Do You Think Dr. Seuss Is A Racist?

Recently a debate broke out that somehow concluded for some that Dr. Seuss is a racist. I disagreed with any one who thought that just because he was ignorant or lack awareness of how a person should react to an unknown prejudgement, should be labelled as a racist. If we are honest with ourselves, we know we struggle to accept certain uncomfortable prejudice that are unspoken or hidden. So, do we call ourselves racists? The fact that something change your mind about another group of people, makes you realize you ‘were once a racist’. Why do I say that?

We are not born without prejudgments because our cultures determine who we are.  Our cultures teach us how to relate, interact and socialize. But, our cultures do not teach us to be inclusive of everyone. Our lack of understanding of another culture, keep us away from the unknown and from our discomfort. For some will acknowledge that they were once racists, however, if  they were, how could they arrive at that conclusion? What made them racists?

What  Or Who Then Is A Racist?

This brings me to my next point. What makes us therefore racists? The fact that we discriminate does not necessarily make us racists. The comparison of who is superior and looking down on a race, that, makes a person a racist. The fact is I am better than you because I am a (race) speaks of your lack of understanding of that culture and race and therefore highlights your ignorance. The truth is, that is what racism is all about. It simply highlights our ignorance and our pride. Do we simply hold on to our stupidity or learn to see what is good in another culture and race?

Dr. Seuss Is Not A Racist

Why do I conclude that Dr. Seuss is absolutely not a racist? It is very simple. The fact that at the end of his life, he regretted ever written those early cartoons. He finally realized that he could have done better and he wished he never did what he did in his earlier work in his life. That realization made that difference. He acknowledged his prejudice and regretted. In that sense made me think that he was never a racist to begin with.

A self-professed racist would never acknowledge that and if we are honest enough, we would have to confess that we were once racists ourselves. If racism is indeed race discrimination and racial prejudice, then we are all absolutely guilty of being racists at the least once. Don’t you agree? Should the one who thinks he is not guilty cast that first stone? Think again.

The New Chapter – As David’s Learning Coach

When Dan and I decided the path for David was to home-school him, my new chapter as David‘s learning coach began. We were excited when his enrollment was accepted by K12.com

Excitement continued to build up when we finally had a chance to talk to his new teacher over the phone. To cut the story short, David was transferred from Transitional Kindergarten to Kindergarten.

 The New Chapter Comes The New Reality

Now, after the introduction to David’s new school online, Dan and I were told about our roles as his learning coaches. We had to go through orientation courses to get ready for this new role we were about to embark with him. The reality of being David’s learning coach finally set in. It took me a while to adapt and adjust to this new role in my life. Seven weeks had past and David did well although not always smooth sailing, we made it. This week, his teacher is preparing to meet all the parents and planning for the next quarter. We are meeting her on the 24th of October in the morning.

The Knots Behind My New Chapter – As A Learning Coach

He never has to do any intense work all through his 4 years on earth so far. He gets to play all day and not much schooling unless he wants to. If he does do any school work, they have never bothered him before. They are usually fun for him. About 4-5 weeks into our homeschooling program, David mentioned that school was hard work. The 7 weeks of homeschooling was not always smooth sailing like I’ve said before.

We struggled and got back to school on several occasions. One of the struggle we had was trying to get all the various phonic sounds accurately. I was born with a cleft palate and teaching David phonics was a tremendous task for me. Sometimes, if you know David, he liked to be the teacher instead.. and that did not help either. Unfortunately, the struggle might have caused him some anxiety which did not help our relationship as mom and son. At times, I wished the struggles never happened. Other than phonics, we got along pretty well.

The Needs To Advocate As A Mom In This New Chapter

I was his mom to begin with, although in my new chapter I was called to be David’s learning coach. I felt as his mom, I needed to fight for what was best for him. In so many way, I could work around to keep him engaged and growing in knowledge because I knew how to work according to his ability. He did great in many areas in Kindergarten however, I felt he needed more challenge in Mathematics so my mommy instinct kicked in.

I felt the need to push for more expectation from his Kindergarten teacher despite the fact that as a law abiding citizen, I grew up following rules and regulations. This is clearly another new chapter in my life. From a reserved and timid individual, I have become an advocate and David’s learning coach. This new chapter brought forth some epiphany moments in me.

The Epiphany Behind My New Chapter As David’s Learning Coach

Into the 7 weeks of homeschooling David, I got to see him for the first time cutting shapes independently using a safety scissors. He is able to write phrases reasonably well in lower case letters. So much so that even Grandpa noticed how much he improved in his handwriting. This proud mama had to share with his teacher.

The epiphany moment came when his teacher called me ‘a blessed homeschooling mom’. You see,  7 weeks before, we were not sure if we were ready to home-school David. However, 7 weeks into his Kindergarten, mommy suddenly realized we made the right choice to home-school him. We got to see, our own ‘aha’ moment. Nothing is more worthwhile than experiencing our ‘aha’ moments with David.

New Chapter -What’s For The Future?

For now, we are happy with our decision. We will continue to home-school David until the need arises to make another decision together. To work harder at improving my skills as a learning coach and be more sensitive to David’s feelings to build him up.

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