August 11, 2010

the unspoken

So, I just posted a thing on facebook (oh, the horror) that might anger a few of my fb friends. And, I think it's rather wimpy of me that I haven't mentioned "this" before to many people. Even though I've always welcomed political debate, I feel like "this" is different... It gets my heart racing, my gut sinking, and tears rise up. Because really, it's ignorance. And soooo often, I think we (or maybe just I) let ignorance slide... We chalk it up to someone growing up in a small town, watching only certain news stations, and not seeing the world. We say, oh, well, that's because his/her parents were way worse than that, so somehow that's okay. Or we might say, "welcome to northern michigan". But I'm done with that. The thing she said was horrifying (she told it to my hubby Nate, who willingly engaged in a verbal battle with her, full of facts), and I do wish that she would have said it to my face.

This is it... Apparently, according to this acquaintance, I am going over to Abu Dhabi in order to teach English so that "they" can more easily infiltrate our country. And you know, when Nate told me about it originally, I laughed at the absurdity. But it's just continued to eat away at me, because I know that there must be a lot of people that think that way (but simply don't say it out loud). I mean, this person I am talking about is an educator... That's how I know her. It makes me want to vomit.

And what's funnier (if you can say that)... is that really Abu Dhabi has its act together. They *know* that they are going to run out of oil one day, and they are preparing for that by investing in education. They are spending a TON of money on their schools and teachers. I am honored to be heading to a country that values what I do so much, because the U.S. is certainly falling behind in that respect.

5 comments:

Mom said...

Well said Erin!

singletrackchronicles said...

It is amazing to me when ignorance is the language people speak. I know we have our political differences (not important), but that comment she made was just dumb. There are many thoughts running through my head that I will simply keep to myself about ignorant people.

I wish you and your husband the best. Remember the best and forget the rest!!! Have fun, be good. I wish I would take a break from some of the stupidity around here......

Erin said...

Thanks a bunch, Sean! And I like the saying, 'remember the best and forget the rest'. :)

MommiesBoyz said...

Yes, Very well said!!!

Mimi said...

Hi Erin - I came to your blog via Teach Away's fb page. Funny, I'm from Michigan too (Grand Rapids & Detroit), and grew up hearing my grandparents' racism. We have a family friend now who's become more racist with age, against "them" (whoever they might be at any given moment).

I spent 4 years working in a 75-90% Hispanic part of Houston TX and was regularly appalled by the way other teachers (teachers! Shouldn't they know better?) spoke of our students. Absurd, you said. That is the perfect word.

Personally I feel quite fortunate to have a rather ethnically diverse family and absolutely love going Elsewhere. Interaction and education are the best fixes for ignorance and prejudice.