“Hit us. Hit us and we will listen.”
A year ago, I never imagined a child would ever ask me to hit her. It’s jarring to hear those words come out of a 10 year old’s mouth. I have been here long enough to understand (at least partially) what is behind those words, but it is no less disturbing to me.
I was having yet another behavioral talk with my 5th graders. While rather childish, I made a comparison to a fellow teacher in hopes that they would finally get that just because I am some exotic import who speaks oddly does not mean they should treat me differently than their other teachers.
“I have seen you in class with Mma M. You are quiet and you listen. I am a teacher just like her. When I speak you should be quiet and listen.”
“But you don’t hit us! Hit us, and we will listen.”
Others joined in, eagerly. They were encouraging me.
“Yes, hit us!”
They wanted to make me happy. I attempted to explain my reasons behind not hitting them, but failed. Words like “respect” are empty of meaning. The English sounds familiar, but there is no real understanding. It devastated me that I could not explain both why I do not want to hit children and furthermore why they still should listen to me when I don’t. Their faces were curious, intrigued. They really wanted to understand, but the barrier of language makes explaining deep cultural values to a child near impossible.
Corporal punishment in schools is illegal, but in the rural areas it is often the most common form of discipline. The Department of Education lacks the resources to enforce the law adequately and, in many places, corporal punishment continues to be culturally accepted and commonplace in both homes and schools. Unfortunately, though, there are those who take it too far. While I have been seriously disturbed witnessing a teacher whipping a child’s bottom with a stick, I know other volunteers have seen horrific, straight-up abuse, with the children's scars to prove it. There is always someone who uses authority as an excuse for viciousness. My schools do not have these extremes, luckily. Yes, corporal punishment happens, but more moderately. Still though, the encouragement by children to inflict pain upon them...well, it was unnerving. I don’t think I will forget it.
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Ouch. This must really vex you. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteLightening the mood (hopefully), how about I send over a taser?
Okay, yeah, bad taste... I tried...
Problem with a taser is it can be reused. It's not like you can just shock them once, it can be done 100s of times as long as its attached.
ReplyDeleteWhy not say this is wrong, not allowed in your class and ask for help in changing the law?
It happens, just not that bad at your schools unlike other places?
I cannot even imagine. I am proud of you for sticking to your guns and keeping your beliefs. I agree... what can be done to change the law?
ReplyDeletexoxo
Tricia
My kids say the same thing almost every day. "Mee-steer! Beat me, you!" They hold out their fingers like an Italian chef exclaiming the quality of a sauce. Apparently, they'd rather be hit than have to stay after school in detention.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: CP is already illegal, it's the enforcement that's the problem. Personally, I have trouble telling teachers what to do when I obviously can't keep the class quiet worth a damn when I don't hit them.
Kristen:
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