Often persons of varying cultural capital —differences in background, knowledge, cultures, and talents—develop stereotypes of people from other cultural capitals. Maybe because each human being has their own unique cultural identity, cultural barriers are created including misled opinions and beliefs. Sadly, prejudices and racism crop up too frequently in the world. And idealists, like the aspiring teacher and person that I am, hope for a cure. An anti-racism/prejudice pill diagnosed to the meanest, cruelest individuals would be nice…though impossible. However, a cure can be found in education. Education including awareness and acceptance of varying races, cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds opens eyes and hearts, often dissolving prejudices. The hearty meat of my idealist intentions resides in my belief that all human beings are children of a supreme God who loves each of His children. This belief directs how I view and interact with others—if every human being is a child of God, I should treat them accordingly shedding prejudices. Basically the golden rule…titanium style.
Too frequently I witness maltreatment and injustice of others—just watch or read the news for a little while. Because I believe that all humans are children of a God who love them, I hope to create a corner of difference. It may be small, but I hope to change the lives of the children I teach. I will educate my students of other cultures in this quest, dissolving racial and cultural prejudices. I will make a difference in my students’ lives by loving them. Many of my future students will come from unfortunate and unloving homes. I will make my classroom a safe haven—a place of love lacking prejudice.
Now, the realistic side of my personality screams at this idealism. How will you love your students when they start acting like obnoxious hellions? How will you overcome racial prejudices learned at home? Etc, etc, etc. Certain times in the classroom will be rough. I am no fool; I know certain students will test my limits and push my buttons so to speak. However, if I can remember at all times that I am teaching God’s children, I will be able to maintain my loving attitude toward each student. By knowing the true identity of each child, I will remember to treat them with the titanium rule—even through moments of classroom Hades. Make sure, I am not discounting discipline and classroom management, but love will always abound in my classroom. Even during the tough times.
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