The R-Word

“This assignment is __________.”

That’s how it started.

After hearing a student use the r-word to describe what he saw as a frustrating assignment, I decided we’d have a class discussion about language – how it can be a powerful tool to unite, support, and encourage on the one hand, and a tool to divide, destroy and oppress on the other.

I showed a PSA with some very offensive language and had the students write a reflection on the feelings and emotions that were being expressed.  I told the story of Ann Coulter’s recent tweet and read the beautiful and powerful response from John Franklin Stephens.

The discussion that followed was helpful, I think.  I felt like I was really teaching.