look to your inner cities, America.

[ulysses]

I found out today that it's not particularly unusual for girls who attend the middle school where I teach to be raped on their way to school by men who lie in wait for them along known shortcut routes. I understand, a little bit more now, what I see in their eyes.

This neighborhood - not a mile west of the Georgia Dome and Coca-Cola headquarters - is a third-world country. We used to believe that we could do something to help the folks that live in places like Vine City. Now we shred welfare protections in the name of protecting them from the horrors of dependence.

Going to work in an all-black school, I assumed that my kids would at least have some knowledge of the civil rights movement that had been passed on - MLK Drive runs two blocks south of the school. No. They're bright kids, but ignorant even of that legacy. What they know is violence.

They're hungry for knowledge and understanding, though. At least my kids are, even if they don't always realize it. Most of them jump at the chance to do something new and interesting. A couple of weeks ago, I did the experiment with them where two objects are dropped from the same height - they fell all over themselves trying to predict whether the grapefruit or the lime (or the rock, or the leaf) would hit the floor first.

The potential is there, of course, but they leave me and go out into a world of ignorance - ignorance about how to make the system work to your advantage, ignorance that you even *can* make the system work *at all*, ignorance of the tools they would need to even begin. I'm terrified for their futures.

Want to see the end of the American experiment aborning? Read the accepted political wisdom concerning the poor these days, or just come to work with me.

[donkeyotay]

1. while we fiddle with the empire, home burns

So much is falling by the wayside. While they are making empire abroad our nation is crumbling at home.

[nightperson]

66. Exactly.

We have plenty of "failed state" and "Third World" conditions getting worse right under our noses.

[Iris]

2. oh, jeez

I started reading and when I realized you were talking about Atlanta - well, jeez the area you are talking about is 4 miles from where I live.

What school do you teach in?

[ulysses]

3. JFK Middle n/t

[Joe Chi Minh]

4. Great work

Absolutely heartbreaking, ulysses. You're doing mighty work, as I'm sure you know. It will be marvellous if, as Kerry says, and I believe he will, he brings a new New Deal for all the people.

[ulysses]

5. I'll believe it when I see it.

A new New Deal with this party leadership, in this day and age? I'm not holding my breath. The folks in this neighborhood know the score, so they don't vote, so they don't hold anyone accountable.

[Kanary]

21. Exactly what I've said -- it's understandable, given what they live with

Yet, saying it's understandable they don't vote, here on DU gets all kinds of vilification.

I was told, among other things, that people who don't vote, regardless of how the system is stacked against them, don't *deserve* to be heard.

Gotta love that liberal compassion.

I appreciate very much what you are doing, and have a lot of respect for you.

I can't even begin to imagine what those kids are living with.

I will hope that this thread gets lots of attention, and raises some awareness! To that end, I'm nominating it for the front page.

Thanks!

Kanary

[ulysses]

26. thanks, Kanary.

I was told, among other things, that people who don't vote, regardless of how the system is stacked against them, don't *deserve* to be heard.

This is one of the attitudes that's killing us.

[Kanary]

40. Exactly, and causing so much more pain. The same as racism, sexism, etc

I hope those who have said things like this here on DU read this, and gain some awareness.

This is something, sadly, that even liberals don't seem to "get". What you're saying here needs WIDE distribution!

Thank you so much for speaking out!

Kanary

[Kanary]

50. It didn't work....... isn't posted on the front page. :((((((

It seems the only topics deemed important are about *.

I guess that confirms why poor folk *know* they don't count, and don't see a point in fighting it.

:cry:

Kanary

[luaneryder]

6. You are doing something I could never imagine

Teaching, is to me, an incredibly intimidating proposition in the best of circumstances. To see that glimmer of hope for just one second in those children's eyes, knowing what the future will hold for the majority of them....how do you remain sane? Bless you.

[Mizmoon]

7. Relax

I grew up in the projects, about the only white family there in Queens NY). I'm sure our lives looked terrible to middle-class observers. But they didn't know that we had fun, too. We were resourceful, and we had lots of fun. All my friends grew up to hold at least associates degrees. One girl became a hairdresser. Violence, drugs, and poverty were a big part of our lives, but no one I knew was ever hungry, homeless or without basic medical care. Our teachers (like you) cared about us. Just do your best. People are often more able than they appear.

This was back when social programs were more generous, of course.

[ulysses]

8. that's my point

but no one I knew was ever hungry, homeless or without basic medical care

Bingo. This isn't just my (admittedly) white, middle-class sensibilities stroking out. These kids don't have this kind of stuff a lot of the time. Hell, these kids will wear coats in Atlanta in the summer because they don't have *deodorant* and they're ashamed.

[elehhhhna]

15. you just broke my heart. i can't see the keyboard now

[ulysses]

17. get this, though.

After our adoption fell though on Monday, I told the kids on Tuesday what had happened (they were curious about where I'd been Thursday and Friday) and gave them a writing assignment on the topic "What's the most disappointed you've ever been?"

One of my girls' dad died last year, and I know she's felt ignored at home since then. She wrote about not getting enough attention at home, and at the end, wrote that she wished she could be adopted by Ms Uly and me. I had to leave the damned room.

[Kanary]

22. oh gawddess........ that did it.......

Not only can I relate to that kid, but I'm also very afraid for her......

You're bringing some very important stories to us, Uly!!

Thanks for all you're doing.....

Kanary

[DebJ]

9. How long have you been teaching there? My hubby teaches

special ed kids in an inner city school in york, Pa...twenty years as of this year.

[ulysses]

10. this is my first year there.

I teach special ed kids too. Your husband has my respect. :thumbsup:

[DebJ]

11. good luck. And hey, can you please tell us how you get a

brain-damaged child, whose parents are on cocaine and god knows what else, how does a brain-damaged child get brought to grade level in two years, when they couldn't get past 2nd grade reading level in 7 years????

Maybe they are teaching that now in college? How to do this?

[ulysses]

18. !

Hell if I know - I teach LD kids and trying to get *them* to grade level may well be a challenge beyond me. I'm coming in through an alternative certification program and our cert. classes have just started, so maybe they'll let us in on that secret before long. Has your husband been given this task???

[LWolf]

12. It sounds like you're off to a good start, Uly.

You've pointed out the stark reality; as teachers, we can do our best with the time that we have with our students, but we cannot change their homes or what they go back to outside the classroom doors. We can hope that we give them valuable skills and tools for dealing with whatever it is they deal with, but we can't change their past or their present outside of school.

If we really want to make sure we're not leaving any child behind, we have to be willing, as a nation, to make sure we aren't leaving any people behind. We have to make sure that our poor can get jobs, housing, etc.; we have to empower them. Then we can do a better job educating them...all of them.

[ulysses]

19. exactly.

Of course, the rest of the reality is that the political will exists in neither party to do anything that would genuinely help these folks for the long run, so things like NCLB will continue to be what they were all along - an assault on public education disguised as an attempt to help it.

[LWolf]

64. Yes.

It's kind of like much of the health care system these days; obsessively test for and treat symptoms, rather than root causes.

If we addressed our crises at the source, our politicians would have so many fewer soundbites to outrage or boast over.

A community that is safe, friendly, healthy, and full of opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed, where everyone has adequate shelter, food, clothing, sleep, etc... families who could both make a living and be there to raise their kids...

If our students all had those things from birth to adulthood, how much more effective would our efforts be?

Should all kids have a right to those things? I think so.

I think that if I could only teach my students one single thing; if they were going to leave my class having learned just one thing...it wouldn't be anything academic. I'd like to leave them with an understanding of, and internalization of, empathy. A quality our society is in short supply of, it seems.

[G_j]

13. American Apartheid

What you describe is so very sad.
Nobody really talks about this. Is it Taboo? America would rather shatter the mirror than look into it. America would rather dehumanize and blame than understand and heal.
--
This article addresses primarily the justice system but it all fits into what can accurately be called "American Apartheid".
It is hard to imagine how long it will take to ever become a healthy and just society, especially since the will to do that seems absent.
It is a very disturbing picture. When will we wake up?


--------------------------
The New American Apartheid

by Randall G. Shelden June 22, 2004
and William B. Brown
www.sheldensays.com


Part I
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=43&ItemID=5758


Part II
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=10&ItemID=5757


Part III
https://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=43&ItemID=5756

[ulysses]

20. yes.

Nobody really talks about this. Is it Taboo?

It *is* apartheid and it *is* taboo.

[RivetJoint]

14. I hope you've informed the authorities of what you

have dicovered. Please.

[Kanary]

23. I think it's up to us to write about it.

Teachers are very limited in what they can officially do.

I think WE are the ones who need to take this info and push it!

Kanary

[ulysses]

24. I don't know specific instances.

Besides, I don't expect that I'd get more than a promise to keep an eye out.

[MsTryska]

16. Depressing isn't it?

I work less than 2 miles from the area you're describing. over by the greyhound station.

[ulysses]

28. lot of folks I hadn't realized were in town.

:hi:

Actually, it makes me mad to see these folks that I know have been abandoned by the political machine and the folks in the nicer, safer parts of town.

[Tsiyu]

25. Those kids have so much against them.

I can still see the bright eyes of those inner city kids, living in squalor and in the midst of every kind of industrial and urban pollutant.

I had six babes and I have loved many, many more. Every reasonably healthy child can become something. But abuse, rape, family violence mark so many kids. They suffer from urban PTSD but are never treated or even thought of with compassion - and often not thought of at all.

If you can reach their curiosity and give them hope and a sense of self-worth, miracles can happen. but we live in an age and under an Administration that says it's acceptable for Corporations to keep trashing the "poor" parts of town. Just give those kids some abstinence education, tell 'em "just say no" and then execute the ones that go bad. Try them as adults and issue the death penalty when society and school board and home neglect create violent human beings.

We are so Pro-Life, huh?

[ulysses]

30. truly enough said.

To quote (or paraphrase) KG, "This society does not love its children."

[tom_paine]

27. Excellent post, Ulysses

[ulysses]

29. thanks, tom.

[noiretextatique]

31. yeah...take a long, hard look because THAT is what

the neocons have in mind for the rest of america. they've been practicing on black people for some time.

[ulysses]

32. yup.

:hi: Karen.

[noiretextatique]

33. hey ulyssess...congrats on the job

:hi: you have my respect and admiration on your chosen profession, john. and i'm glad you're out of the other place. i was planning to work as a sub, but i wouldn't be able to pay my bills on the salary. still...it's something i know i NEED to do at some point, cause the kids need help.
:loveya: blessings

[ulysses]

35. I have to say

that working in a high-needs school isn't something I chose easily, nor is it something I'd have necessarily chosen at all were I not 35, feeling the need to establish some kind of career and to make that career education. I understand the bills, and Atlanta pays better than any other district in Georgia. Of course, there's a reason for that.

[noiretextatique]

38. ahh... but you are there

and you are making a difference...the details of your arrival don't really matter.
i think it's a shame that we invest so little in education that people like me literally cannot afford to teach. in a few years when i've gotten rid of some debt...i can do it then.

[bread_and_roses]

46. Exactly

Numerically, there are more poor "white" people than poor "people of color" and they too suffer the contempt, lack of support and opportunity, the punitive mandates of welfare "reform", admonitions to bootstrap in areas where there are no jobs and where often the schools are underfunded, etc.. But the demonization of the poor that was fueled and supported by racism - giving the poor a black face, focusing on inner-city gang activity and drug problems while ignoring poverty, sub-standard schools, infant mortality worse than any other advanced industrial society, etc - inevitably spilled over to poor white people too. After all, to say that poor black people were lazy and criminal and poor white people were simply unfortunate or victims of unemployment would be too openly racist.

The racism in our society is starkly revealed in the % of poor within those groups. For whites, it is something like 8% while for people of color it is closer around 23%. But in an ironic twist, poor white people have become victims of our unspoken, unacknowledged racism.

And - poor does not = stupid. Why should the poor vote, when neither party pays the slightest attention to their plight except once every four years?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

34. I felt the same way when I worked with street kids

Most of them were not stupid, and they were good kids at heart, but warped first by bad (really bad) parenting and then by the jungle that is street life--and then treated as vermin by the "respectable" people.

Years ago, a roommate of mine worked at the Yale Art Gallery, giving tours to schoolchildren. She said that the kids from the wealthy suburbs made a point of appearing bored and blase, but that the inner city kids, especially the young ones, were fun to deal with, because they didn't know that art galleries were "supposed" to be boring. They'd become fascinated with individual paintings and eagerly enter into the "thought experiments" that she proposed.

Despite the slogan of the United Negro College Fund, we are wasting a lot of young minds these days, and they are housed in bodies of all colors.

[ulysses]

36. that's certainly true enough.

I tend to lay the majority of all this at the doorstep of our surpassingly stupid mass culture, but that's probably too facile. Still, I think it gets us things like George W. Bush...

[Kanary]

43. I had a somewhat different experience, sadly enough...

I used to work with 3rd graders in a program that spent a day with them...... 1/2 day in a natural history museum, and 1/2 day on a field trip to the foothills. They were just fine in the museum, but out in the woods, the inner city kids were obviously frightened. It was clear that they knew how to be tough in the city, but the threats they perceived in the woods weren't something they had defenses for. It was sad to us to see these kids be so afraid of the beauty of the outdoors.

The experience in an art museum sounds very fulfilling!

I agree with you about the parenting, in a lot of cases, but I get so tired of hearing people blaming the parents for everything. As ulysses post shows, there are so many more factors at work.

Kanary

[prolesunited]

37. Is there something we could do for the kids

in your classroom? Perhaps DUers would be interested in adopting a classroom.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

39. Ooh, excellent idea!

:thumbsup:

[ulysses]

42. keep pushing

for governmental support, another war on poverty, real help for public education. Keep fighting the right wing and the Zells on our side.

I like the idea of classroom adoption, but I can take care of stuff like buying kids deodorant or a toothbrush (if I can ever figure out how to figure out who needs this stuff), and the district is pretty decent about letting us buy stuff for our classrooms. If there are any African-American DUers who are willing to come talk to my kids about what their options are, that'd be helpful.

[bread_and_roses]

41. Thank you ulysses

for this post. I have dealt with some youth coming "upstate" from NYC and it is the most frustrating experience I have ever had in human services. These youth have no idea how to function in what we think of as "ordinary" society. Many, if not most, end up in jail, and far too many eventually in prison. I have been saying for years that we've allowed our inner cities to devolve into third-world war-zones. Then we blame the victems. And I didn't notice much attention under Clinton, or much compassion in his welfare "reform." Anyone who wonders why "these people" don't vote has to be unaware of the depth of poverty, illness, hopelessness, deprivation, lack of opportunity, etc. etc. etc. in our inner cities. It is criminal that we as a society have allowed this. And it IS racist, and no one talks about it.

[ulysses]

48. you have to give people a reason to vote

once they no longer see a reason. We've done a piss-poor job of that with our minority poor. I lay much of that solidly at Bill Clinton's feet.

[Kanary]

57. Not to mention, non-minority poor.

Although, the poor of any stripe are "minority".

And, yes, Clinton shoulders much blame. I was SICKENED when I heard him say that his only regret of his presidency was that he didn't "do welfare first". I'm sure he's well aware of the suffering he caused, but that doesn't matter...... it's only important to be politically expedient. He wishes he had used poor folk to build up political points to use for his health care proposal..... for middleclass people. That's all that matters now.

It completely sickens me, and I can't even stand to see his face.

Kanary, one of the non-minority poor

[ulysses]

59. good point.

Poverty is color-blind, certainly.

[starroute]

44. There's an incredible degree of demoralization

I keep thinking about the 60's, when there were inner-city riots every summer for years, and wondering why the same thing isn't happening now.

Not that the riots were a good thing -- but the fact that people aren't rioting now, when objectively they're so much worse off, is more disturbing than if they were. It's as if you need to have a certain degree of hope to riot, and they don't even have that.

At my more tinfoil moments, I even start to suspect that the despair of the inner cities has been deliberately engineered as a social control measure. The only thing that keeps me from accepting the idea fully is my reluctance to believe that anybody could possibly be that evil. But lately, I'm not even sure about that.

[Blue_Tires]

45. I went to Morehouse College in the mid to late 90s

and believe me, the area was 10 times worse at that time...at least a little improvement has been made since then (but not much, i know)

[ulysses]

47. I drive through the AUC

on my way to work. South of MLK and a little north, before you get to the Bluffs, it's not so bad.

[JackDragna]

49. It's class war. Pure and simple.

What is happening to your kids and to the kids in your school is an abomination. Wealthy Americans hoard the capital in this country and intentionally perpetuate an underclass to be their soldiers, mow their laws and pick up their trash. Every time I hear some idiot say African-Americans are poor because they don't work, I point out the working poor, African-Americans and everyone else, have to be doubly more responsible with their money than some rich white prick who got his job from his dad.

Someday, we'll not allow this huge disparity in income, potential and education.

[Eloriel]

51. Ulysses

I can't even imagine, personally, what it must take to do what you're doing. I can't personally imagine teaching kids at all, let alone in a "third world country," let alone special needs, and let alone being white in an all-black school. To say that you have my admiration, respect and thanks is an understatement. In addition to all that (in spades), you also have my AWE.

I hope it goes well for you, that you don't burn out too quickly (or at all -- is that too much to hope for?) and I hope you'll continue posting about your experiences. I hope also that you'll consider writing a book about your experiences. Not now, just take the idea and park it in the back of your brain for a while.

In a minute I'm going to send you a PM about something that just popped into my head. So check it later.

In the meantime, wow -- beyond what I've said, I'm speechless. Bless you!

[ulysses]

52. there are people

who have quietly taught at this school for decades. Much as I appreciate your comments, they're the ones who deserve the awe. I can't see myself being there *that* long without losing my mind.

It does have its rewards, though.

[Eloriel]

54. Oh, you deserve plenty of my awe

But in truth, yes, I'm in awe of anyone who can teach kids. *I* certainly couldn't do it.

[Kanary]

60. And many couldn't do it at all.

When we compare ourselves to others, we need to compare from both sides of the spectrum.

:hi:

I also agree with Eloriel about writing much of this down. What will be the final outcome of the writing, I don't know..... but it needs to be recorded, and see the light of day. I would also encourage you getting some of the stories from others. Maybe some comparisons of before and after NCLB? Whether material for a reporter, or a book, or series of articles, this badly needs to be read by the public!

Kanary

[ulysses]

61. well, as a new teacher,

I don't have the time or the political cover to go writing a book about all this. Maybe a few years down the line, though.

[Kanary]

62. Understood. That's why I was suggesting that for now,

these notes, and small writings, to keep it all fresh for you.

Later, something more can come of it. Then, you'll already have a start. Even if it's nothing more than these writings for DU. It will be something to build on.

And, I can't stress enough that DU badly needs to hear your experiences! That's part of the divide!

Thanks. You're doing much more than you seem to realize.

:toast:

Kanary, who will be looking for more of these writings!

[ulysses]

63. we'll see what comes of it I guess.

I'll keep posting anyway - sort of obsessive-compulsive about these things. :) :hi:

[G_j]

55. I agree with Eloriel, Ulysses

bless your heart

[ulysses]

56. well,

I appreciate it. I'm fortunate, really - I love teaching (even when I have to go to Saturday open house, like today) and should have never stopped doing it. What Joseph Campbell said about getting away from your bliss in order to make money was true.

[snoochie]

53. That's so sad

How do long-time teachers in areas like that get through decades of a career without shouting from the rooftops about what's going on?

I think I'll pass out the media contact list around at the next PTA meeting, and beg the teachers to start getting the word out about the truth behind NCLB. I don't live in an area like that - it's referred to as 'mixed-income', but I guess it can't hurt. I'd ask them to contact Kerry's campaign office about it, but I suspect that might cause more trouble than it's worth.

Thank you for sharing this.

[Kanary]

58. Great idea....... that media list.

Also, the infamous free number...... 1-800-839-5276.

I do *NOT* understand why teachers haven't been more outspoken about this.... they have a union, and are organized. It makes no sense to me that they are silent, and just quietly quitting. :wtf:

In my state, teachers had a clear choice during our recent Dem primary. One candidate was an educator with a tremendous background in public service and diplomacy also, and spoke out strongly and loudly against the NCLB, and vowed to repeal it. The other candidate had *no* experience with education, and thought NCLB was fine, just needed to be fully funded. You probably guessed it..... the union came out for the second one. :wtf:

There is obviously something going on that I don't understand.

Kanary

[Elidor]

65. Wow. That brings back memories. I was homeless there.

The Salvation Army used to be on not-so-Luckie Street about a half mile south of Coke HQ. I spent weeks sitting out front in line from noon till evening, trying to get a bed, then going away to sleep where I could when I didn't. A very rough neighborhood. (I understand there's an Olympic Park there now.)

My SO is a soon-to-be minted ESL teacher here in Tennessee, currently doing her student teaching in a school district near a Perdue chicken plant. Some of her grade-school students tell of having WALKED here from Guatemala. Their parents are treated abominably, both at work and in the community, but the only regrets they seem to have in coming here are their family members who died along the way.

Helping my So through her studies, I'm simply amazed that anyone ever becomes a teacher, what with all the hoops one has to jump through. It takes an almost fanatical determination to win through. My hat is off to you, Ulysses. It's a noble profession. It's a shame our country spends more on war and mayhem than educating our children.

I'd like to see military spending tied to education spending, so that they couldn't increase the military budget without also improving our schools. But I'm a dreamer.