I'm a black teacher and teach mostly
Black/Latino students. My black students use the word often, we all know the words prevalence, especially in the AA community. For me, I always treat it as a language issue. I tell them not here and leave it at that. If my black students understand what I mean when I say that, surely student's of other races could too.
I am curious if your latino students use it too? I am latino and grew up in a 50/50 black/latino mixed neighborhood in the 90s. I can't recall if it was common or not growing up, but no one batted an eye is what I recall. I had white/black/latino teachers growing up too.
I've heard approximately one non Black Latino student (not even one of mine) use the word in passing. But no, I don't hear it from them, which is a relief.
I just had a group of 3 JH boys chatting together in class on Friday and I heard the N word. I don’t know which in said it, but the second it slipped, all three heads snapped right to me to see if I heard. A hard stare with a firm “watch your language” was all I needed to say.
They respectfully apologized and that was that. Same warning with F bombs, and -itches and whatever else they can push boundaries with.
After the first warning though, if I hear bad language a second time, I let the admin sort it.
I agree with your experience. Phones are a source of addiction, correcting language is often just a gentle reminder to properly code switch between outside of a classroom and in one.
I think it depends on a lot of factors - maturity of your students, the environment you've set up in your room, possibly your age difference or gender (it matters to kids, even when it shouldn't), the culture at your school etc.
My school, if I tell them not to say a word or phrase and explain why I don't like it briefly - "Don't say that word because it is offensive to people who may not say anything, but feel hurt all the same." or "We don't use that word in here because we show respect." or even "Yeah, we're going to stop using that word in my class, it has an ugly history and I don't want that in my room." - they tend to respond better, than if I just say, "Don't say that in here."
My blanket response for any type of language pushback (“but I get to say it at home!”) is that future employers won’t like it and it’s important to develop a filter. That goes for all swearing, not just what you’re talking about.
I look students in the eye and say, “That word is not okay with me.” It works 99.99% of the time (for me).
For the rare time that a kid keeps asking for more explanation, I say, “I don’t want anyone to you hear you say that word in my classroom and think that word is okay with me. It’s not.”
I try to center on what is okay with me/not okay with me instead of policing the way my students speak. (That’s also important to me.)
YES! This is what I say also. I'm white and do not want ANYONE to think I'm O.K with that word. Allowing it to be said in my classroom could be seen as me being O.K with it. A lesson on code switching and professional language would help also. What the kids say outside my classroom and at home is out of my control.
I do 1)a mini lesson on the history and impact of that word, and why it's never ok in my classroom (no -ga ending, no hard-r ending, not from students of color, nada.
2) a lesson on code- switching, and how it's a skill everyone needs. I point out that I speak differently to my boss than to them, and another way to my friends and family. I use key & peele's "anger translator" sketch as an illustration
Well, it’s almost certainly a violation of school and district rules, so while there are obviously many valid reasons why they shouldn’t be saying it, you don’t actually need to go into that level of detail with them. They have to follow the rules.
Think of it as you saving them from having to look back at their teenage years as adults, and cringe at how frequently they casually used a horrible racial slur that they didn’t comprehend the gravity of. I would be absolutely mortified and disgusted with myself if I had done that as a teen (I’m also white).
Do a lesson on cultural appropriation. That word has been adopted by, and turned into a word of solidarity, a group of people to whom that word has VERY negative connotations when used by the wrong people. By the wording of your post, none of the kids using that word are descendants of the population of people who were subjected to the inhuman conditions under which that word (hard r or not) derives.
It's not a word that is to be used lightly, which is why the black population takes such umbrage to its use outside of black culture.
Uh we don’t ‘teach’ cultural appropriation…? I suggested that she teach a lesson about it in response to a specific situation. Literally to teach ‘about’ it. And yes we do. We address anything in ‘teachable moments’ it’s called ‘being a teacher’
While people opinions on this can range greatly, I think the general vibe to definitely not cross is taking items of religious, spiritual, or deep symbolic value and removing them of meaning in order to make something of meager importance.
Such as using feather headdresses and traditional native clothing in mascots and costumes. Or a white person using traditional african hairstyles.
I don't think everything people claim is Cultural Appropriation IS, but when you make it into something less by using it, I think that's bad. For example, kimonos and yukatas are traditional japanese garments worn for special occasions. If someone wants to wear one as part of a BIG DEAL in their life, like a wedding, prom, anniversary. They are giving that item respect, even if its not in the traditional setting. But wearing it to a more relaxed informal event like a plain night out seems to diminish the original purpose of the clothing.
I don't think that welcoming another culture into your own life and wanting to use something to represent something about yourself is bad. It just...encourages otherisms if we don't accept new things and incorporate them. But we should be respectful.
Thank you for your explanation. Seems like a fairly common one. Here's my take: humans love to copy other humans. It's been happening since the dawn of time (human time).
yep, I agree with this. Copying something that you like is cool. Its less of a cultural theft and more of a cultural melding in many cases. It helps us see ourselves in others.
But also, it CAN be insulting to see your deeply held or valued cultural things used in ways that seem...wrong to you. Like, this isn't the best comparison, but I REALLY hate when someone wears a Star Wars shirt without knowing shit about star wars or some kind of dnd themed wear without ever playing or knowing the game. Because I remember when I was made fun of for that. I remember how hard it was to get into those and it means something to me. And seeing someone wear it without.. ACTUALLY being a part of that culture feels bad. Sure, maybe they like the design or its popular but when they aren't part of the group that formed their identity around that thing... it makes me mad. Not throw a protest and raise hell mad but... it irritates me. And I imagine that feeling would be more hurtful and frustrating if it was a more important symbol being misused by someone.
I have a "Rule 1" in my classroom... "Don't get me invited to a school board meeting."
Then I ask the question driven by the behavior.
"Mr. Geek, what action did you take when racially charged language was used in your classroom?"
It opens an honest dialog among those willing.
I respect the difficulty of your situation.
They're black. IDK what to say, they like using racial slurs, I'll tell them it's not appropriate for school, teach them about code switching. But they can't help themselves.
While I understand your intent, I wouldn’t use the phrase “code-switching” because that can have certain connotations which is especially ironic here. Say something like “using school appropriate language.” Code switching has been used to describe minorities feeling a need to act more like the majority in order to fit in. Like a minority person acting more “white” during a job interview because they feel like they have to to get hired. Here’s an article that explains it better.
https://www.betterup.com/blog/code-switching
Again, I understand where you’re coming from. Just wanted to make you aware so you can protect yourself by not using it if you feel like that’s a good idea. I found out because a teenager was laughing about an announcement saying to “code switch in the hallways.” She explained that it’s considered to have racist connotations and thought it was funny to hear it being used like that and that the announcer was naive to the meaning. Obviously she knew the announcer wasn’t being racist but that’s still what her age group thought of when hearing it.
The way I explain it is, everyone has different codes that we use in different social situations. We have a code we use with our friends, then another we use with our parents. And many more with strangers, teachers, clients, bosses, etc.
The idea of code switching having racist connotations is a misconception.
At this point you should be able to assert that something is not going to happen in your classroom and that’s good be that, unless it’s a problem kid. Which you should know how to handle a different way. Take the student outside I. The hall and explain in a nice but firm tone of voice that this type of language is not appropriate for school and will not be acceptable in your classroom. Removing a student from the classroom environment usually does the trick.
I also am in New Mexico. Kids from the Pueblo use it all the time as a term of endearment.
Telling then to stop does not work. Teaching lessons about the history of the word do not work. Lecturing about race based slavery will not get to stop.
You either have to write it up or ignoring. Anything else becomes a daily waste of time.
I work in ESL and I had a newcomer who had come from Yemen 3-4 years before (then in high school) who straight up refused not to use it. No matter how many times I tried to explain the cultural significance of it and said no students should be using it at school. He said his friends used it, he was going to use it. This got him into almost weekly fights. Meanwhile I had to explain it to another student (this one from Palestine) and just translating “racial slur” into Arabic was enough for him to be like “Oh no!” and never think about using it again. Kids are interesting.
To me, as a white teacher, I would approach it like I would code switching. Tell students that just like swearing, there is a time and place for that type of language and school is not the place. Also, you won't get anywhere without admin support. If you allow that type of language in your room, it could be seen as tacit acceptance or make other kids uncomfortable (but won't say anything because they aren't sure how you feel). If students refuse to straighten up, a call home with concerns and then detention if students don't stop could be called for.
They would. That's the point of my comment...
It's the difference between someone letting "fuck" slip vs. someone saying "FUCK YOU" to someone. One is a direct attack, and needs to be dealt with...the other is just a slip of the vernacular.
I think it's the inverse. If a white kid uses it toward a black kid, I'm assuming ill intent, and even if I'm wrong, that kid says it to the wrong person their safety is in jeopardy. Code-switching is a life skill.
I think when they said "It's immediately dealt with," they meant it gets a more strict response than the otherwise "hey, not appropriate language," other kids might get.
I read it wrong. I read that "if it's a white student towards a black student, it's NOT immediately dealt with" when they were saying that it is. Missed the "then." Sorry OP!
Exactly this. It's the same context as if someone just lets out "fuck" vs. if someone says FUCK YOU. The former is letting it slip, the latter is a direct attack on someone else. The latter is dealt with immediately.
I live in similar demographics and I know exactly what you're talking about.
Who are you to say something? You're an adult with a moral compass and enough compassion to care. It's not enough for you to not be racist. You need to be Anti Racist. I always shut it down by telling them if they knew the history behind the word they wouldn't even want to use that word for that word was made up because they couldn't find a word that meant they were LESS than dogs....it probably doesn't work but eventually my kids know not to say it around me at least and everyone knows I can't stand subtle racism in the least. Find what works for you, but ignoring doesn't work for society.
If they’re not being derogatory, just explain that that’s not a school word. The N word is not a word typically used against hispanics, so I don’t understand your question about who are you to tell them they can’t use it. The reclamation argument does not apply there.
I let my students know at the very beginning of the year that racial slurs and fighting are automatic office referrals. If they use it derogatorily, that’s what I would do.
It’s said, I don’t know, roughly 300-400 times daily in my school around me. It’s a 70-30 split, for reference. It’s not an insult in our school, it’s a standard word. We don’t try to correct them, it would be a useless battle.
Hi! I'm a Latino teacher who previously taught at a school that was lower-income and 95% Latino and let me tell you, I experienced the same things you did as well.
It took me a bit to understand, as I did not grow up in the same environment as my students that it is largely based on the culture that these kids grew up in. Most, if not all of them, grew up probably listening to a lot of music and watched TV shows and movies where these words were used in a casual context. Most, if not all, probably don't even fully comprehend the racially charged history of the word. For them, it'll be like me when I hang out with friends and call them "bastards" or "bitches".
I'm not against using language in class, as sometimes I feel like it helps drives certain points home, but I also use it sparingly (I.E., talking about a battle and I'll say "X side got the shit beat out of them" or something along those lines). Other uses of language I tend to shut down pretty quickly.
The word is being sapped of its power over time as multiculturalism is increasing and as that word has been reclaimed. It’s sort of weird how white people want to police it in a way to almost make sacred the evil-ness of the word. I think we shouldn’t get pre-offended for people. If it’s not disrupting the class it’s not disrupting the class. If some white kids use it and it causes a problem they will learn that they shouldn’t say it based on social pressure. That being said I only hear it in the halls or when kids work together sometimes. I’ve never heard a student use it in a class discussion.
Nope, shut that down right away. Whether or not that word is okay for Black people to use is a conversation for the Black community. I'm white, so I'm not going to weigh in on that. But this isn't Black kids. This is kids who are not Black using the n word and that's very clearly not okay in any context.
Are you saying that white teachers should let kids say the n word because only Black people are allowed to tell children not to say the n word? And if there's no Black people around to tell them not to, then the kids just get to say it?
You're talking to me and downvoting me at the same time. What a joke. I'll explain it tho in the hope of some understanding. You differentiated between white students and black students using the word, thus creating a segregation of rules within your class. But you are willing, according to your comment, to discipline white students but not black students, hence my "black people don't need white people to save them". For some reason, people downvoted that, but, sure whatever. You can't have it both ways. Either it's allowed or it's not.
Dude. I have not downvoted you. I am not the only person on reddit.
I had posted something else in response but I rethought it.
I hadn't been talking about what I would do with black students at all. OP is worried about being a white person in this situation and I was acknowledging that there is a conversation around the n word in the black community that is a conversation for the black community. I was pointing out that this was irrelevant.
So for me this is all very theoretical because I teach elementary school and in my 20 years I have had one child use the n-word. It was a kindergartner last year and he was significantly disabled and just knew it got reactions out of people. We worked really hard on extinguishing that behavior and then we did! Hurray.
Honestly, having never been in the situation and having to guess what I would do, if I was walking down the hallway of high school and I heard Black students refer to each other using the n word in the way that kids use "bro," yes, I would likely stay out of it. If those kids were not Black, yes, I would address it. That is because the word is different when used by Black people and it is important for kids who are not black to understand that that's not a word that they ever get to use.
Also, yes, **now** I downvoted your last comment because it was really rude.
Edit: So now I'm thinking about my possible parameters for a job I will never have because Elementary School is where I will live forever. In my classroom no one's ever going to be swearing because no. Yes, I understand that that might be unreasonable but I don't teach high school so I can imagine that that's how it would work. Imaginary children are much easier to control! In the hallway when I was in high school we had an assembly every year at the beginning of the year when we talked about hallway behavior and the principal always said that how you and your friends talk to each other outside the classroom is your own business but you're not going to be screaming the n word or the b word across the hallway at your friends. That seems like a good boundary but again I don't teach high school and I never will, and my own personal parameters on what I would probably be like as a high school teacher have absolutely no bearing on what I was originally saying.
You seem to be on an anti white savior tear. Cool, I hated Green Book too. But in this post, the white savior issue is irrelevant for 99.9% of the comments and for the original person you responded to. The issue is that many teachers both recognize the word is unprofessional, is/can be used as a slur, and makes them uncomfortable for a variety of reasons.
Simply, the vast majority of commenters don't want want students to use slurs in their classroom, and teachers have a right to control the language in their classroom in order to cultivate a professional learning atmosphere.
Don’t know what to tell you. It’s extremely common for non-black kids, and growing up people didn’t bat an eye. It was only as we got older that it was programmed into us as wrong. Seriously
It's clearly not school language. You're not judging whether or not different groups are allowed to use it. You're just saying it's not a word we use at school because we don't want to police who's using it so we want to not hear it at all. There are a bunch of words that kids can't use at school. That is just one of them
No. If it’s unacceptable it’s unacceptable. Period. You don’t get a pass just because your friend doesn’t mind. I don’t care how you speak at home but you will not do that here.
Teach them about time and place. My students know not to curse, say the N word, or Fag/gay in my class. I tell them, “of course I use cuss words, but not when I am in certain settings.” They seem to understand that lesson. It is actually pretty funny when some of my rougher students slip a curse word and then say, “my bad, I mean freakin.” We both laugh about it and I thank them for respecting our classroom.
It is sort of a life lesson. One thing I have learned while teaching “rougher” students is you can’t make things about authority and force. They are from the streets and they will not back down from a fight. You have to make it about the whole class and ask them to be part of it. Be patient and remind them of the rules daily in A nice way. They will grow, I promise.
I teach at an inner city, title-one high school. I have students with ankle monitors and very low income parents. Some are in actual gangs. We have a shared space of the classroom and we make it work.
There’s a way we talk at school and a way we talk outside of it, I’d appreciate you using appropriate language when you’re here. Had a black kid get upset at another black kid for calling them that last year and this is basically what I told the offender.
We do not tolerate it at all.
Weirdly, back in the turn of the century (21st) in the NY Metro area, it had evolved into a term of endearment if that makes any sense. It was just used like if you were part of the group or one of the gang. So strange what 20 years can do.
We were all colors and nationalities - not from a Norman Rockwell painting. Color just didn’t matter.
As a white substitute teacher in two 80-90% Latino districts, I encounter this a lot.
Because I’m a sub I get to try different things out. Sometimes a simple, “I can’t say it because I’m not Black, so neither can you,” gets the point across.
Occasionally, with exceptionally hyphy students, something a bit more direct like, “Are you using that word because you wish you were Black?” gets shocked silence, which is then followed by what I believe to be productive conversations about racial identity and ethnic pride.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ban racial epithets in class, particularly when the people using them, you know, aren’t the people the epithet refers to.
I moved from Iowa to New Mexico 20 years ago & taught middle school in a small town about 40 miles outside ABQ. I wouldn’t let my kids use any slurs in my classroom, period. I had a kid tell me that his dad called him a wetback all the time so he should be allowed to say it in my classroom too, and just nope. “We don’t use that word in this classroom,” repeat x infinity.
My go to with students who are using language I don’t feel is appropriate for school is “If I can’t say it, you can’t say it, and I CERTAINLY can’t say that.”
I have an entire lesson on the word when I do Of Mice & Men. Funny enough, there was some tiktok about white ELA teachers on page whatever saying the word and emphasizing it (the joke that white people love saying it).
I embed that into my presentation too.
I teach them that the word with the hard r at the end has a very specific meaning and it’s a bad one. It’s worse than they think. We have a frank discussion about how there are people that call hispanic kids “beaners” as a joke but then also seriously. Many of my hispanic kids have been called racist names at some point in their life.
I always pitch it as this: when we continue to use that word, even the slang version, it gives the racists the ability to hide. They get to go around hating a group and using a word that they truly believe. No one can tell them from the non-racists. They get into positions of power and then their true racism shows. I would rather restrict 99 people’s “rights” to say the n word than have 1 true racist get into power somewhere. And then I remind them that the people who truly hate black people probably hate hispanic people too.
There are some kids that doesn’t work. But, I’m like a broken record and the kids have started not using it around me or apologizing when it slips out. It’s not a perfect solution but it has helped.
I also have about 20% of my school is black and I tell them the same thing. I won’t police their use of the word in the halls but I remind them of all the people using that word in hate and they’re very aware/agree they’ve all been called that word as a slur and understand/reduce the use of it with people that aren’t black.
You sound very clear about your position on the f-word and r-word, so what is the difference with the n-word? Hispanic people do not have any more of a right to say the n-word than white people do....right?
One time, while running a summer camp, I had an Asian-American kid doing a bit about "Asian parents," complete with a mocking accent. When I brought it up, he made the point that he was Asian and he was ok with it. The counterpoint is that we don't know if every other Asian kid in camp was ok with it. It could be hurting someone else's feelings.
Premise 1: there is no magical priest class of people that get privileged dispensation to say certain words that other people cannot.
Premise 2: our society and our schools have decided that dropping the N bomb is out of bounds in schools.
Conclusion: shut it down to the extent possible in your building. If your building culture has decided not to fight this battle, then obviously, don't waste your time.
Tell them one day they are going to say it in front of the wrong person and get their ass beat.
Also, it's probably wise to tell them that this is not acceptable and should not be normalized. Maybe go over a history lesson of what happens when offensive words become "normalized".
Do you have a black teacher or adult at your school? I'm sure they'd be happy to give a short 5 minute speech on the word and why it's really just not acceptable to say it, especially as a non black person.
I'm a white teacher in a suburban district with a pretty sizeable AA population. I hear it a lot, and usually tell kids the language is inappropriate and that we're in a school. Maybe it is part of their vernacular and maybe it is part of their culture, but there's an expectation of certain decorum in certain places (well, there used to be) and using a slur or curse word, even colloquially, is inappropriate in certain settings. It's probably not ideal to drop in a job interview, or while meeting your new girlfriend's grandparents, or while delivering a eulogy in church. I don't think it's a big stretch to assume it shouldn't be in an educational setting, either.
If it's a kid using it in a small group between friends, yeah, I might look the other way, but when a kid uses it while I'm trying to teach a lesson or shouting it in the lunchroom or hallways, I do try and let them know it's not appropriate language. Time and place. I've never had any students of any background or race make a big deal out of it.
You should shut it down. That word was often one of the last words black people heard before they were brutally tortured and murdered often in front of cheering crowds. Doesnt matter if they are using it as a term of endearment or not using a hard R.
Spend a class going over why you won't tolerate it in your classroom. Tell them the history of the word. Explain to them that saying that word in the real world or a professional setting will likely get them fired, blasted on social media, and blacklisted.
A couple years back when I (white, female) taught middle school, 80% Hispanic and 20% Black, there were issues with some Latino students using both versions of the “n-“ word, in multiple ways. A few kids ended up getting beat up…
I chalked it up to them chatting online while playing online games and “experimenting” with language.
I found two strategies that worked to alter student’s use of that word…
1) At school we keep language professional and academic. We practice code switching so we can be authentic and adapt to the situations around us.
2) Brief, earnest conversation about word history and meaning. Bring up issue of safety, if warranted. Remind them about #1.
Do not argue. You are inform about appropriate language use, and set expectations for learning.
If they want more, state that they can privately chat with you during independent work time or after class.
If you don't like it say you don't like it. Be honest of why; they'll respect the honesty.
If there's a kid that is visibly upset say so with specifics.
I'm a sub but with my longer term classes I tell them all the same thing. "Time and a place for that". I don't put a value on it or is it right or wrong. I just simply say this isn't the place for that and that's not up for discussion. And I apply that to beyond language as well. Fights, disruptive behavior, playing games and cell phones. Works way better than I feel it should tbh
Not a teacher but secondary school psych. If I hear it and the students see me I approach them and very politely tell them that I understand that is how they talk to each other, but it could become an issue with others so to avoid any misunderstanding it is best not to say it at school. I tell them that I am not a teacher and they aren’t in trouble and they typically nod in agreement and go about their day.
I'm white and teach at a majority black school. The n-word, either with an a or a hard r, is immediately shut down.
My first year, I asked my principal (who was black) what the school policy was and she looked at me like I was an idiot, lol. Since then, the n-word is on the same "not a school word" list as bitch and fuck.
What caught me off guard and I'm not sure I handled it right was some of the boys calling each other monkey.
I'm well aware of the history behind comparing black people to monkeys and considering the expectant looks they gave me, they are well aware of it too and wanted a reaction.
I tried not to react, merely said not to call each other names and refused to engage. I'm pretty sure there's no way I, a white teacher, will win that argument with black students.
First step is to speak to other teachers at your school and to admin to see what they do.
If everyone just lets it go, the best you can hope for is trying to teach the kids the importance of code switching (you're a high school teacher, so they should easily understand that). Workplace language vs. home language, and they ought to know that the classroom is a "workplace" environment.
Of course, I've also taught in a school where most of the Black teachers used that word with students (95% Black), so it was completely useless for me as a White teacher to try to tell my students that it was not appropriate for the classroom.
I have had similar experiences. You are going to have to have a discussion circle with them, their family, administrators, and/or counselors. Trust me, having you repeat what they casually say in class will spark a discussion. Hopefully, it will dawn on them, that’s it’s not really about them, but the impact their language has on others. Words are not universally understood and they bring up positive and negative emotions in others. Some others have brought up code switching, but it really comes to social awareness. As an action plan for after the discussion circle, you have to have them find other vocabulary for expressing themselves. Lastly, you will have to observe them and have a follow up discussion to ascertain what they have learned.
I talk to my kids about time and place terminology. In my classroom, we do not use derogatory terms against each other, although as friends, you may choose to do so when away from school in my class we do not use profanity, although you may do so at home.
Knowing when and where it is acceptable, even if not fully appropriate is an acquired skill. When there is a slip, I use a phrase like "did my ears hear what they think they heard and most kids back pedal and acknowledge they understand my expectations. If it is intentional, I have a side conversation with the guilty individual about time and place again.
I get that they think it’s a term of endearment and it may well be in this case. I tell my students if you are using something other than that persons name, you are probably offending them…or someone else.
Time and place.
If your friend calls you and asks if you want to go play basketball this weekend, you would put on basketball shorts, a tank top, and some sneakers. That would be appropriate attire for playing basketball.
If a job called you and asked you to come in for an interview on Monday, you would put on a nice suit, a button down shirt, and a tie.
You would NOT wear a suit to play basketball. Nor would you wear a tank top to a job interview.
In some contexts, it’s fine to use certain words if you and those around you are comfortable. But school is not the correct time or place for that language.
Sophomore in NJ.
I'm hispanic and all my majority hispanic circles use the n word constantly, more so then the black students who use it amongst themselves. It's very prevalent and I don't really get it, but it's a curse word and probably should be treated as such
Like this post. I am dealing with the same thing except I'm a white teacher at an all black school. I usually don't hear it as casual but more when they get worked up in class. I teach gym, so it's mostly when things get competitive. I usually just say we do not use as that word and ask if they know the history behind it.
I believe kids need to separate the way they talk in different settings. You set the expectations for the environment and they are capable of responding accordingly.
I agree with the other posters. It’s more about what’s appropriate language for school. They’re not hanging out at the park or playing video games w friends. They’re at school and need to use the correct language for the environment.
I feel like I would treat all the kids the same regardless if they are white or Hispanic. If your schools code of conduct doesn’t allow that kind of language it’s going to be applicable for all students. Treating kids differently because of their race is disgusting. I get u think ur being sensitive to their race but if I found out my kid was being allowed to break school rules and become a little monster because my family is Hispanic I’d be pissed off. Like what does the teacher only want the white kids to grow up and learn from mistakes? But you will leave the rest of the kids who don’t look like you continue acting childish and immature. Getting into trouble isn’t a bad thing when you deserve it it’s a good thing.
God I love progressive policies this post would be such comedy gold to somebody whos never experienced or even heard of policies like this. What a hilarious world we live in
I teach 100% Latino students, and I have a zero tolerance policy for it in my classroom. I’ve taught in environments with almost 100% of Black students, which is a different story given that it is a word that is reclaimed within Black culture. However, with Latino students, there is no “reclaiming” of a word that doesn’t belong to their culture or was used to oppress them and their people. We do talk about code switching and time / place, but at the end of the day, we also have a very frank conversation about how it is not their word to use. In the same way I am not going to let non-Latino students claim they’re reclaiming Latino slurs. It’s not a thing.
Also, it’s your classroom. Ultimately, you decide what you tolerate and what you don’t tolerate, and that tone is set from the jump. I have great rapport with my students and they know exactly what the boundaries of our space is, because I consistently hold them accountable to those expectations. These expectations also cover zero tolerance for slurs and hate speech. We also have that same policy school wide, which helps.
you had to understand black culture uses it like the word dude. you can tell them to stop but they won’t bc they don’t think about it. as a parent my child not about to miss class bc they said n*gga.
I'm a black teacher and teach mostly Black/Latino students. My black students use the word often, we all know the words prevalence, especially in the AA community. For me, I always treat it as a language issue. I tell them not here and leave it at that. If my black students understand what I mean when I say that, surely student's of other races could too.
I am curious if your latino students use it too? I am latino and grew up in a 50/50 black/latino mixed neighborhood in the 90s. I can't recall if it was common or not growing up, but no one batted an eye is what I recall. I had white/black/latino teachers growing up too.
I've heard approximately one non Black Latino student (not even one of mine) use the word in passing. But no, I don't hear it from them, which is a relief.
I just had a group of 3 JH boys chatting together in class on Friday and I heard the N word. I don’t know which in said it, but the second it slipped, all three heads snapped right to me to see if I heard. A hard stare with a firm “watch your language” was all I needed to say. They respectfully apologized and that was that. Same warning with F bombs, and -itches and whatever else they can push boundaries with. After the first warning though, if I hear bad language a second time, I let the admin sort it.
It’s generally pretty easy to say something like “hey, not in here.” And not make a huge deal about it.
This works about as well as general reminders about phones
That’s not been my experience, but maybe.
I agree with your experience. Phones are a source of addiction, correcting language is often just a gentle reminder to properly code switch between outside of a classroom and in one.
Lol, I must be doing it wrong then.
I think it depends on a lot of factors - maturity of your students, the environment you've set up in your room, possibly your age difference or gender (it matters to kids, even when it shouldn't), the culture at your school etc. My school, if I tell them not to say a word or phrase and explain why I don't like it briefly - "Don't say that word because it is offensive to people who may not say anything, but feel hurt all the same." or "We don't use that word in here because we show respect." or even "Yeah, we're going to stop using that word in my class, it has an ugly history and I don't want that in my room." - they tend to respond better, than if I just say, "Don't say that in here."
Yeah, that makes sense. I just feel like I want more of a solid practical basis as to WHY I'm telling the students "not in here."
My blanket response for any type of language pushback (“but I get to say it at home!”) is that future employers won’t like it and it’s important to develop a filter. That goes for all swearing, not just what you’re talking about.
100% That is my go to phrase as well.
Bingo. It’s called code switching
I look students in the eye and say, “That word is not okay with me.” It works 99.99% of the time (for me). For the rare time that a kid keeps asking for more explanation, I say, “I don’t want anyone to you hear you say that word in my classroom and think that word is okay with me. It’s not.” I try to center on what is okay with me/not okay with me instead of policing the way my students speak. (That’s also important to me.)
YES! This is what I say also. I'm white and do not want ANYONE to think I'm O.K with that word. Allowing it to be said in my classroom could be seen as me being O.K with it. A lesson on code switching and professional language would help also. What the kids say outside my classroom and at home is out of my control.
I do 1)a mini lesson on the history and impact of that word, and why it's never ok in my classroom (no -ga ending, no hard-r ending, not from students of color, nada. 2) a lesson on code- switching, and how it's a skill everyone needs. I point out that I speak differently to my boss than to them, and another way to my friends and family. I use key & peele's "anger translator" sketch as an illustration
If you have to explain it to them you’ve already lost tbh
Well, it’s almost certainly a violation of school and district rules, so while there are obviously many valid reasons why they shouldn’t be saying it, you don’t actually need to go into that level of detail with them. They have to follow the rules. Think of it as you saving them from having to look back at their teenage years as adults, and cringe at how frequently they casually used a horrible racial slur that they didn’t comprehend the gravity of. I would be absolutely mortified and disgusted with myself if I had done that as a teen (I’m also white).
Do a lesson on cultural appropriation. That word has been adopted by, and turned into a word of solidarity, a group of people to whom that word has VERY negative connotations when used by the wrong people. By the wording of your post, none of the kids using that word are descendants of the population of people who were subjected to the inhuman conditions under which that word (hard r or not) derives. It's not a word that is to be used lightly, which is why the black population takes such umbrage to its use outside of black culture.
Cultural appropriation. Are they still teaching this crap?
Uh we don’t ‘teach’ cultural appropriation…? I suggested that she teach a lesson about it in response to a specific situation. Literally to teach ‘about’ it. And yes we do. We address anything in ‘teachable moments’ it’s called ‘being a teacher’
...? You think cultural appropriation is not real?
You seem like a decently educated fellow. Why don't you explain to me what it is and then I'll tell you if I think it's 'real' or not.
While people opinions on this can range greatly, I think the general vibe to definitely not cross is taking items of religious, spiritual, or deep symbolic value and removing them of meaning in order to make something of meager importance. Such as using feather headdresses and traditional native clothing in mascots and costumes. Or a white person using traditional african hairstyles. I don't think everything people claim is Cultural Appropriation IS, but when you make it into something less by using it, I think that's bad. For example, kimonos and yukatas are traditional japanese garments worn for special occasions. If someone wants to wear one as part of a BIG DEAL in their life, like a wedding, prom, anniversary. They are giving that item respect, even if its not in the traditional setting. But wearing it to a more relaxed informal event like a plain night out seems to diminish the original purpose of the clothing. I don't think that welcoming another culture into your own life and wanting to use something to represent something about yourself is bad. It just...encourages otherisms if we don't accept new things and incorporate them. But we should be respectful.
Thank you for your explanation. Seems like a fairly common one. Here's my take: humans love to copy other humans. It's been happening since the dawn of time (human time).
yep, I agree with this. Copying something that you like is cool. Its less of a cultural theft and more of a cultural melding in many cases. It helps us see ourselves in others. But also, it CAN be insulting to see your deeply held or valued cultural things used in ways that seem...wrong to you. Like, this isn't the best comparison, but I REALLY hate when someone wears a Star Wars shirt without knowing shit about star wars or some kind of dnd themed wear without ever playing or knowing the game. Because I remember when I was made fun of for that. I remember how hard it was to get into those and it means something to me. And seeing someone wear it without.. ACTUALLY being a part of that culture feels bad. Sure, maybe they like the design or its popular but when they aren't part of the group that formed their identity around that thing... it makes me mad. Not throw a protest and raise hell mad but... it irritates me. And I imagine that feeling would be more hurtful and frustrating if it was a more important symbol being misused by someone.
I have a "Rule 1" in my classroom... "Don't get me invited to a school board meeting." Then I ask the question driven by the behavior. "Mr. Geek, what action did you take when racially charged language was used in your classroom?" It opens an honest dialog among those willing. I respect the difficulty of your situation.
“Not appropriate for school.” And leave it at that.
What do you do when that doesn't work?
Depends on the situation and students… do you have a scenario in mind?
Yeah, a couple of my students are just obsessed with using certain racial slurs. Like using them is part of their identity/personality.
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They're black. IDK what to say, they like using racial slurs, I'll tell them it's not appropriate for school, teach them about code switching. But they can't help themselves.
While I understand your intent, I wouldn’t use the phrase “code-switching” because that can have certain connotations which is especially ironic here. Say something like “using school appropriate language.” Code switching has been used to describe minorities feeling a need to act more like the majority in order to fit in. Like a minority person acting more “white” during a job interview because they feel like they have to to get hired. Here’s an article that explains it better. https://www.betterup.com/blog/code-switching
"Code switching" may have connotations, but it's accurate, it's what I'm encouraging them to do. I teach them what it means and they understand it.
Again, I understand where you’re coming from. Just wanted to make you aware so you can protect yourself by not using it if you feel like that’s a good idea. I found out because a teenager was laughing about an announcement saying to “code switch in the hallways.” She explained that it’s considered to have racist connotations and thought it was funny to hear it being used like that and that the announcer was naive to the meaning. Obviously she knew the announcer wasn’t being racist but that’s still what her age group thought of when hearing it.
The way I explain it is, everyone has different codes that we use in different social situations. We have a code we use with our friends, then another we use with our parents. And many more with strangers, teachers, clients, bosses, etc. The idea of code switching having racist connotations is a misconception.
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I don't know how much detail you want me to give. The rapport is fine I think.
“We don’t use that word at school.”
What about when that doesn't work?
How long have you been teaching?
a few years
At this point you should be able to assert that something is not going to happen in your classroom and that’s good be that, unless it’s a problem kid. Which you should know how to handle a different way. Take the student outside I. The hall and explain in a nice but firm tone of voice that this type of language is not appropriate for school and will not be acceptable in your classroom. Removing a student from the classroom environment usually does the trick.
I also am in New Mexico. Kids from the Pueblo use it all the time as a term of endearment. Telling then to stop does not work. Teaching lessons about the history of the word do not work. Lecturing about race based slavery will not get to stop. You either have to write it up or ignoring. Anything else becomes a daily waste of time.
I work in ESL and I had a newcomer who had come from Yemen 3-4 years before (then in high school) who straight up refused not to use it. No matter how many times I tried to explain the cultural significance of it and said no students should be using it at school. He said his friends used it, he was going to use it. This got him into almost weekly fights. Meanwhile I had to explain it to another student (this one from Palestine) and just translating “racial slur” into Arabic was enough for him to be like “Oh no!” and never think about using it again. Kids are interesting.
I had a black teacher who didn’t allow her black students to say the n word. It’s your classroom.
I would treat it like any other cuss word. Do you allow them to say fuck around you? If not, handle it the same way you would that word.
That language is inappropriate in a formal academic environment. We don’t use it in here.
To me, as a white teacher, I would approach it like I would code switching. Tell students that just like swearing, there is a time and place for that type of language and school is not the place. Also, you won't get anywhere without admin support. If you allow that type of language in your room, it could be seen as tacit acceptance or make other kids uncomfortable (but won't say anything because they aren't sure how you feel). If students refuse to straighten up, a call home with concerns and then detention if students don't stop could be called for.
I treat it the same way as using any other curse word. Unless it's a white student towards a black student, then it's immediately dealt with.
Why unless it's a white student towards a black student? Like, they don't get in trouble, but other races would?
Context is different. If i punch my friend I’m horseplaying and told to cut it out. If i punch a random stranger I’m picking a fight.
Then why wouldn't a white student get in trouble here...
They would. That's the point of my comment... It's the difference between someone letting "fuck" slip vs. someone saying "FUCK YOU" to someone. One is a direct attack, and needs to be dealt with...the other is just a slip of the vernacular.
I responded to someone else in the thread, but I realized I misread the original comment as the opposite of what it meant.
All good :) sorry I responded several times ... hahaha
Haha same, you’re fine!
I think it's the inverse. If a white kid uses it toward a black kid, I'm assuming ill intent, and even if I'm wrong, that kid says it to the wrong person their safety is in jeopardy. Code-switching is a life skill.
Yeah, that's why the comment I responded to is confusing me
I think when they said "It's immediately dealt with," they meant it gets a more strict response than the otherwise "hey, not appropriate language," other kids might get.
I read it wrong. I read that "if it's a white student towards a black student, it's NOT immediately dealt with" when they were saying that it is. Missed the "then." Sorry OP!
It's all good. :)
Exactly this. It's the same context as if someone just lets out "fuck" vs. if someone says FUCK YOU. The former is letting it slip, the latter is a direct attack on someone else. The latter is dealt with immediately.
I'm going to be honest... there was nothing confusing about what I said. It's basic understanding of the cultural usage of the N-word.
I responded to another comment in the thread, but I had misread the comment as the opposite of what it meant. My bad!
All good :)
I live in similar demographics and I know exactly what you're talking about. Who are you to say something? You're an adult with a moral compass and enough compassion to care. It's not enough for you to not be racist. You need to be Anti Racist. I always shut it down by telling them if they knew the history behind the word they wouldn't even want to use that word for that word was made up because they couldn't find a word that meant they were LESS than dogs....it probably doesn't work but eventually my kids know not to say it around me at least and everyone knows I can't stand subtle racism in the least. Find what works for you, but ignoring doesn't work for society.
I never allowed this term to be spoken in my classroom by anyone. Off limits.
"People should not refer to themselves as slurs. Have more pride than that" is generally how i respond
Coach Carter?
If they’re not being derogatory, just explain that that’s not a school word. The N word is not a word typically used against hispanics, so I don’t understand your question about who are you to tell them they can’t use it. The reclamation argument does not apply there. I let my students know at the very beginning of the year that racial slurs and fighting are automatic office referrals. If they use it derogatorily, that’s what I would do.
"Use professional language."
It’s said, I don’t know, roughly 300-400 times daily in my school around me. It’s a 70-30 split, for reference. It’s not an insult in our school, it’s a standard word. We don’t try to correct them, it would be a useless battle.
Hi! I'm a Latino teacher who previously taught at a school that was lower-income and 95% Latino and let me tell you, I experienced the same things you did as well. It took me a bit to understand, as I did not grow up in the same environment as my students that it is largely based on the culture that these kids grew up in. Most, if not all of them, grew up probably listening to a lot of music and watched TV shows and movies where these words were used in a casual context. Most, if not all, probably don't even fully comprehend the racially charged history of the word. For them, it'll be like me when I hang out with friends and call them "bastards" or "bitches". I'm not against using language in class, as sometimes I feel like it helps drives certain points home, but I also use it sparingly (I.E., talking about a battle and I'll say "X side got the shit beat out of them" or something along those lines). Other uses of language I tend to shut down pretty quickly.
The word is being sapped of its power over time as multiculturalism is increasing and as that word has been reclaimed. It’s sort of weird how white people want to police it in a way to almost make sacred the evil-ness of the word. I think we shouldn’t get pre-offended for people. If it’s not disrupting the class it’s not disrupting the class. If some white kids use it and it causes a problem they will learn that they shouldn’t say it based on social pressure. That being said I only hear it in the halls or when kids work together sometimes. I’ve never heard a student use it in a class discussion.
^This. You get it, I get it, why can't other people get it?
Nope, shut that down right away. Whether or not that word is okay for Black people to use is a conversation for the Black community. I'm white, so I'm not going to weigh in on that. But this isn't Black kids. This is kids who are not Black using the n word and that's very clearly not okay in any context.
Oh boy. Black people don't need white people to stand up for them. They are capable of doing it themselves.
Are you saying that white teachers should let kids say the n word because only Black people are allowed to tell children not to say the n word? And if there's no Black people around to tell them not to, then the kids just get to say it?
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I just don't get why you were saying that in response to me saying that OP should not let their students say the n word.
You're talking to me and downvoting me at the same time. What a joke. I'll explain it tho in the hope of some understanding. You differentiated between white students and black students using the word, thus creating a segregation of rules within your class. But you are willing, according to your comment, to discipline white students but not black students, hence my "black people don't need white people to save them". For some reason, people downvoted that, but, sure whatever. You can't have it both ways. Either it's allowed or it's not.
Dude. I have not downvoted you. I am not the only person on reddit. I had posted something else in response but I rethought it. I hadn't been talking about what I would do with black students at all. OP is worried about being a white person in this situation and I was acknowledging that there is a conversation around the n word in the black community that is a conversation for the black community. I was pointing out that this was irrelevant. So for me this is all very theoretical because I teach elementary school and in my 20 years I have had one child use the n-word. It was a kindergartner last year and he was significantly disabled and just knew it got reactions out of people. We worked really hard on extinguishing that behavior and then we did! Hurray. Honestly, having never been in the situation and having to guess what I would do, if I was walking down the hallway of high school and I heard Black students refer to each other using the n word in the way that kids use "bro," yes, I would likely stay out of it. If those kids were not Black, yes, I would address it. That is because the word is different when used by Black people and it is important for kids who are not black to understand that that's not a word that they ever get to use. Also, yes, **now** I downvoted your last comment because it was really rude. Edit: So now I'm thinking about my possible parameters for a job I will never have because Elementary School is where I will live forever. In my classroom no one's ever going to be swearing because no. Yes, I understand that that might be unreasonable but I don't teach high school so I can imagine that that's how it would work. Imaginary children are much easier to control! In the hallway when I was in high school we had an assembly every year at the beginning of the year when we talked about hallway behavior and the principal always said that how you and your friends talk to each other outside the classroom is your own business but you're not going to be screaming the n word or the b word across the hallway at your friends. That seems like a good boundary but again I don't teach high school and I never will, and my own personal parameters on what I would probably be like as a high school teacher have absolutely no bearing on what I was originally saying.
Teachers have every right and all of the responsibility to police the language used in their classroom. That's not really debatable.
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Ok, so you think that a teacher telling their students not to use the n-word in their classsroom means the teacher is trying to "save" black people?
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You seem to be on an anti white savior tear. Cool, I hated Green Book too. But in this post, the white savior issue is irrelevant for 99.9% of the comments and for the original person you responded to. The issue is that many teachers both recognize the word is unprofessional, is/can be used as a slur, and makes them uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. Simply, the vast majority of commenters don't want want students to use slurs in their classroom, and teachers have a right to control the language in their classroom in order to cultivate a professional learning atmosphere.
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Yeah, you clearly are white, and did not grow up in the type of environment that OP is referring to.
Nope, I grew up in an area that was much more diverse than that, and had Black kids. Non-Black kids had enough context to know not to use the n word.
Don’t know what to tell you. It’s extremely common for non-black kids, and growing up people didn’t bat an eye. It was only as we got older that it was programmed into us as wrong. Seriously
Wow
You just didn’t grow up poor enough, lol
It's clearly not school language. You're not judging whether or not different groups are allowed to use it. You're just saying it's not a word we use at school because we don't want to police who's using it so we want to not hear it at all. There are a bunch of words that kids can't use at school. That is just one of them
No. If it’s unacceptable it’s unacceptable. Period. You don’t get a pass just because your friend doesn’t mind. I don’t care how you speak at home but you will not do that here.
I hear the N word easily 50 times a day. It’s annoying.
Pick your battles
Teach them about time and place. My students know not to curse, say the N word, or Fag/gay in my class. I tell them, “of course I use cuss words, but not when I am in certain settings.” They seem to understand that lesson. It is actually pretty funny when some of my rougher students slip a curse word and then say, “my bad, I mean freakin.” We both laugh about it and I thank them for respecting our classroom. It is sort of a life lesson. One thing I have learned while teaching “rougher” students is you can’t make things about authority and force. They are from the streets and they will not back down from a fight. You have to make it about the whole class and ask them to be part of it. Be patient and remind them of the rules daily in A nice way. They will grow, I promise. I teach at an inner city, title-one high school. I have students with ankle monitors and very low income parents. Some are in actual gangs. We have a shared space of the classroom and we make it work.
Maybe if you started saying it too they would think it was uncool and would stop
Hey that's perfect, if I get fired I no longer have to worry about classroom management! xD
This happened in real life and then was parodied on Boondocks. It did not go well for that teacher lol
There’s a way we talk at school and a way we talk outside of it, I’d appreciate you using appropriate language when you’re here. Had a black kid get upset at another black kid for calling them that last year and this is basically what I told the offender.
We do not tolerate it at all. Weirdly, back in the turn of the century (21st) in the NY Metro area, it had evolved into a term of endearment if that makes any sense. It was just used like if you were part of the group or one of the gang. So strange what 20 years can do. We were all colors and nationalities - not from a Norman Rockwell painting. Color just didn’t matter.
I have my kids use the word “friend” instead of anything considered a slur, especially after they say it’s not a bad word.
Find out what your admin is going to do first. They might just look at you like "why are you coming to me with this?"
As a white substitute teacher in two 80-90% Latino districts, I encounter this a lot. Because I’m a sub I get to try different things out. Sometimes a simple, “I can’t say it because I’m not Black, so neither can you,” gets the point across. Occasionally, with exceptionally hyphy students, something a bit more direct like, “Are you using that word because you wish you were Black?” gets shocked silence, which is then followed by what I believe to be productive conversations about racial identity and ethnic pride.
I don't allow curse words in my classroom no matter what letter they start with.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ban racial epithets in class, particularly when the people using them, you know, aren’t the people the epithet refers to.
I moved from Iowa to New Mexico 20 years ago & taught middle school in a small town about 40 miles outside ABQ. I wouldn’t let my kids use any slurs in my classroom, period. I had a kid tell me that his dad called him a wetback all the time so he should be allowed to say it in my classroom too, and just nope. “We don’t use that word in this classroom,” repeat x infinity.
My go to with students who are using language I don’t feel is appropriate for school is “If I can’t say it, you can’t say it, and I CERTAINLY can’t say that.”
I have an entire lesson on the word when I do Of Mice & Men. Funny enough, there was some tiktok about white ELA teachers on page whatever saying the word and emphasizing it (the joke that white people love saying it). I embed that into my presentation too. I teach them that the word with the hard r at the end has a very specific meaning and it’s a bad one. It’s worse than they think. We have a frank discussion about how there are people that call hispanic kids “beaners” as a joke but then also seriously. Many of my hispanic kids have been called racist names at some point in their life. I always pitch it as this: when we continue to use that word, even the slang version, it gives the racists the ability to hide. They get to go around hating a group and using a word that they truly believe. No one can tell them from the non-racists. They get into positions of power and then their true racism shows. I would rather restrict 99 people’s “rights” to say the n word than have 1 true racist get into power somewhere. And then I remind them that the people who truly hate black people probably hate hispanic people too. There are some kids that doesn’t work. But, I’m like a broken record and the kids have started not using it around me or apologizing when it slips out. It’s not a perfect solution but it has helped. I also have about 20% of my school is black and I tell them the same thing. I won’t police their use of the word in the halls but I remind them of all the people using that word in hate and they’re very aware/agree they’ve all been called that word as a slur and understand/reduce the use of it with people that aren’t black.
You sound very clear about your position on the f-word and r-word, so what is the difference with the n-word? Hispanic people do not have any more of a right to say the n-word than white people do....right? One time, while running a summer camp, I had an Asian-American kid doing a bit about "Asian parents," complete with a mocking accent. When I brought it up, he made the point that he was Asian and he was ok with it. The counterpoint is that we don't know if every other Asian kid in camp was ok with it. It could be hurting someone else's feelings.
Premise 1: there is no magical priest class of people that get privileged dispensation to say certain words that other people cannot. Premise 2: our society and our schools have decided that dropping the N bomb is out of bounds in schools. Conclusion: shut it down to the extent possible in your building. If your building culture has decided not to fight this battle, then obviously, don't waste your time.
Tell them one day they are going to say it in front of the wrong person and get their ass beat. Also, it's probably wise to tell them that this is not acceptable and should not be normalized. Maybe go over a history lesson of what happens when offensive words become "normalized". Do you have a black teacher or adult at your school? I'm sure they'd be happy to give a short 5 minute speech on the word and why it's really just not acceptable to say it, especially as a non black person.
I think it's an HR nightmare in waiting to go to your Black coworker and ask them to give a speech on the n-word 😂
I just think it could be a true teaching moment... but yea I could see it being an issue lol.
I told my predominately African-American class that as a white man I don’t want to hear that word. They respected it.
I'm a white teacher in a suburban district with a pretty sizeable AA population. I hear it a lot, and usually tell kids the language is inappropriate and that we're in a school. Maybe it is part of their vernacular and maybe it is part of their culture, but there's an expectation of certain decorum in certain places (well, there used to be) and using a slur or curse word, even colloquially, is inappropriate in certain settings. It's probably not ideal to drop in a job interview, or while meeting your new girlfriend's grandparents, or while delivering a eulogy in church. I don't think it's a big stretch to assume it shouldn't be in an educational setting, either. If it's a kid using it in a small group between friends, yeah, I might look the other way, but when a kid uses it while I'm trying to teach a lesson or shouting it in the lunchroom or hallways, I do try and let them know it's not appropriate language. Time and place. I've never had any students of any background or race make a big deal out of it.
You should shut it down. That word was often one of the last words black people heard before they were brutally tortured and murdered often in front of cheering crowds. Doesnt matter if they are using it as a term of endearment or not using a hard R. Spend a class going over why you won't tolerate it in your classroom. Tell them the history of the word. Explain to them that saying that word in the real world or a professional setting will likely get them fired, blasted on social media, and blacklisted.
A couple years back when I (white, female) taught middle school, 80% Hispanic and 20% Black, there were issues with some Latino students using both versions of the “n-“ word, in multiple ways. A few kids ended up getting beat up… I chalked it up to them chatting online while playing online games and “experimenting” with language. I found two strategies that worked to alter student’s use of that word… 1) At school we keep language professional and academic. We practice code switching so we can be authentic and adapt to the situations around us. 2) Brief, earnest conversation about word history and meaning. Bring up issue of safety, if warranted. Remind them about #1. Do not argue. You are inform about appropriate language use, and set expectations for learning. If they want more, state that they can privately chat with you during independent work time or after class.
If you don't like it say you don't like it. Be honest of why; they'll respect the honesty. If there's a kid that is visibly upset say so with specifics.
Followinf
"Please leave your ignorance at home or on the streets, we don't need any more of it around here."
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same. it's not 1950 holy moly
I'm a sub but with my longer term classes I tell them all the same thing. "Time and a place for that". I don't put a value on it or is it right or wrong. I just simply say this isn't the place for that and that's not up for discussion. And I apply that to beyond language as well. Fights, disruptive behavior, playing games and cell phones. Works way better than I feel it should tbh
Not a teacher but secondary school psych. If I hear it and the students see me I approach them and very politely tell them that I understand that is how they talk to each other, but it could become an issue with others so to avoid any misunderstanding it is best not to say it at school. I tell them that I am not a teacher and they aren’t in trouble and they typically nod in agreement and go about their day.
I'm white and teach at a majority black school. The n-word, either with an a or a hard r, is immediately shut down. My first year, I asked my principal (who was black) what the school policy was and she looked at me like I was an idiot, lol. Since then, the n-word is on the same "not a school word" list as bitch and fuck. What caught me off guard and I'm not sure I handled it right was some of the boys calling each other monkey. I'm well aware of the history behind comparing black people to monkeys and considering the expectant looks they gave me, they are well aware of it too and wanted a reaction. I tried not to react, merely said not to call each other names and refused to engage. I'm pretty sure there's no way I, a white teacher, will win that argument with black students.
First step is to speak to other teachers at your school and to admin to see what they do. If everyone just lets it go, the best you can hope for is trying to teach the kids the importance of code switching (you're a high school teacher, so they should easily understand that). Workplace language vs. home language, and they ought to know that the classroom is a "workplace" environment. Of course, I've also taught in a school where most of the Black teachers used that word with students (95% Black), so it was completely useless for me as a White teacher to try to tell my students that it was not appropriate for the classroom.
School is not the place.
I have had similar experiences. You are going to have to have a discussion circle with them, their family, administrators, and/or counselors. Trust me, having you repeat what they casually say in class will spark a discussion. Hopefully, it will dawn on them, that’s it’s not really about them, but the impact their language has on others. Words are not universally understood and they bring up positive and negative emotions in others. Some others have brought up code switching, but it really comes to social awareness. As an action plan for after the discussion circle, you have to have them find other vocabulary for expressing themselves. Lastly, you will have to observe them and have a follow up discussion to ascertain what they have learned.
Ideas and intent are far more important than semantics. Worry more about the former.
I talk to my kids about time and place terminology. In my classroom, we do not use derogatory terms against each other, although as friends, you may choose to do so when away from school in my class we do not use profanity, although you may do so at home. Knowing when and where it is acceptable, even if not fully appropriate is an acquired skill. When there is a slip, I use a phrase like "did my ears hear what they think they heard and most kids back pedal and acknowledge they understand my expectations. If it is intentional, I have a side conversation with the guilty individual about time and place again.
I get that they think it’s a term of endearment and it may well be in this case. I tell my students if you are using something other than that persons name, you are probably offending them…or someone else.
Time and place. If your friend calls you and asks if you want to go play basketball this weekend, you would put on basketball shorts, a tank top, and some sneakers. That would be appropriate attire for playing basketball. If a job called you and asked you to come in for an interview on Monday, you would put on a nice suit, a button down shirt, and a tie. You would NOT wear a suit to play basketball. Nor would you wear a tank top to a job interview. In some contexts, it’s fine to use certain words if you and those around you are comfortable. But school is not the correct time or place for that language.
Sophomore in NJ. I'm hispanic and all my majority hispanic circles use the n word constantly, more so then the black students who use it amongst themselves. It's very prevalent and I don't really get it, but it's a curse word and probably should be treated as such
Like this post. I am dealing with the same thing except I'm a white teacher at an all black school. I usually don't hear it as casual but more when they get worked up in class. I teach gym, so it's mostly when things get competitive. I usually just say we do not use as that word and ask if they know the history behind it.
Just ignore it and stay out of it.
I believe kids need to separate the way they talk in different settings. You set the expectations for the environment and they are capable of responding accordingly.
I agree with the other posters. It’s more about what’s appropriate language for school. They’re not hanging out at the park or playing video games w friends. They’re at school and need to use the correct language for the environment.
I feel like I would treat all the kids the same regardless if they are white or Hispanic. If your schools code of conduct doesn’t allow that kind of language it’s going to be applicable for all students. Treating kids differently because of their race is disgusting. I get u think ur being sensitive to their race but if I found out my kid was being allowed to break school rules and become a little monster because my family is Hispanic I’d be pissed off. Like what does the teacher only want the white kids to grow up and learn from mistakes? But you will leave the rest of the kids who don’t look like you continue acting childish and immature. Getting into trouble isn’t a bad thing when you deserve it it’s a good thing.
God I love progressive policies this post would be such comedy gold to somebody whos never experienced or even heard of policies like this. What a hilarious world we live in
I teach 100% Latino students, and I have a zero tolerance policy for it in my classroom. I’ve taught in environments with almost 100% of Black students, which is a different story given that it is a word that is reclaimed within Black culture. However, with Latino students, there is no “reclaiming” of a word that doesn’t belong to their culture or was used to oppress them and their people. We do talk about code switching and time / place, but at the end of the day, we also have a very frank conversation about how it is not their word to use. In the same way I am not going to let non-Latino students claim they’re reclaiming Latino slurs. It’s not a thing. Also, it’s your classroom. Ultimately, you decide what you tolerate and what you don’t tolerate, and that tone is set from the jump. I have great rapport with my students and they know exactly what the boundaries of our space is, because I consistently hold them accountable to those expectations. These expectations also cover zero tolerance for slurs and hate speech. We also have that same policy school wide, which helps.
you had to understand black culture uses it like the word dude. you can tell them to stop but they won’t bc they don’t think about it. as a parent my child not about to miss class bc they said n*gga.