MY TEACHER IS RACIST...I think...what should I do?

Question

I go to a small unknown HBCU...most of the students here are pretty stupid...the problem is, my philosophy teacher is always accusing me of plagarizing my papers and always accusing me of cheating...my friends told me it's because the white teachers here aren't used to a black male student who is well-read and articulate...I'm tired of him accusing me of cheating and grading me hard on tests just because I know what I'm talking about, and everybody else has the IQ of a screwdriver....

I've corrected his German before... and I was even able to figure out what "pantheism" means just by breaking down the words, "pan", "the" and "ism." He said somebody must've told me, and I said, "No...I just broke the word down to by its Latin terms," and he didn't believe me...how can I convince this guy that there ARE smart black guys and we're not all concerned about rims and white T shirts and Adidas flip-flops???

Answer 1

Keep a log of the times you feel harassed. If tape-recording without someone's knowledge is legal in your state, bring a tape recorder. Let the principal and your parents know about your misgivings.

And I'm sure you know this, but you really are smart. Those Latin word roots are awesome, aren't they?

I'm sorry he's such an asshat.

Answer 2

I was a white teacher in a largely black inner city public high school for 30 years, now retired. You haven't (yet) convinced me that this teacher is acting in a racist manner. Indeed, from the somewhat "arrogant" viewpoint of yourself that you describe (you TWICE mentioned how stupid all the OTHER students are), perhaps the REAL problem is your own point of view.

I was very very seldom accused of racism in my teaching days. And those that did so, had no basis to do so other than their own 'slant' on things. And of those who did, none of them were what anyone would describe as "good" students. And most certainly, none of these accusations were valid. Even the other students knew that. So I am not so sure the teacher is the problem.

Please reread the question you have written, and I think you will understand what I mean when I say it appears that you are perhaps thinking in an arrogant fashion.

As to the answer to your question, you need to document (just write down) instances of perceived racial preference or ignorance. You should also include instances where this teacher is clearly NOT acting in a prejudice manner. You may find that they indeed balance out. And if they don't, you can take your concerns to the teacher yourself. You simply MUST go to the teaher FIRST, as if you "go above his head", the first question they will ask you is "did you talk this over with your teacher?". While doing so, you should remain objective and gather the facts, and not be accusatory or put him on the defensive. It will also help to talk with your fellow classmates (not just your friends) to get their ideas on the matter.

And consider that "philosophy" is one of those subject matters that will often lead to disagreement. And remember that any person can talk of racial matters, without themselves implying any racist prejudice. And it is the job of the philosopher to question issues from all viewpoints. It is not like math class, where you are either "right or wrong". It is part of his job.

Finally, it is difficult enough to teach young people; imagine how difficult it is for a white teacher to teach a predominately black class, and NOT be accused by at least someone of being racist. If this were a pattern, you may have some grounds to stand on. But you must consider that the administration thinks highly enough of him to "keep him onboard" to teach. So they probably will take his side. No administration would allow a racist teacher to remain at a black college. And also, if he truly is a racist, he could not stand being there for long, and would quit.
So consider all of these things before going further. You may end up causing considerably more harm to yourself than anyone else. And yes, be prepared to accept the possibility that YOU and your outlook are the problem, not everyone around you. Perhaps you will be the one who should change.
Good luck to you.

Answer 3

a clear example of the pot calling the kettle-------, fill in the blank.
you are a black student in a mostly white school. you are smart and want to make your knowledge known, so its important to you to intimidate the teacher.
asking a question here must mean a lot to you.
so i ask a few questions first.
1- are you in this school by choice?
2-why are all the other students so dumb?
3-if you were the teacher, what would you do differently?
4-if you were to get your anger under control, do you think to make an appointment to talk privately with this teacher?
5-really, is it possible that this teacher went to college for several years and got a nice placement teaching college students and is deliberately bugging you?
now.................
think it over carefully, could most be your fault? stop answering back and in turn playing to your audience[your classmates] it may stop. then pick a time to ask for a private talk. if you are a lot of the problem, admit it to him and ask an apology. then ask for his help. it could be both of you at fault. if so and he and you do not bend after the meeting. see the hoc. you both need it.

now i will tell you what racial is.
i am an old lady and i grew up on a farm, there were many black people living in just about shacks working as tenents for white people. they has to walk to school and we rode a bus. when i was old enough i started asking why. the answer was they are black. what kind of answer was that to a 6 year old to whom all these black people wa so kind to.
i grew up and i drove the bus. when it rained or was real cold, i picked these black children up and drove them on to their school and sometimes picked them up on the way bac. the word got back to the principal and i was told to stop it. i refused and as i was about the only one to drive in my area, i had them by the? so i became a crusader?

in all these years one thing i have learned.sticks and stones may hurt the bones but words will never harm you. that is a bald face lie. words nearly do you in.
be kind to others, go the extra mile for a friend. we are all gods creation black or white or any other color.
now child you can solve your problem.you have it within.

Answer 4

I empathize with you because it must be hard trying to receive an education and the person holding your life in the balance right now is an ignorant person. You have to report this to a dean or somebody higher up. I would suggest bringing this to the professor's attention, privately first and then report him.

I commend you on being a smart, black man because there are many of you out there, even if some ignorant black folks are making us all look bad, you should keep your eyes on the prize and press on. After getting Mr. Racist thrown out first, of course.

Answer 5

He seems to be set in his ways, I'm sad to say. There is little you can do to change his way of thinking. The only thing you can really do is to work hard to prove that you aren't one of those ghetto boys who like to hang out on the corner while life just passes them by. Just keep doing what you're doing. Unfortunately you have to work harder than the others, but that will make you that much stronger. Hang in there.

Answer 6

sorry to hear of your plight. i hate racists. but this kind of problem is much deeper than simple racism. sounds like this is an arrogant man who believes everyone is inferior to him. i say this because you did not detail any overtly racist words coming from him, though i don't doubt that racism does indeed play a part in his dealing with you an educated black man. as stated elsewhere i think you need to log each incident. also network, see if you have a reliable support group in this class, you may need to call on them for substantiation of your claims when the time comes to bring any charges to the school administration or ACLU.

good luck.

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Answer 7

Are you the only one who is having trouble in his class? Are the other black students being given a hard time? Maybe you could talk to the teacher? Or if that doesn't help, talk to the principle.

Answer 8

My heart goes out to you. Is there someone in the administration who can possibly help you? Keep being yourself and striving for excellence. You are braving the way for future generations. Try calling the American Civil Liberties Union if you don't get anywhere with your administration. I will keep you in my prayers (I have my MA in Teaching for Social Justice).

Answer 9

I say you call him on it in the middle of class so everyone can see how racist he is. Just don't do it in an accusing way; do it in a "mocking him" way. I'm very sorry that this teacher does this to you. You know, Philosophy is "the love of wisdom" and this teacher with preconceived notions doesn't seem very wise. Good luck.

Answer 10

Sounds like this guy is a lost cause. Doesn't your school have a grievance procedure? An ethics committee? It sounds like you've tried to get through to this guy, to no avail. Maybe it's time to go over his head. In this supposedly enlightened day and age I just don't understand racism in any form. God bless!