This is an extract from the NY times article. Doe sit look familiar?
Students, read the entire essay, then tell us:
— Have you ever noticed older generations giving advice to — and wanting to improve — young people? Have you found the advice insightful or helpful? Do you ever think that it misses the mark?
— Should older generations, as the author writes, help young people of color learn how to “tackle the systemic inequality that shapes black people’s lives in America?” Is that the most effective and empowering approach to education and meaningful social change?
— Or, should older generations instead help young people “fix themselves” — by changing what they wear, how they speak, or how they act, so they are more likely to be successful in America? And, is that approach, in the end, a better way to reduce systemic inequality?
— Are these two types of advice and mentorship mutually exclusive? Is only one approach the fair and just approach? Or can they both be effective?
— Do you think Mr. Obama is “scolding” black boys and “finger-wagging?” Is he calling out black children for making legitimate cultural choices instead of placing responsibility squarely on an unjust society? Or is he just being real about what it takes to be successful in America, based on his own experiences?
— A comment selected as a Times Pick states: “Paradoxically, international fashion trends right now are heavily derived from black hip-hop and black athletic culture. Karl Lagerfeld made heavy hip-hop derived chains a signature of his daily look. Apparently it’s ok to ‘dress black’ so long as you’re white with status.” Do you think there is a double standard for how black people and white people are supposed to dress to be successful?