Allen Mooneyhan
Politics
of Education
Personal
Reflections
Set
#2
Dr.
Mitchell Holifield
Arkansas
State University
June
18, 2001
A
number of days ago the cohort spent some time talking about the ethical
decisions concerning the case of the physics teacher accused of being part of
the Aryan Brotherhood. Since that
time, I have reflected upon the discussion several times.
Several things bothered me considerably involving the perceptions of
those involved in this case.
It
was suggested that most of us tended to be more supportive of the physics
teacher than we were of the English teacher who had been caught stripping.
One reason I found this bothersome is that it was generally accepted that
this should not have been the case. However,
it seems to me that one rightfully deserves to be given more support and
leniency in a situation where it is unclear as to whether or not he or she had
done anything that could be considered wrong.
I believe it was later agreed we would all welcome the scenario in our
own lives in which we would have our rights considered in situations in which we
may find ourselves.
Additionally,
it is bothersome to me that one may be innocent of an accusation and still have
to suffer the consequences of that accusation.
I understand, however, that this may be unavoidable.
If accusations result in a situation in which the teacher cannot fulfill
the responsibility required there may be no choice but to infringe on the rights
of the teacher so that others involved may realize their rights.
I seize and struggle to maintain contact with the hope that if we respect
all people and treat everyone with dignity no one will fail to realize their
rights because of our actions.
Finally,
I am somewhat concerned by a consideration that a conservative community might
support the physics teacher who was accused of being part of the Aryan
Brotherhood on the grounds of what he believes.
I fully understand supporting the fact that he has a right to believe as
he chooses. However, to support him
on the basis of what he believes seems to be the antithesis of what I see in the
conservatives with which I am associated. This
may be due to the fact that, outside of work, school, and my family, virtually
the only contact I have with others is through my local church.
I have long associated my church with the conservative community and thus
have probably extended most of my beliefs to those considered to be
conservatives. This may be somewhat of an error on my part as I have
considered my beliefs applicable to a large segment of the population.
However, what concerns me most is that individuals may associate my
conservative beliefs, which include that everyone deserves an equal chance in
life with the racism of an organization like the Aryan Brotherhood.
My conservative beliefs stem from my religious activities and teachings
which include a strong tenant that all are deserving of love, consideration, and
support by those of us who choose to do our best to uphold the beliefs and
values we interpret from the Bible. A
prime example of what the Bible teaches about racism is the story of the Good
Samaritan. In this story, a man
needs help and is not afforded that help by his own people and those who were
traditionally thought to do good works. However, the one person who was shunned
by the people whom the man was associated with saved the man's life and helped
him through his ordeal. This, in my
opinion, is an excellent example of what the Bible teaches about racism.
Finally, I believe that, in my mind, I have worked through two important considerations as a result of putting to paper the concerns addressed in this reflection. First, I have determined the belief that many "conservatives" have a racist tendency is unfounded. This is due to the fact that I believe a large proportion of conservatives have that political view because they feel it is the view most consistent with the religious teachings to which they attempt to adhere. For this portion of our population, I believe there is acceptance for minority groups and a desire to treat all equally. Second, I believe that I may need to be careful with my association with conservative groups. There are probably several groups who call themselves conservative who do not meet my definition of conservative or, at the very least, do not espouse to my indication that a conservative is one who believes the Bible and attempts to live according to its teachings. Furthermore, I must consider what conservative means. I believe that depends upon who is defining it. Is it a question of respecting the right to have different beliefs or is it a question of accepting beliefs we do not agree with? I believe that one can accept that a person has a right to believe what he or she desires. However, I do not think that conservatives should be required to agree with and support beliefs that are in contradiction to their convictions for the sake of being accepting and tolerant. If non-conservatives could respect the rights of conservatives to disagree with them rather than insinuating they are not reasonable for holding those beliefs, progress may be made in reaching solutions acceptable to both parties.