Raible, J., & Nieto, S. (2008). The complex identities of adolescents. In M. Sadowski (Ed.), Adolescents at School: Perspectives on Youth, Identity, and Education (1st Ed., pp. 159-160.) Cambridge Harvard Education Press.
Reply to: Pg 159-160 (1st Edition): Learing From Young People With Complex Identities
In her research at Madison High, Laurie Olsen found that the great majority of teachers did not believe that the needed additional preparation to serve the new diversity at the school. Most reported that being “color blind” was enough. Yet Olsen’s research revealed tremendous discordance and rage among the students in the school, as well as a silence concerning racism and other forms of exclusion. This underscores the need for teachers to come to grips with what impact identity has on students’ learning and their sense of belonging at school.
A safe environment in a school building is a crucial component for any school community. Students, and Adults go through changes all throughout their life. Having a diverse school administration, and teacher population, can help in creating this safe environment for students and school leaders, or staff; because a diverse staff will be able to relate to a diverse student population. All school staff, at every academic level, can benefit from being open, and inclusive with their students and co-workers. People can not work to their full potential when they feel threatened by an unsafe school environment. It is crucial that students, and teachers work together in developing this safe environment; with the educators and administration serving as the model for the students to learn from. Adolescents get their preconceived notions of all things, people, music, animals, and religions, from the adults that raise them. As educators we are blessed with the opportunity to show all adolescents the countless opportunities the world has to offer; because we are with them for most of their life, from pre-k through college. Educators have the potential to motivate students to stay in school, or to at least seek accomplishment in anything they love to do.
Being color blind or silent about the diversity of identities represented in a school community is a disservice to students seeking acceptance from their peers and from the world. I believe in thinking “globally;” and the only way that we could progress as a people within a global community, the people of the community have to work together.
Social injustice exists. By ignoring the fact that social injustice exists we are leaving the oppressed, bullied, hated, or judged out of a larger conversation. What are the goals of a nation whose people suffer from social injustice inside and outside of the classroom, inside and outside of work, or even in our own homes? Why should anyone have to suffer from the negativity and dangers of an environment that harbors a socially exclusive state of mind? Young people learn from adults. Adults should take time and learn about young people as well; because people and society are always changing.
By: Nathaniel Jimenez