We can all agree that people who hang out together and are close friends or acquaintances tend to pick up on the cues of those whom they spend a lot of time with: mannerisms, choice of words, etc.. Chrissy asked, as a White teacher whose closest friends are Black, if it was wrong to use phrases that come from Black culture?
This might sound like an ignorant question, but it was a sincere query from a sincere White woman. There are White teachers who seek to learn, not to offend; however, according to Chrissy, during this post-election season on social media, White teachers feel attacked when they ask questions about race. Black teachers appear dismissive and frustrated. As a White teacher who teaches all Black students with mostly Black teachers, she feels like she’s walking on egg shells. She doesn’t want to “mess up” and say the wrong thing. I wonder how many other White teachers feel this way? Does this resonate with you?