I am a white man. I identify as white for the same reason that I identify as a man: My culture makes me. This last four-word sentence has two meanings, and they’re both true. ◊♦◊ My culture makes me, that is, my personality has been constructed within my experiences being raised as white and male….
Month: June 2019
Dodgy Ball
I had thought the issue of dodgeball had been resolved. Dodgeball was extremely popular in my youth. Even though I’ve passed the half-century mark (only just barely), I still have a visceral negative reaction to the thought of that evil red ball heading straight for me. I can still hear the high-pitched bounce of the…
Respecting Gender Non-Conforming Graduates
June is Pride Month. June is also the month most high schools around the country have their graduation ceremonies. There is an intersection between these two events that might slip past the awareness of many people: How schools treat gender non-conforming students (see the glossary at the end for italicized words). ◊♦◊ Dead-naming in yearbooks…
Impact > Intent
As a teacher, I see it a lot: Students will be horse-playing in the hallway, and I’ll tell them to stop. “But he’s my cousin! We’re just playing!” they’ll insist. In their mind, this justifies all sorts of reckless behavior: They don’t intend harm. In adults, the same sentiment shows up in a more nuanced…