How can communities strive to rehumanize schools? The dehumanization of schools is a huge issue. We are trying to regain the safety of everyone at the school in many ways.
What is Dehumanization?
Dehumanization is the denial of full humanity in others, and in communities, which leads to cruelty and suffering. It is a psychological process where opponents view each other as less than human and not deserving of moral consideration. In other words, it deprives a person or group of positive human qualities.
Examples of Dehumanization
Examples of this include what happened to the Jews in the eyes of Nazis and Tutsis in the eyes of Hutus in the Rwandan genocide. Protracted conflict strains relationships, making it difficult for parties to recognize their shared human communities.
In School
The text highlights the negative effects of societal attitudes towards individuals in communities, including treating them as outgroups and shaming them based on their spiritual and cultural practices.
Other ways are marginalizing them based on their community history, showing a lack of empathy for students’ situations, failing to provide emotional safety in classrooms, and allowing harmful stereotypes and thoughts to exist, such as portraying black youth as superhuman.
What the Teachers Have to Say
Politics and non-educators have transformed schools into businesses focused on numbers and status, removing the human component in communities. Teachers are forced to push information down the throats of children, who need love and nurturing. this is how Communities Strive to Rehumanize Schools
Instead of doing all they can for their kids, they are told not to touch them. They need hugs, pats on the back, and the understanding that it is okay to show affection.
The decisions of these people have stifled teachers, who feel their purpose is to cram as much information into them as possible. They are beginning to crack under the pressure and feel that their opinions and professional knowledge are worth nothing.
Non-Educators
Non-educators should step into a classroom and observe the disruptive behavior of students in communities. They should also visit parents who feel it is the teacher’s fault when their child misbehaves or earns poor grades. They should see the disrespectful manner in which some parents speak to the teachers and how they are instructed to “just take it.”
Past meetings, team meetings, assemblies, and paperwork should be observed, as they often take away planning time. They should stay with the teachers until they have completely stopped working for the day, managing a household while continuing their work for school.
Teachers and students in schools are dedicated to instilling a lifetime love of learning, a change that is crucial to prevent dehumanization and ensure a positive learning environment.
School Shootings
School shootings are an example of the dehumanization that happens during school. It takes away the safety of students and causes daily fear in certain states counties. There are many ways we can stop school shootings. Many of the reasons school shootings start are usually from inside a school, from students you talk to every day.
People in the U.S. have a high number of guns, with over 390 million in the country. This violence is fueled by political factors, such as gun ownership, school safety, and social media.
Mass shootings can be categorized as bullying artifacts or domestic terrorism, with some individuals resorting to extreme violence to demonstrate their ability to stand up against threats. The mass shooting era began with Charles Whitman in 1966, creating a behavioral matrix that continues to impact the U.S.
Bullying at School
Bullying is another example of dehumanization. If we took away the bullying that happens at school, it would be a much safer place. It would create a safer environment for the people at the school. Feeling safe at school is very important and a big concern, as is regaining the safety of students from things that happen to them from other students.
How to Fix the Issue
To fix the issue of violence in schools, it is crucial to address the root causes such as gun violence and bullying. Implementing measures like medal detectors and ensuring teachers take immediate action when they witness bullying can help create a safer environment for students. Addressing these issues from the inside out is essential for addressing the root causes of dehumanization.
Students interviewed express disinterest in returning to remote learning, citing loss of social connections but acknowledging the positive impact of school changes. In particularly a new sense of autonomy in our communities. Allowing more independence will make schools and communities more of a safer environment again.
Written by Maleah Atkins
Sources:
CBU – 15 Tips for Creating a Safe Learning Environment
VCU news – Why do school shootings keep happening in the United States
Michelle Maiese – Dehumanization
Joygenua – 5 Steps to Add Humanization by Joygenua
Top and featured image Courtesy of Courtesy of Dr Case Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of RaeAllen Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
