     United States
    Yeah, that is an interesting way to look at it, and it makes sense. At a time when kids are trying to figure out who they are or create an identity, it's easier for them to attach themselves to certain ideas.

    I like the approach of focusing on insecurities, as I think it will target the core issue. Thanks!
     
  6. TwoHippo

    TwoHippo New Member New Member


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    Feb 5, 2018
    Male
    Italy  Italy
    In the high school, in my classroom i was the only stranger. I felt like bullied by others..It was a difficult period. Fortunately i had my friends. The bullies i think they were racist to me. I hope they changed their life.
     
  7. ScottO

    ScottO Member Forum Member


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    Jan 6, 2018
    Louisiana, United States  United States
    Sorry to hear about your troubles, TW.

    363: How'd it go? Probably a long process, but I 'm curious about the progress.

    Cheers all!
     
  8. The Hat

    The Hat Experienced Member Experienced member


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    May 29, 2019
    Illinois, United States  United States
    1. Have you asked this person if he knows exactly what the Iron Cross is, and what it represents? Do they know the history of it, and how it was earned?

    2. Perhaps you should ask him if he is absolutely 100% certain that none of his friends are gay and in the closet. Many young people in the LGBTQ community, for whatever reason are so good at "Playing it straight" that even their straight friends, and colleagues don't know they're gay, even going so far as to have physical sexual relations with the opposite sex to prove they aren't gay. Ask him what he would say or do if one of his friends turned out to be gay, especially those he considers his "Best" friends.

    3. Ask him what he means when he says he's "Proud" to be white. Does that mean that, as an individual he is proud of who he is as a person, or does he use his sense of "Pride" as an excuse for racism, sexism, xenophobia, etc. I'm proud to be white, but, that being said, I also know that I had no choice in the matter, and, in the grand scheme of things, hunger knows no race, creed or color. ALL individuals should be proud of who they are, how they were born, what they have achieved, etc., but this pride in and of itself should NEVER be used as an excuse for self proclaimed superiority. A failed Austrian painter/paper hanger tried that in Europe after World War One, and the end result was World War Two, and millions of innocent people died because that person held on to that philosophy, and made it government policy.

    4. Exactly what topics does he interprets as "Attacks on white culture" and why does he interpret these topics in such a manner of fashion?

    Perhaps you should have a one on one sit down with this student and have a discussion on why he feels this way, and what life experiences he's had that lead him to these conclusions.

    You say he is in the 11th grade, therefore I assume he has not turned 18 yet.

    What are his reading skills/comprehension level? Maybe there are some books you could recommend to him to read that will present another point of view in a way he can understand/comprehend.

    Most young people that age think they know it all, and have a good bead on things, but once he graduates from high school, (Assuming he doesn't drop out) he's going to find out how things work in the so called "Real" world, and he might be in for a rude awakening if he's not prepared. It would be very tragic indeed if another young person spends the rest of their life in prison, of meets an early grave because they clung on to a point of view, couldn't be shaken from it, or at least convinced to hear arguments from another point of view.

    I wish you the best of luck in engaging in open dialogue with this young person, and hopefully changing his mind.

    I also hope that this person turns out to NOT be a racist, but merely confused, misguided, and generally angry at all the injustices that he sees around him, especially if he's aware of the fact that these are injustices he had no say in, and are not of his making.
     
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