1: Introduction
Hello Fellow Readers!
Welcome to my first blog post on Pushout, the criminalization of black girls in schools. I will be sharing my thoughts as I continue on and read this book written by Monique W. Morris who is not only an author but co-founder of the National Black Women's Justice Society. As this so-called "compelling" and "thought-provoking" book advances, I am eager to see how Morris further exposes the world to the hardships of black females who are misunderstood and pushed around but not only their school's staff but also the justice system itself. She has already shown in the first 38 pages what our society truly looks like today, and how these females are impelled to leave their education system and sent into dangerous futures.
When growing up as black females, many are taught different things that can either help or hinder their further experiences as they get older. But, no matter how well taught, many people, whites, still go the extra mile to announce a racist saying as they walk by. In schools, '"loud" black girls talk back to teachers, "ghetto" black girls who fight in school hallways, and "ratchet" black girls who chew dental jams like bubble gum in classrooms"' (Morris, 12) are some known stereotypes. White females who do these things would just be called stuck up or spoiled. They would not be punished and even go as far as being arrested. There are many different exaggerated punishments for black females in schools. This is one of the major reoccurring themes throughout the book Pushout from what I have seen so far.
These young African American females are claimed as "less innocent" and "more adult-like" when they grow up compared to white females. Many black girls drop out of school to either take care of things at home or they are do not get the point of going to school. On page 16 in the book, a girl named Danisha was in a support group for older girls, when she finally spoke up she said " I'm eleven years old... I'm a ho, that's what I do" (Morris, 16). She saw no other way of living and that school was not important, making money was. ELEVEN. My little brother is 12 and the girls in his grade run around and get ice cream or go skiing, not "be a ho". It is crazy what these young black girls have to go through in their childhood and/or adulthood. There is no way out for some of them, and that needs to change. That is what I have found from this book so far, Morris's message is to enrage awareness to the people, to challenge the policies, to bring a movement, and stabilize these girls.
I am excited to keep reading the book Pushout. There are many different voices throughout the book that I am eager to hear their stories, and hear the powerfulness of Monique Morris. With the world growing in awareness every day, there is no way that they can't become tolerant of everyone and end racism. There should no longer be irrational comments and stereotypes made, and all females, no matter their race, should be treated equally. While there is no guarantee of anything in anyone's future, each person should get the chance at success. Well guys, thanks for letting me share my first occurring thoughts with you, see you when I'm further into the book!
Hi Annie! I thought your post was very insightful in your analysis of both the book and of your own real-life experiences. I thought your reference to living in Hopkinton helped to make the disparity obvious between the experiences of many black girls and white girls in regards to education. Your mention of of the stereotypes surrounding black girls also brings forth the point that biases are taught and are not inherent. As you pointed out, our community can greatly influence your own implicit biases which is something we should all be aware of. My favorite part of your post was when you mentioned how a girl your bother's age referred to herself as a "ho" at eleven years old. This goes to show the self-image issues for countless young black girls. Her perception of herself is degrading and makes her think that she is less privy to opportunities beyond the typical life of a "ho." I enjoyed how you ended your post on an optimistic note, talking about how you think everyone deserves a fair chance at success, which I wholeheartedly agree with. I think Morris agrees with this statement as well and I believe we will continue to see points supporting this argument made as we continue to read. I'm excited to see your thoughts as we get further into the book!
ReplyDeleteHi Annie,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was astonishing to hear what these young girls think of themselves and to hear what racial slurs are thrown at the young girls just trying to attend school. It's horrible to hear about the girls that will drop out of school to try and help support their family at such a young age. I found this post very informational. My question for you is, what kinds of scenarios and/or stereotypes do you think you'll find later on in the book?
-Ashlee
Hi Ashlee, thank you for your comment! I think that I will find many more scenarios just like the one I talked about above with the eleven year old being a "ho". However, I think as we progress later into the book I hope to see some scenarios of girls who left the education system or had unreasonable punishments, and where their life is now. Or, I think that maybe some insight from what happens after the event and how different these girls act would be insightful to see. I hope to see the after part of some of these girls because it shows the people in the world that these are not one time incidents and they are affected for the rest of their lives.
DeleteHi Annie! The book you're reading sounds really eye opening and intriguing! I enjoyed how you spoke not just about the double standards of general race, but took it further to explain the gender standards as well. The superb analyzation you gave made it seem as if things that white girls do or say have become normalized to others and authoritative figures, however, when black girls do the same things they could be severely punished for their actions. The double standards people have are harmful and destructive. It is unfortunate to hear that because of these situations black girls are forced to grow up faster, and adapt for survival. I am excited to hear more about the book "Pushout", and see what your thoughts are about it!
ReplyDeleteHi Annie!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your first blog post! I agree with what you said about how the kids in Hopkinton are in a "bubble" as we are sheltered from the world around them. Most of us are unaware of the dangers of the real world and have not experienced discrimination. Our schools work hard to make sure we all feel safe and protected. Also, I agree that most kids in Hopkinton are definitely open and respectful about other races. With that said, do you think that all non-diverse high schools are like this? Or do you think that some non-diverse schools could be disrespectful to other races due to the fact that they don't normally interact with them?
Hi Kally!
DeleteThank you for reading my blog, I am glad you enjoyed it! I think that some people can be disrespectful of other races or cultures in general is definitely because they do not interact with them as they grow up. As we learned in class, there are tests that project a percentage of white people that slightly or do prefer other whites. Sometimes, they just do not know the background behind what the other race is like, so they do not know if what they say and do is respectful to the other race or not. That is why it is essential to grow up learning about all different cultures in the world. We learn to be tolerant and open-minded about everyone. But as your question asked, yes, I do think that some of the non-diverse schools can be disrespectful to the other races just because they do not have interaction with them in the community.
And,
DeleteI do not think that all non-diverse schools are openminded about other races. I think that there are definitely schools out there that have intolerant kids who haven't learned to be respectful to everyone in the community or in the real world. It is hard when they do grow up then because they can be classified as "racist", which in some cases is true. However, I believe that there is always a chance to learn and become tolerant of all races, cultures, religions, genders, etc. At Hopkinton in 8th grade we learn about different types of religion. I think that is a big part of teaching the kids at our school to become tolerable of everyone. The only way to become open-minded is to learn and gain knowledge. But yes, there are definitely schools in regions throughout this country that are not tolerant of the other races.
Hey Annie,
ReplyDeleteYour first blog post was great. I thought the comparison you made between young black girls to young white girls was important, how some black girls drop out of school and try to make money at age eleven and how what some eleven year old white girls in our town have to worry about is just getting ice cream and skiing. It's also tough to read about how some black girls walk down the hallway while getting called racial slurs while white girls would not get comments like that. I'm looking forward to reading more of your blog posts and seeing more comparisons you make.
Nice job discussing how your own experiences compare to the content of your book. Do you think that Morris makes it clear enough how these girls end up with the beliefs that they do, or do you think that is a focus of the rest of the book?
ReplyDeleteHi Annie! I really enjoyed reading your interpretation of the novel so far. I definitely agree that here in Hopkinton we live in a "bubble", and I think that it could be considered a bad thing or a good thing. It's scary how so much can go on in the world around us without us even knowing or realizing. I think that's why this book is so helpful because it is able to educate those that have never faced anything like this. I know that you were little when you lived in Maryland and you might not remember, but I was just wondering if you have experienced anything second hand similar to what Monique Morris has talked about? Again you might not have even noticed anything because with youth comes ignorance but I was just wondering if looking back after reading these stories made you recall anything from your past. I really like how you were able to take the stories and relate them to yourself in a certain way. It was most definitely shocking to read about girls that are your brothers age that are calling themselves names that they might not even understand the meaning to. I think that this just shows the whole concept of stereotypes and how hurtful and damaging they can be to these young girls self images. I'm excited to hear more about your thoughts! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete