Black Children Must Comply

What do you think I want, respect or compliance?”

This was the question I posed to my class this week, after I asked them to define the terms. For compliance they yelled out things like “following orders” and “obedience.” They defined respect as “valuing the thoughts of others,” “being loyal,” and so on.

I asked them to define respect versus compliance for a few reasons. Last Friday, my class of mostly white college sophomores, juniors, and seniors was feeling particularly antsy. For many, my 11 o’clock course is their last one before their weekend begins and by the time I see them they are anxious to leave. But Last Friday took the cake. Peering at bright cellphone screens, a majority of students casually scrolled through Facebook and Instagram. Here I was trying to engage them in a conversation about Toni Morrison as they liked pictures and commented on posts. It was extremely frustrating.

My general policy is to note who is using social media and file it away for future reference. This will simply affect their participation grade. If they are persistent, I pull them aside and ask what’s up. Ultimately, my students are grown and make choices. My pedagogical style does not emphasize shaming or policing.- Gawker

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