“One of the saddest days of my life was when my mother told me Superman did not exist… She thought I was crying because it’s like Santa Claus is not real. I was crying because there was no one coming with enough power to save us.”
Now if we were to exchange Superman for Jesus, what would this tell black folk about their dependence on this white savior ethic..
Geoffrey Canada is pretty awesome btw. Harlem Children’s Zone is such an innovative, responsive school.
(Source: idliketogettoknowwhoyouare)
Reflecting on the post about Michelle Obama from last night I think that perhaps people are generally overcritical when it comes to exercise and weight. While there are campaigns that are intentionally body shaming, “Let’s Move” is not one of them.
There is nothing wrong with promoting exercise to children in a way that is fun and entertaining by infusing Beyonce songs and spotlights on exercise into favorite children’s tv shows. When people talk about the fact that there also needs to be a component of body acceptance, I do agree, but I think MOST important is offering exercise as a choice to every able child.
As someone who has worked extensively with children and seen the various ways that children are continually shamed and mistreated by parents, students AND teachers I know that the need is real for some sort of comprehensive health programming (but then again when basic needs for education aren’t being met let’s be realistic about the chances of that happening).
Exercise for children is about much more than simply their weights or BMI, it is about promoting a lifestyle which many children do not actively see, it is about engaging them in an activity when many low-income and urban schools have cut all gym programs. Have you ever seen a child go through a full day of school without any exercise? I’ll give you a hint: everyone suffers. Exercise is a fundamental part of childhood that is increasingly being replaced with screen time.
Anyone who has started (or maintains) an exercise regimen can attest to the fact that it is more than just about their body. Exercising increases endorphins and regardless of your weight/size can make you feel more positively about yourself. This is especially true of children. Exercising is mental as well as physical.
I completely understand the fact that people are unhappy with the execution of “Let’s Move,” but there is nothing wrong with the message that exercise is an important life tool that is necessary for children.
Reflecting on the post about Michelle Obama from last night I think that perhaps people are generally overcritical when it comes to exercise and weight. While there are campaigns that are intentionally body shaming, “Let’s Move” is not one of them.
There is nothing wrong with promoting exercise to children in a way that is fun and entertaining by infusing Beyonce songs and spotlights on exercise into favorite children’s tv shows. When people talk about the fact that there also needs to be a component of body acceptance, I do agree, but I think MOST important is offering exercise as a choice to every able child.
As someone who has worked extensively with children and seen the various ways that children are continually shamed and mistreated by parents, students AND teachers I know that the need is real for some sort of comprehensive health programming (but then again when basic needs for education aren’t being met let’s be realistic about the chances of that happening).
Exercise for children is about much more than simply their weights or BMI, it is about promoting a lifestyle which many children do not actively see, it is about engaging them in an activity when many low-income and urban schools have cut all gym programs. Have you ever seen a child go through a full day of school without any exercise? I’ll give you a hint: everyone suffers. Exercise is a fundamental part of childhood that is increasingly being replaced with screen time.
Anyone who has started (or maintains) an exercise regimen can attest to the fact that it is more than just about their body. Exercising increases endorphins and regardless of your weight/size can make you feel more positively about yourself. This is especially true of children. Exercising is mental as well as physical.
I completely understand the fact that people are unhappy with the execution of “Let’s Move,” but there is nothing wrong with the message that exercise is an important life tool that is necessary for children.
1. The people in charge have all the answers.
That’s why they are so wealthy and happy and healthy and powerful—ask any teacher.2. Learning ends when you leave the classroom.
Your fort building, trail forging, frog catching, friend making, game playing, and drawing won’t earn you any extra credit. Just watch TV.3. The best and brightest follow the rules.
You will be rewarded for your subordination, just not as much as your superiors, who, of course, have their own rules.4. What the books say is always true.
Now go read your creationism chapter. There will be a test.5. There is a very clear, single path to success.
It’s called college. Everyone can join the top 1% if they do well enough in school and ignore the basic math problem inherent in that idea.6. Behaving yourself is as important as getting good marks.
Whistle-blowing, questioning the status quo, and thinking your own thoughts are no-nos. Be quiet and get back on the assembly line.7. Standardized tests measure your value.
By value, I’m talking about future earning potential, not anything else that might have other kinds of value.8. Days off are always more fun than sitting in the classroom.
You are trained from a young age to base your life around dribbles of allocated vacation. Be grateful for them.9. The purpose of your education is your future career.
And so you will be taught to be a good worker. You have to teach yourself how to be something more.
(Source: braddogott)
If I had any artistic talent I would have done this in high school.