Lost For Words
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Posted By: El Espada Matthews on July 12, 2012 LOST FOR WORDS By El Espada Many HBCU college graduates will enter into the teaching profession after graduation. What does a teacher say when one of their students comes to him or her in private and say that they are gay? That they want to tell their parents but they are afraid that they will be scorned and put out doors? That they have no one else they can trust. That they don’t believe that the teacher will judge them? The teacher may be a devout Christian who believes that the gay life style/choice is an abomination. The teacher may be living a closet gay/lesbian life style. Or the teacher may have homophobia. So, the teacher remains silent because he/she is afraid to discuss religious views or afraid that the student will go and tell that Mr. or Ms. X says, “It’s okay to be gay.” May develop a disdain for the student. This is one of the 21st century issues that teachers are faced with. How he/she responds could destroy that kid for life or motivate the student to conquer the world. Just like youth gangs and violence, teenage gay life style is an in your face reality. The gay youth is in trouble because teachers cannot show them any real role models. Does the teacher point out that Congressman Barney Frank is openly gay? That questions were raised about Alexander the Great as to his sexual preferences? What about the movie Milk starring Sean Penn? Can the upcoming Hip-Hop artist, Frank Ocean, be used as a teaching tool? It is inevitable that this issue is going to have to be dealt with from an educational perspective just like safe sex. Personal views will carry little weight—have no longevity— still, educators are going to have to brainstorm as what is the best approach to guide these students. Their responses must be professional, as well as, helpful. What young educator and/or teacher dare to be great and pioneer this trail? © El Espada 2012 If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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El Espada Matthews
High School English Teacher, Memphis City Schools Fairfield Univ class of 2013 Member Since February 2009 |
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