Sigh

I didn't quite know what to name this post so that pretty much covers it. I also am unsure as to whether I'll actually post it or not but, assuming I do, I'm exhausted tonight so I apologize if my writing is a bit lackluster.

Today was supposed to be a good day. The presidential candidate I had voted for and supported was elected and, last night, I think I slept better than I have for the past four years. Not only did I feel relieved about our country's choice for our next president, but I also felt hope about the direction we're going in for the first time in what feels like forever. Hell, even John McCain gave a classy concession speech which was reminiscent of John McCain before the Bush administration took over in 2000 - the John McCain I would have considered voting for.

The morning went fairly well. I was tired from staying up late to watch the election (and, in addition, we were at my cousin's party for his election as Niagara County Sheriff until 11:30 and then had to drive for half an hour to get home) but I was happy. I even gave out leftover Halloween candy to my Autobiography students as incentives to read their journals aloud since I was feeling generous.

And then came lunch.

Well, actually, I almost didn't make it to lunch because of all the drama that lay in my path to the cafeteria. Eight of my seniors stormed into the classroom fuming and demanding that something be done about "this." "This" turned out to be a status update that one of the freshmen had made to her Facebook page. The update said, "The white house is called the white house for a reason!!!!!" (I've quoted it exactly, right down to the five exclamation points.) In addition to this, there was a flood of follow-up comments, some along the lines of what the original writer had to say, and others condemning her opinion. For those of you who are familiar with Facebook, you may understand what a heated issue this is based on the fact that there were four pages worth of follow-up comments to a status update.

Granted, I am aware of the fact that, teaching at an all-girls private school, I might occasionally run into some rather, let's say, sheltered individuals. Okay, frankly, some of them have too much time on their hands, too much money in their bank accounts, and too little interest in exploring whether or not agreeing with their parents, without question, is a good idea. This frustrates me.

Today, instead, I was appalled.

I don't even have the words or the stamina to describe how this made me feel and, on top of that, looking at the anger and sadness on the girls' faces over these comments made me want to rip this girl's head off for being ignorant and uninformed and having the gall to mouth off about it in a public forum. The thing that frustrated one of my students the most was that, when questioned, the "commenter's" only explanation for her statement was that "there are only white ppl. there for over 200 yrs." Logical, no? Insert eye-roll here.

Since this entire conversation was in violation of the social honor code (oh, and did I mention that this student also belongs to an online group that bashes and gossips about another girl in her class?) I spoke to the Dean of Students about what the girls had brought to my attention. The school called an impromptu assembly between 6th and 7th period to bring the matter to the school's attention - even though, by that point, it was no secret - and point out that behavior such as this would not be tolerated. They didn't do much, although the "commenter" will be going before the Judicial Review Committee, but the threat was in the air. I disagree with the idea that they may have to block certain elements of internet access since we aim to treat the students as adults and cutting off this type of thing in school just means they'll do it when they're not in school but we may have to resort to that. At least we didn't sweep it under the rug like we have a tendency to want to do, especially since it involves more than one individual.

I guess what I'm saying is that, I knew this type of thing would happen. I knew that not everyone would be as optimistic and forward-looking as I wanted them to be. I knew there would be challenges. But the very next day after the election? Don't we Obama supporters get some chance at a honeymoon period? Can't we enjoy the victory for one freaking day? I guess our country isn't as progressive as we'd like to think we are if this kind of prejudice still exists the day after we elect our first African-American president ever. Ah, irony....

And on top of this, I have to teach this girl in class tomorrow and act like nothing ever happened. When I came home and was yelling about this, my parents, who were visiting to support my cousin, made a good point. They said, "What would Obama do in a situation like this?" I guess I have to remove my emotions from the situation and put the school, the students, and, though difficult, this particular student above my personal opinions because it's what's best for everyone. I will aim to treat her as I have before this information came to a head and press on with teaching grammar, vocabulary, and literature. The main goal of the English Department at Sem is to teach these girls to be eloquent writers and communicators by the time they graduate. Well, if I can't convince this girl to change her point of view, at least I can teach her to argue it with supporting facts, information, and conviction. "Yes we can."