I came across this article that talked about the incident with the SAE fraternity and the chants in the bus. While many across the country and on this site have applauded the action taken by both the University of Oklahoma and the SAE national chapter, I would like to present another point of view that I think would have been much more appropriate. Follow below
I came across this article from the Dr. Rev Maria Dixon Hall who is a professor at Southern Methodist University. She is African American but came across this as a professor and that when a teachable moment is presented to you, YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.
Here is the article if you wish to read it, I present my summary and opinion below...
http://www.patheos.com/...
Rev. Hall presents 4 main points.
1. The outrage is all hypocrisy....who amongst us has never said anything that if it were made public would shame us...we are all human. She expresses her anger at the outrage of people who acts so holier than thou even when they may have transgressed before. She wants to cut the kids some slack
2. Racism is a heart condition...a strong point by pointing out that it may not have been what was said but what was not said to the students that was the problem. Living a life that is separate from Black America with the exception of those who cook, clean, and carry luggage for them they get clogged arteries of racism and when they have a heart attack, instead of giving help to repair the heart we "dance on their graves"
3. Instead of shouting at them why not have them sit down with the people who cleaned and cooked for them, sing that song to them or play the tape and then answer the question of do you really feel this way about the people who take care of you. It is easy to be racist in isolation but what would happen when they have to confront the consequences of their action?
4. I think her strongest point is that what did you want to teach them, if it was racism is bad, then you get an F. By kicking them out they got in trouble for what was said and not what they did, you basically taught them that what you said was wrong and you got caught. They learned to make sure to not have anyone recording you...totally against what we as teachers should have done.
I am writing this late at night so I am a bit tired and might have taken certain items out of context. But I felt that this was an article that needed to get out there. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU READ THE ARTICLE. We need more Dr. Halls in our world.