Author: Ninmah (Page 5 of 8)

In James Baldwin’s speech, he wants to show readers that the history that White American teach or are taught, are based on myths; it falsifies the truth and tries to paint them as saviors. These lies are taught to black children to oppress them so that they can remain as mules for white people. When James Baldwin describes the world as large, he is explains that it is bigger than what White Americans show. The lies that they tell are a small portion to a bigger picture. When you start to unpack all of those lies, you start to see how big everything is in actuality, whether it be beautiful or terrible.

When Baldwin used the term “beautiful” to describe American history, I was a bit confused because I thought that there wasn’t anything “beautiful” about it, but when I took a moment to think about what he meant by it, I realized the meaning he was trying to portray. American history involves more about black people then some would like to admit. Black people have contributed so many amazing ideas, inventions-whatever it may be- to society, and that’s what makes it beautiful. But the part that is terrible is how they try to erase that and how they dehumanize black people. They make it seem as if we’re the animals.

Black history is pivotal in learning the truth of American history and I wish that schools would stop trying to erase it or taint it with lies to make white people seen as heroes. It’s disgusting to say the least. The fact that when we were kids we were taught how George Washington had teeth made of wood when in reality it was teeth of slaves that were used to make his dentures. False information like this needs to be dismantled from the curriculum, and the actual truth of this country’s history needs to be taught.

It was the middle of the first semester of junior year. A cold and windy day. There was no college now classes, so I was excited to leave school earlier than usual. Unfortunately, I had to stay regardless because I had a meeting with a teacher, who was also my National Honor Society advisor.

I was sitting in front of her desk, staring out the window, watching kids walk to their bus stops. The cold wind calmly blew in my face. I wanted to leave badly, but I knew that sitting through this meeting would put everything to rest.

The teacher sits down on her squeaky chair and lets out a deep breath. “Do you understand why you’re here.” I shook my head in confusion. “Your classmate wrote me a letter and told me that you always stare at her with malicious intent. She said that every time she looked up, she saw you angrily staring at her.”

The teacher gave me a chance to explain my side. I told her, “My face naturally has a “cold” demeanor; if she felt that I was staring at her, which I wasn’t, that’s her problem. I’m not going to change my natural expression for someone who clearly doesn’t like me.” But she responded to me as if it was my problem. “As a National Honor Society student, you shouldn’t be getting into altercations; if she is causing you trouble, you need to ignore her.”

This response left me puzzled, because I knew that I just told her that I don’t stare at her, which also means that I ignore her. Did she not listen to anything I just said? She kept talking and talking, and everything that she was saying went through one ear and out the other, until I heard her say false accusations like: I influenced my friends to do things that they didn’t want to do and I was controlling. This was completely false, and I hated that my character was being questioned. Then again I wasn’t surprised because this teacher was showing clear favoritism towards her student. As a teacher, she had to investigate to see if it was true, but either way, her faith was in her student.

“Do you have anything to say about this?” Her voice snapped me out of my deep thoughts. At the time, I didn’t care for explaining myself, I just wanted to go home, “She’s spreading rumours.”

“Do you want to explain why?” She asks me. I shook my head, “No not today, I really have to get home.”

She nods her head and allows me to leave. I gathered my belongings and left the classroom. Waiting outside was my ex-friend and her group of friends. As I walked by her, I knew she felt like she had achieved something. I couldn’t help but to feel angry.

During the weekend, I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened. I was annoyed and frustrated. I hated the fact that there was unnecessary drama because of stupid rumors. I wanted to do something about it, I needed to do something about it.

I went on my phone and emailed my teacher,

“Hello. I was thinking about the meeting we had and at the end you asked if I had anything else to say. I said I didn’t, but after discovering things that could potentially risk my spot in the National Honor Society, I want to have another meeting with you. I made a presentation to clear up any misunderstandings. This is my way of ending this situation once and for all. My character is constantly being questioned- I am being portrayed to be something I am not. I would like to have my friends present at this meeting, mainly because they play a huge role in this. If this is ok with you, please let me know.”

She responds to me and tells me that she has no problem with scheduling another day to have a meeting.

After sorting out the details, the day finally arrived. The powerpoint was displayed on the smartboard and it was time to explain my “case”. The presentation included everything from freshman to junior year. It had every screenshot that we could find where she harassed us and lied to us. I also included  consented recordings of other students who she spread those rumors to. It was petty on my part but, it felt pretty good to release everything that I’ve been holding in.

After seeing all the overwhelming amount of evidence, the teacher finally believed me. She hated the fact that her favorite student lied with ease and that she was targeting me due to jealousy and hate. She apologized to me and said that she would talk to her as soon as possible. “I never want another situation like this to happen again.”