Capturing The Teachable Moment

I still remember what I consider as being one of the most important lessons I learned as a young teacher (20 years ago)from Principal Johnny Wilson Sr. --- under whose leadership I learned many valuable lessons.

He once said to me: "Mr. Eagle, no matter what is in the curriculum --- you should always be on guard for the teachable moment, and when it presents itself --- you must make every effort to take full advantage of it."

As evidenced by the article below --- I always have, and still do.

I have waited for years to read a Letter to the editor or an OP ED piece in the Democrat and Chronicle (D&C) that is audacious enough to attempt rebuke or chastisement of Italian, Irish, Jewish, German, or any white, ethnic group or nationality within the U.S. for reminding society of their historical plight or condition.

I raise this issue because we can predict (with certainty) that the D&C will routinely publish such articles regarding African American people annually, especially during African American History Month.

The February 23, 2006 article (below) represents a case in point. It was among several others that made this year’s annual list. Considering the source (a 17-year-old Spencerport High school student), the article was particularly alarming and disturbing. While I was alarmed and disturbed on one hand (because of the specific content), at the same time, it was pleasing to see a high school student utilizing the major, monopolistic media in the region --- to exercise his democratic right of expression concerning his beliefs and perspective about important historical issues.

Yet, confusion contained in the specific content caused me to wonder out loud --- ‘what has he been taught in his history classes?’ Some parts of the student’s essay also triggered the thought that maybe his writing is not so much a reflection of his lessons in history class, as it might be lessons from home and/or perhaps other parts of his immediate surroundings or community.

In any case, being the teacher that I am, I decided to make an attempt to get Bobby Appleby to think critically about some of the ideas expressed in his essay --- in hopes that James Lawrence, Kathy Wagner, or someone else at the D&C might send this to him, which of course is very, very doubtful. Better yet, I think that I will send a copy to the school’s principal, and ask that he or she pass it on to Bobby.

Bobby, I would like for us to break your essay down (paragraph by paragraph), and examine some of your thoughts a little more closely.

I noticed that within the first paragraph, you placed the terms “and women” in parenthesis. Is there a particular reason why you chose to use parenthesis? Also, I find it very interesting that you ended the first paragraph with a question. As it relates to your question, if we changed the terms “…or do we?” --- to ‘or are they?’ --- what would be the basic difference between the potential implications of the two questions?

Ok, now, let’s look at your second paragraph. As it relates to the agreement that you expressed in the first sentence --- with whom are you agreeing? With regard to your question in the second paragraph --- I would like for you to go online and look up the name Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and find out why he is referred to as “the father of black history.” Once you have completed this task, I would like for you to attempt to answer the question that you raised in the second paragraph. Also, I am curious, is your reference to the U.S. as being “a so-called equal country” acknowledgement of the fact that equality for all is still not a reality in the U.S. in 2006?

Bobby, the first sentence of your third paragraph is excellent, and completely factual. Now, let me ask you a few questions: Does your 11th grade Social Studies text book reflect (in an equitable manner) the reality that you described in the latter, above referenced, excellent sentence? As it relates to “the true meaning of equal rights that this nation was built upon” --- don’t you really mean the true rhetoric of equal rights that this nation was built upon? By now, haven’t we established (without a doubt) that equal rights for all in U.S. society is not a reality, and never has been?

With regard to your fourth paragraph, it is most interesting that you identified two white nationalities within the U.S., i.e. Irish of Ireland, located in Europe and Italians of Italy, located in Europe. Is there a nation on earth called “black” --- located on one of the seven continents of the earth? And of course, we know that as it relates to “Asian” people (whom you also referenced) --- Asia is a continent (as opposed to a nation). If your question relative to why there is no Irish, Italian, or Asian History Month is sincere (as opposed to being rhetorical), in each case --- who do you think would be best qualified to answer this question?

Bobby, surely by now (after all that we have learned) you don’t still believe (as expressed in your fifth paragraph) that celebration of the achievements, contributions, and in fact the survival of perhaps the most abused, neglected, mistreated, oppressed race of human beings in the history of the world can be likened to bringing “enough treats or food into school for everyone” --- do you?

As it relates to your sixth and final paragraph, and the need to not worry about us “honoring one chapter of American history [and not] honoring the rest of it” --- I am certain that even a casual review of your U. S. history text book will be very reassuring. I sincerely hope you are beginning to understand that while many in “America,” including Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America, as well as the U.S., are "living their dreams” --- others are indeed living their nightmares. Many within the latter group have very little in “common” with those who enjoy the most “freedom.”

Lastly Bobby, I would be very interested in reading your perspective regarding Mr. O’Toole’s article below.

Sincerely,

Mr. Howard J. Eagle
Social Studies Teacher
Rochester City School District

Place no group in spotlight

Bobby Appleby
Guest essayist

(February 23, 2006) — We live in an America where all men (and women) are treated equally ... or do we?

I agree that Black History Month is "ridiculous" and should be abolished. Why should such special praise go to one special group of people in a so-called "equal" country?

People of all different colors and backgrounds have made great discoveries and achievements for our nation and the world. So, why should extra emphasis be placed on one group and not on all Americans? This, I believe, does not uphold the true meaning of equal rights that this nation was built upon

If there is a Black History Month, then why not Irish History Month? Or Asian History Month? Where is Italian History Month?

If I remember correctly, I learned as a young child to not bring special treats or food into school unless I had enough for everyone. And this is no different.

The point is, there is no use in honoring one chapter of American history if we don't honor the rest of it, or else we would not be America — a combination of people of all different colors and backgrounds, living their dreams, and fighting for a common goal: freedom.

Appleby, 17, of Spencerport, is a junior at Spencerport High School.
Copyright © 2006 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Letters to the editor
(March 26, 2006)
Kudos to McBride on Irish essay

Capt. Daniel McBride of the Rochester Fire Department did an outstanding job with his St. Patrick's Day essay on March 17. McBride provided interesting insight into the forgotten and oppressed Irish who immigrated to our community. The captain reminded us of how the Irish had to struggle for generations with discrimination, poverty and famine. There's a lot more significance to St. Patrick's Day than just eating corned beef and cabbage. As Irish Americans, we must never forget our roots, Catholic faith and the tremendous perseverance that helped us succeed. St. Patrick would have been proud of McBride's inspiring essay. Go Irish!

MICHAEL O'TOOLE
ROCHESTER

Copyright © 2006, The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle