God knows there were plenty of events and people to choose from for the weekly Stupid Thing of the Week. Locally, the school board went along with Supt. Gorman’s idea to gut one of CMS’ most successful programs – and did it at the last meeting of the board’s current line-up; needless to say, the new board will start reconsidering the moves at their first meeting. Nationally, Carrie Prejean got all pissy on Larry King Live; singer Fergie let everyone know she’s bi but her husband is well-endowed; Lou Dobbs quit his job at CNN and said he’d been hounded by a mob mentality, “similar to what we saw in Italy in the 1930s” (you might want to re-read your history, Lou, and maybe stop the pity party); a beaver on CBS’ The Early Show peed in the announcer’s face; Sarah Palin went on Oprah and dissed the people who’d chosen her to run for VP in the first place; and Sammy Sosa revealed he’s been using a skin lightener for some damned reason.
But for sheer tone-deaf cluelessness – which is always a plus when you’re vying for Stupid Thing of the Week – you can’t beat our winner, Ian Campbell, a re-enactor and tour guide at Latta Plantation Park. Campbell, an African-American history buff who has devoted a lot of time to bringing history to life at the park, was giving a tour to about 60 fifth-graders from Rea View Elementary in Waxhaw when who did he pick to represent plantation slaves? Why, the only three African American students in the group, of course! Kids were humiliated (and in fifth grade, that’s huge), parents were enraged, and school administrators vowed never to send their kids back to Latta. It doesn’t appear that Campbell meant any harm, but again, a history buff being that clueless about race relations is kind of mind-boggling.
This article appears in Nov 10-16, 2009.
Chattel slavery of blacks is part of American history…whats the problem? The black kids didnt want to participate in the re-enactment. Nothing wrong with that either.
I dont know what the deal is with Prejean. What christian woman would be in a “skin to win” beauty pageant? I guess hers is a different brand of christianity.
Palin the neo-con has alot of lies in her new book. Once again she’s trying to portray herself as the gung ho anti federal government “conservative” when her record is anything but that. She’s very similar to Mark Sanford — spending money on herself while fronting as a fiscal conservative. Couric made her look like an idiot. She lies almost as much as the Obamanator..lol..
Or, Campbell chose the 3 AA students to bring home the reality of slavery. For the non-AA kids, they saw their AA friends treated unfairly simply because they are AA. History is not all pleasant, and failing to appreciate the reality of slavery only allows us to forget it. Of course, some may feel that forgetting is appropriate in this “post-racial America.”
I feel really bad for the children who were put on the spot. At that age there is nothing worse or more humiliating. And the circumstances surrounding it make it so much worse. I hope the teacher handled it as well as possible.
I have to say I feel bad for the guy who screwed up. He is probably a good guy who doesn’t believe in slavery and probably never thinks things through. If that is the kind of guy we are talking about, it would be really great for all of the people involved to give him probably the biggest break he has ever had in his life. However, I imagine since this has already come to this point that this guy will pay for this mistake for the rest of his life.
Too bad for all involved!
The History Man!
http://wwwhistoryman.blogspot.com/
The situation at Latta was certainly unfortunate in several ways. However, it has prompted important discussion. The issue of interpreting slavery at historic sites is one that needs addressed badly. Both whites and blacks often find themselves uncomfortable at these sites. Can we avoid these discussions? I think not. Should we avoid them? Under no circumstances. The built environment provides opportunities to discuss the contributions of both races and important food for thought. National discussions remind us of the value of these sites as history curriculum in public schools grower thinner and thinner. Further, there is a belief that historic sites can lead to better race relations by presenting issues openly and finding space for everyone, regardless of color to relate.
I agree with John G. I suspect that the docent thought that the children would see their friends being treated unfairly and have a different view of slavery as a result. Unfortunately, that might be more than fifth graders can realize. Not enough thought was put into this approach, but it seems to be well-intentioned. I wish those chosen to participate in the demonstration had been a mixture of both black and white children. My hope is that the teachers found a positive way to mediate this situation and help students understand the point.
Perhaps this incident will shake things up. It is an opportunity to move towards an open dialogue about slavery that will foster positive race relations with out degrading anyone. Afterall, this is history and its 2009–time for a change. It’s time to stop squirming.