SORRY EVERYONE!!! I didn't realize that last post was so long.

The whole subject demonstrates why diversity training is sooo important. Teachers, Do they have diversity training in high schools?

Where I teach the majority of the population is Black, then you have a population of Vietnameese, Hispanic, and White, not necessarily in that ranking order. The school is public. Whatever the students are taught, they have learned it from one another, primarily. There isn't a set curriculum offered which provides multicultural teaching/learning. These students have been "together" since grade school, except for the Vietnamese. They recently got here, some of them.

Many of the students are products or they are around an environment of "interracial" relationships, not limited to Blacks and whites. Even though the school system and the parish (county) that this school is a representation of is NOT diverse, the school campus is.

Now, if you are speaking of the teachers. Most of the teachers have been in the profession for over 20 years. Multiculturalism? Diversity? they aren't really trying to hear that (some). They have been teaching the SAME subjects, with the SAME lesson plans, AND the SAME tests for soooo long that the only thing they are worried about are the days left before retirement.

Personally, I feel that this is something that needs to be introduced AT HOME. That guy has the knowledge, or the lack there of because of an IGNORANT parent. If the parent was more knowledgeable then that guy would would know truth from fiction. Since that is not the case, The Real World is an outlet for him to learn (the hard way) about diversity and the REAL WORLD.

I agree, it should be taught in the home, but if the parent(s) won't teach them, where will they learn about people that are different from them (e.g. culture, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.)? I know that a lot of people don't want to know about others. I mentioned teaching it in the schools because some of the parents only know what has been told to them...and that information may be incorrect.

About 5 years ago, I attended a diversity workshop...and at that time, I thought that my mind was pretty open, but that workshop shed light on areas that I really knew nothing about.

(Sighing)...I guess in a perfect world...... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

LOL. I knew that was coming. ONE MORE thing that SCHOOLS have to be responsible for...

Do you know how hard it is just to teach these children how to read? Do you realize that there are high schoolers who STILL DO NOT know how to read? And they are NOT in Special Education!

They ARE NOT paying us teachers ENOUGH money to be the MOMMA, DADDY, NURSE, DOCTOR, COUNSELOR, PRIEST/PREACHER/(whatever religious person)/FRIEND/CONFIDANT/NURTURER/ROLE MODEL/ALLY/PROTECTOR...LET ALONE TEACHER!

Parents have to be held responsible and accountable for their children. I'm sorry, but they do! Hopefully, with our generation, our children will be more multiculturally astute and tolerant.

We (teachers) already have TOO DAYUM much on our plates to be added with something else. Maybe you'd understand if you were in the classroom day in and day out!

The hope lies with our future. One can only hope that things will get better.

Although I did not teach, I worked in the Fairfax County AfterSchool program. They have..or had, at the time, before school, after kindergarten and after school sessions for K-6...and I understand what you are saying.
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif
I apologize if I came off in a disrespectful manner. I am not trying to disrespect any of the teachers or add another responsibility to the many "hats" teachers are asked/expected to wear today. I have mad respect for you guys. After working with the kids in Fairfax county for 4 years, I knew I did not have what it takes. You guys are definitely overworked, underpaid, do not receive the respect that you deserve.

I am a member of a service org. that is located in another county nearby. Let me tell you, it was an eye opening experience and I have seen first-hand adults, (my age) and their children that can not read...or struggle when they read. It is heartbreaking.

I am sorry if I mentioned diversity training in the schools. I only mentioned the schools because I did not know of any other place other than home. As you stated, maybe this generation will be more enlightened than previous generations. I do not have any children, yet...but I do believe in home-training and they will learn what is right and wrong in my household http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
Have a good night...and thanks for the enlightenment...I will try to think before I speak next time http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif.

Apologies are not necesary, no disrespect over here.

I understand that you assumed that the easy answer would be to 'take it to school'. Many feel that way not only about diversity, but other areas affecting our society. Often times, the schools are not the sole answer. Schools are sometimes used as the scape-goat.

I don't have any children either, but I am very blessed to have had the parents that I have/had. When I (we) do have my (our) child, I (we) will ensure that he or she is exposed to as much as I (we) possibly can, including home-training.

THE END! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

I thought Mike was from Ohio?

DST LOVE,

I just read your post to the response of CRMSNTiDEGRL717 and I want to say you said it all. As I was reading your post I was nodding my head because I could relate to everything that you said. Also it was very well stated. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif


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Holla - 2001
KL

Oops!...my bad. You are right. I don't know why I was thinking Alabama http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif">

I am an HR major, so I know how trainers approach diversity issues. There will "always" be a need for diversity training in the workplace...in the REAL WORLD. But I don't see how that would fit into the school system. Maybe because I have studied so much about andragogy (adult learning/teaching) that I don't see a need for schools to have a a class or seminar on "Diversity Learning" I think that the adult education field wants to take that responsibilty, including HR. All the talk and workshops that go along with diversity training can go in one ear and out the other with students, esp. if you go to a school where there really is no diversity to practice your new skills...but, if you work for a firm or an organization where they feel diversity training is an issue to be handled and is very important to the company, then I think it would "stick" with unenlightened folks more so when they know their survival at the company is dependant on it. Of course, this is just my theory..

I also went to a Catholic High School, but I didn't have the experiences some people here have had about not learning our history. My school was a fair mix of white and black, with few hispanics and asians. I can say that while I didn't learn all the who's who of black history, my american history teacher tried his best to include black history into the mix. His efforts were not included in the textbook, but I remember doing a family tree, and discussing how our family's were a part of American History, learning about slavery, and how it affected blacks, bringing in soul food, and discussing how it came to be soul food, how blacks voted in presidential elections, and how "we" switched from the GOP to being Democratic, and a few other things. He was a white man, and while we didn't necessarily learn the "big names" we learned how black culture has shaped American history...okay that's my spiel..

We also had our diversity training in other areas of the school experience. It shouldn't be limited to history..what about English, Religion, Civics, and other classes?? I gained an appreciation for black literature from a white man who taught my jr. english class..who would've thought?? So, I guess what I'm trying to say is the schools may be doing their part in diversity training, just not in the way a trainer would by developing a workshop geared for it.

And with Coral, I give her some slack..1)we don't know how MTV has edited the first episode, and what they left on the editing floor. 2)Mike was making the situation as long and messy just as much as Coral. Remember when she was like he should get a haircut?? I think that was her way of breaking the tension, and to make fun as way of showing she wasn't mad, but of course he brings it back up, and now she's hot and angered again. 3)Mike won't let it go....in his confessionals all he talked about was Coral...maybe he has a thing for her, and they are playing childrens' games, like hitting each other to say tey like each other...

Just something to think about..

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"I am not yet the author of my life; I am still it's unenlightened protagonist"
---Unknown

[This message has been edited by jali0004 (edited July 13, 2001).]

I agree with and can see just about everyone's viewpoint on this issue. I guess these varying opinions is what makes this issue and society soooooooo complicated. On the one hand I can truly feel the students from MN on the "educator bit". Coming from a large university in Illinois I have run into some of the most off the wall and insulting questions you can imagine. In one year I've been asked everything from the perpetual "hair washing" question to, "Do Black people get hotter in the summer time than white people, due to their dark skin?" While a body does get weary and tired of constantly having to be the "Black Voice", I try to push on because I feel, "If not me then who else?" Coral should be angry and hurt for Mike's insensitive comment and attitude. However it takes someone like Malik to make a difference. If noone ever provides Mike with another perspective, how can he teaches his children better, and so on? Leaving him ignorant only continues the ugly cycle that we deal with on a daily basis. I don't think Coral or us as a people should make it our live's work to educate ignorant white people. However, if you continually ignore or block out these issues(as she's doing w/Mike) then you're only passing off his ignorance for another Black person to have to deal with. There is no easy answer, but I just feel Coral should make some effort, especially since she has to live with Mike for 5 months. Luckily Malik is making an effort, and hopefully, this will better Mike and even others watching the show.

On a lighter note: Those sunglasses at night were a mess(hot and sticky) as was that blanket Coral was walking around the house wearing!

AKA2D91(I'm sorry if I did that wrong),
I just wanted to back you up on your sentiments regarding the role of a teacher. My mother teaches 1st grade in the Chicago Public School System, and she is streched to the limit everyday. Between bad a** kids, kids with learning/behavior disabilities, crazy parents, and administration, she can hardly teach! I can't imagine adding one more responsibility to her load.

Hope I've added some POSITIVE insight. Much Love to all you GCers.
Marie

Coral is a walking time bomb! She picks on Mike simply because she can. She knows he will never defend himself, she views him as weak and stupid, so she goes out her way to agitate him. She's being a bully and I don't like it. Mike made a mistake, did not use common sense, but it's over with.
If Mike was smart he could play her game.
He should purposedly irritate Coral to the point of confrontation. If he calls her a black b*&%^, she's going to snap, to the point that she hits him. One hit and she is gone! But for ratings they may let her stay, LOL!

WHY WON'T LORI GET OFF KEVIN'S SACK???!!!!
she is too pretty to be sweating him like that. he aint even that cute!!

and, as every show rolls on, the more i dislike coral. i think she needs an enem because she is full of....

and rachel is so humorously innocent that it is cute. the guy grabbing himself really freaked her out!! i'm glad she finally got to kick it, but what were they thinking? putting an 18 year-old on the show with a bunch of grown folx??

Rachel ain't all that innocent.....that guy wasn't that ugly when she was dancing with him. Now don't get me wrong rubbing himself was straight nasty BUT ...

Yeah Lori is a little desperate. I am starting to not like Coral either, :roll eyes: she nneds to go some where and chill! I think Racheal isn't that innocent but she has a cute personality. Malik is cool and I too cant wait to see Nicole and Corals fight. DOes that make me messy? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Okay, here I go:

LORI: I thought they were heavily editing to make her seem worse than she is, but I don't think so anymore. She needs to get over it for real... or if not for real, at least for the sake of salvaging a lil bit of her pride on national television.

KEVIN: He needs to grow up. I think he enjoys Lori on his jock.. and that other girl he claims to like didn't sound all that excited to hear from him.

CORAL: She didn't really annoy me that much this episode except when Rachel asked if she thought she could get in the club. Coral said something rude I can't remember, but that was about it.

RACHEL: I don't think she's as innocent as she lets on.

MIKE: He is too excited bout other folks' business.

MALIK, NICOLE: Were they even in this episode???

I'm feeling you on everything! I thought they were making Lori to be like that too. But I think it was when she was in the confessional, she said something that made me think "yep! she's crazy!" And Kevin is NOT all that! Whatever! She's got issues. I didn't see the beginning when he told her that he didn't want to see her though. That was sorta harsh, but he obviously realizes that the girl is really on him like flies on sh^t! I think he likes the chase too b/c he initiates a lot of the touching, hugging, etc too. I don't know. I wonder what she is gonna do for the rest of the season now that he basically told her to get tha hell on! LOL!

Coral is just...just....RUDE! I think she likes being rude. I bet she was the bossy kid in the neighborhood that nobody wanted to play house with! UGH! AND she's one of those people who has to be right ALL of the time! I can't stand people like that! And if you try and go against what she says...WATCH OUT cuz she's about to declare WAR on yo azz!! It's like she doesn't even wanna see someone else's point of view. That's an awful way to be. I don't know...maybe it's just the Libra in me talking http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Rachel--was she OVERLY freaked out by that guy or was it just me? I mean, ok, YES that WAS gross!! I don't blame her for leaving and being grossed out by it. But did it seem like she "gagged" a little TOO long?!!! Can we say "DRAMATIC"!?? **nodding head**

And yea, Malik and Nicole...where were they?? You know what I found interesting is that no one has said anything about the amt of make-up Nicole wears. Or did I miss it? I can't believe no one has mentioned it thus far. Oh well...just a thought.

I didn't see the casting special, so could someone tell me if everyone went or goes to college. If so, do you remember where everyone went or goes. Thanks

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Holla - 2001
KL

I think Malik went to University of California-Berkeley. Nicole goes/went to Morris Brown College in Atlanta. Isn't Mike a fraternity guy, so he probably went somewhere, but I don't know where. I think Kevin went too, but again, I don't know where.

As for Coral, Lori and Rachel, I am clueless. *shrug*

O O O O O O http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif Can I mention the make-up?

GOODNESS!!! Nicole is a black Tammy Faye Baker! Wayyyyyyyyyyyy too much makeup. I mean it's like you can run your finger across her lids and get pure color! I think she's cute and thank God I see someone closer to my body type, but she really overdoes the make up.

You could tell she had self esteem issues before she even admitted it.

Thanks BrandNubian,
I do remember when the show first aired the first episode it showed that Kevin goes to U of Texas in Austin I think. Does anyone know if Nicole went to college or is in college now, and if so, which one.



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Holla - 2001
KL

Kim, read what you just quoted....

Nicole goes/went to Morris Brown. LOL

I also thought Rachel spent too long "gagging" on the club incident...she annoyed the heck out of me!! This episode was a waste of time...it wasn't that interesting...ohhhhhhhhhhhh, so Rachel got into a 21+ club..whoppie...

Oh, didn't yall think that was bogus of them at the beginning to let her walk back home when they went to the club and she couldn't get in?? That was wrong..they let her walk the streets of NY by herself.... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

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"I am not yet the author of my life; I am still it's unenlightened protagonist"
---Unknown

Oops my bad...good looking out novella000, you know I started laughing out loud once I read it over.



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Holla - 2001
KL

Yes!! I thought it was wrong of them to do such a thing...let her go back home alone.
And I am SOOOOOO over that Coral and Mike (is that his name?) situation! Ole' girl that's so in "Lust" with Kevin needs to get over it...but he's just loving every bit of attention she gives him! Now, is it just me...or does Coral has the biggest Forehead out? GOSH...and she's forever wearing her hair back...I mean the head is Outrageous!