Dear Friends,
As I'm watching the world unite in France, to mourn the victims of recent violent attacks, and march against terrorism, I'm struggling with my own petty emotions. My mother lives in the heart of Paris, alone - I'm worried about her wellbeing. I'm a born muslim who fled her country shortly after the islamic revolution — there is no love lost between me and that religion. As the Canadian press releases the names of homegrown terrorists, I worry about my own safety and that of my children and grandchildren. I'm also a woman who despises patriarch societies, believes in freedom and equality. But, above all, I'm a teacher. Every day, I spend a good portion of my time and energy settling disputes amongst my students, referring them to RESPECT, a virtue that our education system believes in.
"You shouldn't tease, put down or make fun of someone's appearance, name, clothes, food, traditions or parents." I hear myself teach compassion and acceptance to six-year-olds who can't really understand why they should filter their opinions and not call another six-year-old fat, ugly or stupid.
I'm not passing judgement, or being facetious when I ask, shall I just let them be? Shall I just save my sanity and let them express their opinions freely?
No comments:
Post a Comment