How would you address this one?

[Deleted]

My kids have a hero project coming up where they dress as their heroes and give a presentation. I have heard through the grapevine that kids have previously and some might currently be planning to come in blackface to portray their heroes.

What is the next step? Teachers?

[aurora]

Feb 4, 2015 0:30:51 GMT -5 @spenjamins said:

My kids have a hero project coming up where they dress as their heroes and give a presentation. I have heard through the grapevine that kids have previously and some might currently be planning to come in blackface to portray their heroes.

What is the next step? Teachers?

Oh, goodness.  So for example a 7-year-old (I don't remember exactly how old your boys are) white boy might decide that Martin Luther King Jr. is his hero and want to do blackface as part of his costume?  I don't even know.  I mean, the sentiment to honor Dr. King would be great and you wouldn't want to scare the kids off from honoring heroes of all races, but at the same time the kid would need to learn that blackface isn't appropriate.  I'd probably discuss with the teacher first to try to get a sense of the history here (what has actually happened in the past).

[Deleted]

Feb 4, 2015 0:40:07 GMT -5 aurora said:

Feb 4, 2015 0:30:51 GMT -5 @spenjamins said:

My kids have a hero project coming up where they dress as their heroes and give a presentation. I have heard through the grapevine that kids have previously and some might currently be planning to come in blackface to portray their heroes.

What is the next step? Teachers?

Oh, goodness.  So for example a 7-year-old (I don't remember exactly how old your boys are) white boy might decide that Martin Luther King Jr. is his hero and want to do blackface as part of his costume?  I don't even know.  I mean, the sentiment to honor Dr. King would be great and you wouldn't want to scare the kids off from honoring heroes of all races, but at the same time the kid would need to learn that blackface isn't appropriate.  I'd probably discuss with the teacher first to try to get a sense of the history here (what has actually happened in the past).

I am thinking I should email the principal.  The whole second grade is doing the project and I am just fuming that this has gone on before and has not been addressed previously. I am getting this info down the chain but FFS!

[cookiemdough]

Is there a lead teacher for the grade? So for example we have three classes but one of the teachers is the one who helps ensure consistency with curriculum and group projectsz if you have one of those I would say something. I mean really it is black history
Month it would be very unfortunate for a school project to result in blackface.

And the stupidity of parents is annoying me.

[mala]

Could you suggest they specify no makeup allowed? That might be the easiest and best solution. If it's more than one class I would go to the principle. I don't have school age kids, though.

[summer]

Attach a "Please no blackface" note to the project? Not that one should have to say this.