Book Club: Holler If You Hear Me

Disruptions

            It made me really upset that so many of these students had teachers who were disinterested, and that they could feel that disinterest. Students should never feel unwanted, even if they do cause trouble. Mr. Michie shows time and time again that change in behavior is possible with caring. What the students wrote is most haunting because whether a teacher intended it or not, the student came out feeling bad about themselves. All they ask for is that someone understands them.

            I felt uncomfortable when one student wrote about how her and her teacher could improve. She included that talking critically of other teachers should stop. I have been guilty of this as an MTC teacher. It helps me to realize that I need to change. A positive attitude goes a long way, and it’s contagious.

            Cops not accusing other cops in Reggie’s story angered me. An excess amount of red tape and hierarchy clogs a system that is supposed to be helpful and instead becomes part of the problem. It is unfortunate that only sensationalized media got the attention of those in charge to a problem that eternally exists.

Descriptions

            The “single story” perpetuates the problems of this community. In the introduction, Michie mentions discussions that occurred with other teachers. “I read the newspaper. I’ve seen Dangerous Minds” (p. xx). They avoid working with inner-city kids because of how the media portrays them. Assumptions are made and second chances are withheld. It becomes cyclical and they are treated according to expectations, and thus their progress is hindered by negative stereotypes held, even by those who ought to be helping them.

            Hegemony exists in favor of the bad teachers within these stories. Hector writes that a culture among teachers and administrators disadvantages students. Even when the teacher is in the wrong, the administrator trusts their side because of a belief in adult authority and honesty.

            Michie works to gain cultural capital with his students by learning to relate to their history, music, and stories. When he starts the curriculum about Mexican-Americans, he studies what he can through history books and literature, but it is in listening to the stories of the kids themselves that he really gains their respect. “Everybody wants a rulebook on how to relate to gangbangers… But nobody wants to relate to them… We really have to understand these kids as human people who have basic needs that are not being answered.” (p. 140)

Influence

            People always say, “They have those?” when I tell them I want to teach media literacy classes in eighth grade. I know they are not common, but Michie’s experiences show that if the students have a positive experience with it, the administration will catch on and allow the teacher to build the program. I need to learn more about film from different cultures. I want to be ready to adapt to my student’s interests and needs so I need to widen my interests. I also want to have faith in my students. Yes, they will have bad behavior, but deep down they want to be successful and I need to be a part of encouraging that in spite of setbacks. I want to keep myself from focusing on discipline, which is the temptation when classes are getting out of control. I will need to learn to be patient so that when the bad days outnumber the good, I’ll stick around.