Bias, prejudice, and oppression are unfortunately a part of
our lives. It takes place in nearly
everything we do in some form or another.
The only experience, in which I could say that I have been a victim of
prejudice or bias, is when a family member at the center I used to work at
would not allow her child to be in my classroom because I am a man. At first, it was a little hurtful but I did
not think much about it tossing it up to a parent’s choice in whom educates her
child. However, after studying topics in
our course I realize that it was bias and prejudice because that mother had a
particular notion of what a teacher of young children should be and I did not
fit that description. I think this
particular episode diminished equity because it made the case that males were
not as capable of caring for and teaching young children as females. I believe it also diminished equity because I
believe this particular mother was afraid of what I, as a man, might do to her
child, which is very hurtful. If this
parent had been paying attention to news reports lately, she will realize that
females are just as capable of hurtful behavior as males. I realize that for me this brought up
feelings of anger and hurt because I was made to feel inadequate and not
capable much less being good enough for her child’s teacher. In this case, I think that our program could
have changed where the parent would not have been giving a choice. However, I believe that is the particular
parent that needs to change because it was her bias that caused the situation.
However, after being at my former program for five years I think that I have
proven that men can be effective, caring teachers for our youngest
children. As a special note, I want to
say that all parents have the right to make educational decisions about their
child.
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I agree with you that all parents have the right to educate their children. I have a 2 year old that I educate that all people are equal. I want him to learn not to judge someone on the outside.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteSad to say that parent’s attitude is very common regarding males early childhood education teachers. We have two male care providers. One of our very capable teachers was sent to work in our school age care building. The other teacher previously worked with pre-toddlers, but at our center is in the Preschool. The assistant director says she is just uncomfortable with men working in classrooms with children “who can’t speak-up.” As if every male they encounter will require them to be able to give full account of their interaction. You are right to point out that female staff members are just as likely to be offenders as males.
Joseph-
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad that your program did not educate this mother and the importance of men in the lives of young children. Men provide a different perspective, style of interaction and level of physical play that are imporant building blocks of a childs development. The consistant presents of a man in a child's life balances the influences of the women and provides a great role model for all children. If this young mother has personal issues with trusting men, shouldn't she want to seek out strong trust worthy men for her child to learn from and emulate. If she had a little girl this would help her learn that there are good men in the world who can be trusted with your heart and if the child was a boy, who better to learn from on how to be a man than one that is modeling a love and dedication to young children? My husband got a father's day gift several years back that sums it up quite well. It said "Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys."