Is a Redskins-obsessed teacher ok?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a English teacher who was distractingly gay. Like flitting all over the room , an exaggerated gay voice to the max. He would say "Ohhhh that's soo ribald" if the story was at all a romance. He loved vocabulary words , if someone was chewing gym he would implore him to "stop masticating" ( a play on masterbating) lol.

He was one of the best English teachers I ever had.

We don't expect our teachers to be automatons, but how can demonstrative personal traits which distract from learning ever be positive behaviors by a classroom teacher? Especially saying masticating as a play on masturbating. When teachers say things like that public ally to the entire class, you can be certain they are saying much more provocative things in private conversations with students.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I would tell my kid that the Redskins issue is another example of liberals trying to force everybody to submit to their personal wishes and morality by coercion , intimidation and haranguing . I would tell them that liberals are like the slaveholders of old who apply abortion to the weakest among us to avoid the work of raising children the same as slaveholders avoided the work of the plantation .

I am seriously stuck on this analogy. When people object to the use of an offensive name, that's just like having an abortion because you do not want to be pregnant and give birth, which is just like a slaveholder owning a slave to pick cotton instead of paying an employee, because...?

It offends you maybe but that does not make it an "offensive name" per se.. it is an opinion. Most American Indians do not find it offensive, most people that find it offensive are not American Indian and don't have a drop of American Indian blood in their veins.

How do you know this?

Because there were multiple studies done, google it. There was market research done, because if it was found to be offensive among the Am. Indians that are represented by the Redskins logo, the ones that occupied this part of the nation ... there was an agreement the name would be changed. It was found that it was not deemed offensive, actually the logo (with 2 feather, not the headdress) was found to be respectful and honored their heritage.

Were any of these multiple studies not paid for by Dan Snyder?

And what do you think of this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-tbOxlhvE

That was not very effective, maybe they should hire the same firm Snyder did. They need actual Am.Indians represented by the symbol to come out and speak against it ... not just a bunch of liberal white Americans to jump on the band wagon because they got cut from their HS football team.

[Anonymous]

Geez - teachers have enough to worry about without having to address the political correctness of the local NFL team. It's about RG III, the team, the players, the games, and something we have in common which is not personal and is not supposed to be controversial.

Please give this teacher alone. Give him/her a well deserved break on this one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Were any of these multiple studies not paid for by Dan Snyder?

And what do you think of this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-tbOxlhvE

That was not very effective, maybe they should hire the same firm Snyder did. They need actual Am.Indians represented by the symbol to come out and speak against it ... not just a bunch of liberal white Americans to jump on the band wagon because they got cut from their HS football team.

The video is from the National Congress of American Indians. The National Congress of American Indians is a bunch of liberal white Americans? That might come as news to them:

http://www.ncai.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Geez - teachers have enough to worry about without having to address the political correctness of the local NFL team. It's about RG III, the team, the players, the games, and something we have in common which is not personal and is not supposed to be controversial.

Please give this teacher alone. Give him/her a well deserved break on this one.

But, as it happens, it is controversial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I personally hate everything about football and my kid isn't into it either, but the teacher is just showing his personality and enthusiasm and will be using this theme to liven up the school day. I wouldn't say a word. I am also extremely offended by the name Redskins and horrified that it is still used. But until the franchise changes its name what name is a fan supposed to use? I think the PP who suggested you talk to your child had the best advice. If you really feel you must say something, perhaps it could be along the lines of "I know you are a huge fan, and that you love the team, not the name, but if the conversation comes up with the kids about the name of the team, I hope you will present a fully balanced discussion of the name. We are personally offended by the name and feel it should be changed...." I think it's great if a teacher shows passion and its sweet he would bring his dad into his classroom--that shows he he loves his job and loves sharing it with his family!

Not that it matters, but I find it amusing you switched the teacher to a male.

[Anonymous]

I like football but even I never appreciated teachers or co-workers that made a huge deal out of it outside a social environment. I guarantee you that many students in the class are not enjoying or excited about it. Some may think to play along so they don't feel left out but others just feel left out.

Depending on the school, she may be completely out of touch with the local culture. At our school everyone seems to live and die for the world cup, watches the NBA games, and no one really pays attention to football.

[Anonymous]

Original poster here....thanks for all of these interesting responses. Let's clarify: this is NOT about football. We adore football - huge fans! Our kids are as athletic as they come.
it's about cheering for a team called the REDSKINS. If this were the Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, whomever...I wouldn't think twice about it. It's about a teacher imposing no choice on little kids about celebrating a team with an inarguable racist logo and name. Again, if this was about the Nats, Wizards or Caps, we would be super delighted and tickled.

Even various sports broadcasters and even the Washington Post on their own have decided they will no longer use "Redskins" when referring to the team, and that speaks to how offensive many find the name. I think it's easy for people who aren't of Native American descent to write this one off, but if it were a derogatory term referring to their own ethnicity, I'd bet everything they'd be up in arms. And really, would you ever go up to a person of Native American descent and go, "What's up, my Redskin?" No. Because it's awful.

[Anonymous]

LET IT GO!
This is the local team. While I don't love the name either for the moment it is what it is. What should the teacher do not cheer for the local and beloved team? Why don't you just try and educate your child about your views and let them make their own decisions.
Part of a good education is sometimes disagreeing with the teacher in a polite way. Teach your child how to do that. We don't all have to agree to the same things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like football but even I never appreciated teachers or co-workers that made a huge deal out of it outside a social environment. I guarantee you that many students in the class are not enjoying or excited about it. Some may think to play along so they don't feel left out but others just feel left out.

Depending on the school, she may be completely out of touch with the local culture. At our school everyone seems to live and die for the world cup, watches the NBA games, and no one really pays attention to football.

It will be good practice and prepare them for the Fall season at work.

[Anonymous]

Is this MOCO teacher a Kensington Parkwood teacher?

[Anonymous]

I love the name. If they changed it to " the fighting whities " they would probably lead the league in merchandise sales .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Geez - teachers have enough to worry about without having to address the political correctness of the local NFL team. It's about RG III, the team, the players, the games, and something we have in common which is not personal and is not supposed to be controversial.

Please give this teacher alone. Give him/her a well deserved break on this one.

Agree, this sounds like a teacher, who is willing to do something fun. Good way to stomp all over it.
Consider this an ally, another football fan and leave him/her be.

[Anonymous]

Most of the teachers my kids have had are big football fans. It's a huge part of our culture. Our ES had spirit days where everyone wore their favorite team shirt. At Halloween many kids and teachers wore football gear. Seems like the school has three choices:

1. Allow everyone to display and wear team gear regardless of which team they choose as a favorite. After all there is nothing illegal about being a Redskins can and of buying and selling and wearing and displaying Redskins stuff.

2. Ban all sports wear and talk.

3. Ban only those that parents find offensive so that some get to participate and some don't.

I find number one the most palatable. Let's face it. Regardless of how you feel, a large number of people in this area are Redskins fans. So you would be affecting teachers and kids alike.

[Anonymous]

oh please. you start this now you won't stop.

and you'll end up with a sanitized, boring, fake attempt at multi-culturalism that will get steamrolled by people with actual interests.