Reading Response

The article "How to Interrupt Oppressive Behavior" by Mary McClintock helped me look even further into the impact people can have on others because of their actions. She talks about her own experiences as a camper and staff at a camp with discrimination. Even though this discrimination is in a camp, it is similar to the issues you would face in a classroom. You are dealing with children and the identity characteristics that they are experiencing in a new environment.

McClintock heavily motivates people to be aware of what is going on around you and make a point to say something to stop the oppression. She clearly shows how people work against it and how others help to stop it and move towards social justice. If someone is working against social justice by laughing at the joke being made or just not saying anything at all then they are just motivating others to join in with this opression. On the other hand you can educate yourself about how to work towards social justice and be able to interrupt the behavior and stop any hurtful words or actions.

I think it is good to focus on this topic because many people will just go along with whatever joke or comment is being made that is discriminating against someone else. As a teacher I will be encountering this at various times and will need to be able and willing to step up and push for social justice. If the students do not have anyone to look up to that sets a positive example then they will continue with their bad behavior.

The author also states different ways to get students to initiate a positive response to the discrimination. She suggests setting up events that help the students to focus on the understanding of discrimination and to value yourself and others. Also organizing a meeting with other teachers (or staff) to discuss how to work with students of different races and cultures. Since the world is becoming a more diverse place it is important for not only the students but teachers to understand social justice and to work toward equality inside the classroom.