Monkey See, Monkey Do pt 2
A commenter wrote the following:
I would never put up ‘monkey’ decor. I’m white, teaching in a southern district with a large percentage of African-American students, and I have unfortunately, heard that stereotype used many times (TV, movies, whatever). My view is that if ONE student took that the wrong way, and was hurt by it, their learning has stopped and it would be all my fault. My job is to teach them, not decorate for them, and there are plenty of options that don’t have the possibility of interfering with a student’s learning process.
My friend who is considering the monkey decor wrote the following in response:
I think she said that because of what you said. Because I didn’t have any second thoughts until you said something. I wouldn’t do it now because you’re my friend and I respect your feelings (even if I think you’re making a big deal out of nothing:) And I think you make me out to seem like a monster and it wasn’t like I was seeking to do something controversial. It’s just the latest trend by Trend and the store had a very cute and eye-catching display. You asked what I was doing in my classroom when you were seeking ideas about how to decorate your classroom. And you have to admit, my classroom is very inviting and very child-friendly. I see that a well-decorated classroom with a unifying theme makes the learning environment seem more organized, comfortable, and attractive so that children want to enter rather than dread having to come out to the cold, institutional trailer (undecorated, looks like a yard shed.) This is an elementary classroom, it’s supposed to be cute. And I don’t want to stand in an ugly environment all day. Tell your friends the spring theme is now little bees which are just as cute. BTW, do your friends know about ”the file?” And do they know that since you started teaching this course, you are now paranoid and looking for everything to be racist? With love.
My response:
It was my NOT intent to make you look like a monster. I hope it didn’t sound that way on my blog. I am open to telling my blogger friends about “the file.” (An imaginary file she keeps of all of my comments about people all races–though mostly Black and White, like when I say I’m on “colored people’s” time or that Black women are antsy about their hair or that White people cut hair better than Black stylists, b/c the Black stylists get scissor happy–this was said after I got my hair cut at a “White” salon as a birthday gift from a friend.) I’m sorry you consider my file so offensive, but you know I’m equally offensive to people of all races and types. I realize you weren’t seeking to do anything controversial, but I wanted to inform you that it could be controversial if you did it, even innocently.
I have NOT been more paranoid and looking for everything to be racist as a result of teaching this African American History course. I have gone into the course with the mindset that history is history and I can’t hold anyone in my present life responsible for the past. I have ALWAYS been cognizant of my Blackness, my race . . .it’s apart of my identity. What you have notice more of is my discussing my teaching strategies and discussions held with my students about the past–which includes a painful history of treatment of Blacks. Maybe this has made you more sensitive. . . or, is it guilt? The discussion of African Americans in this country is not meant to be one that makes others feel guilty, but to shed light. With love
race discussion | Miss Teacha | 
February 11, 2008 5:57 pm
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By Leon, February 11, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
Did you show your friend all of the comments that supported her? He/she sounds completely innocent of any malice, and that should mean something before one labels an action as racist. Since you are open to teaching others, how do you look to improve your colorblindness?
By Miss SW, February 11, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Hmmm. Interesting topic. I am an African American female in my early to mid twenties and quite frankly, I dont think about my people when I hear the word “monkey.” Granted, “Teacher,” you have more information about negative associations towards minorities because of your background in history and profession as a history teacher. If I knew as much about this subject as you, I too might be offended. However, I am not and I don’t think the average African American would be either.
When I hear the word “monkey,” I think of…monkeys…and maybe bananas on occasion. My eighty-three year old grandmother may not feel the same way however. Furthermore, my neices who are grade school aged children would look at me crazy if I asked them if the word “monkey” made them think of African Americans. I think the degree of offensiveness generated depends first on age, secondly on mindset, and third of all an exposure to less widely discussed topics in history.
Are you being too sensitive? YES! Let’s go on a slippery slope for a moment…would you be offended if she wanted to decorate her room with watermelons or crackers (even though the term “cracker” comes from the sound of the whips slavemasters used to torment slaves and not the food we eat with soup.) Now if the watermelon had a bucket of Church’s Chicken sitting next to it I might be inclined to think otherwise. That’s taking it to a whole other level! LOL!
At any rate, she’s got the bees up now so I guess it really doesn’t matter. As for you, there are many more racially derrogatory things to get upset about than this. I can appreciate your sensitivity to the subject and for your not wanting to offend anyone, but how far is too far???
By Margaret, February 11, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
I agree with you that we have to be careful in today’s world. Color blindness is a myth; there really isn’t any such thing. All of us are very aware of various cultures and races in our schools and communities, and pretending we’re not doesn’t get ANY dialogue started. Sensitivity to differences, that’s what we need to work on.
By Frumteacher, February 12, 2008 @ 12:13 am
In response to your colleague’s letter, I think you can show her all the comments to the monkey post. Many bloggers agreed with her, and the ones that didn’t did so not because she was ‘mean’ but because they thought it a sensitive subject.
On the other hand, I must defend Miss A. Although personally I don’t see anything bad about putting up the monkeys, I do realize that ‘race’ is a big issue in the USA. Being aware of the past and of the current situation in which people are still being treated differently because of their color, makes me understand miss A.’s reaction. So although I stil believe that these monkeys are harmless and there is nothing wrong with putting them up, I think that Miss A,’s colleague’s reaction is a bit too harsh on Miss A.
By Profesora de español, February 12, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
While I’d agree that you are being a bit sensitive about the monkeys (although as I said before, I wouldn’t put them up b/c I call stupid people “monkeys”), I think your “friend” is being über-sensitive about your response and the comments that were left. First of all, what kind of “friend” has a “file” and tells you you’re paranoid and looking for everything to be racist? And wouldn’t it make sense that as a teacher of African-American history (which continues through today) examine certain situations more deeply anyways? Second, she was never made out to be a monster (although her reply to you is a bit monster-ish), you simply gave your opinion of the story and even asked for feedback (which didn’t go completely your way, if she hadn’t noticed). Besides, what does she care about pleasing you? It’s her classroom. Next time she should just do what she wants and ignore your input.
Anyways, on another note, my password’s still not working. :’(