“A substitute teacher in my HL math class: congrats for all the girls for being so brave and taking this course”
Conflict:
- misunderstanding
- disagreement
- stereotyping
- sexism
Potential violence:
- There might be a potential argument that may escalate quickly, because the teacher may be sending out a wrong message that might hurt the student(s)
- Mental violence towards women
Assumptions:
- The teacher: might generalise that all women are not capable of taking a harder subject but yet all men are capable
- Might lead to unfair judgements for opportunities
- Student: Might assume that the teacher is personally attacking her, and has a bad mindset.
- Me: I assume that the teacher isn’t fully aware of what she said, saying it bluntly not thinking about the consequences that may come from what the teacher had said
Transformative conversation
- Don’t jump to conclusions and ignite argument, understand that it may be a misunderstanding
- Ask the teacher why she said that, what is their point of view of this current situation. Were they aware of what they said? and how that might affect billions of girls?
- Rather turning it into an argument, educate each other and understand each other’s point of view. If you still think they are wrong tell them and educate them.
- Keep in mind that it is not about who wins or loses the argument , it is understanding why you think the way you do and why others think the way they do.
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