3 LA teachers suspended for honoring O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul

[LynneSin]

3 LA teachers suspended for honoring O.J. Simpson

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100303/ap_on_re_us/us_black_history_suspensions

LOS ANGELES – Three Los Angeles school teachers have been suspended for giving children pictures of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul to carry in a Black History Month parade.

Los Angeles school district spokeswoman Gayle Pollard-Terry said Wednesday the teachers were removed from their classrooms at Wadsworth Elementary School. She says the teachers, who are white, could have made a more appropriate choice, such as Oprah Winfrey.

She says the school held the parade Friday, with children from other classes carrying photos of black heroes such as Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman and President Barack Obama.

The three teachers have been placed on administrative leave until an investigation is complete.



________________________________________

Ok, I can understand Simpson - he may/may not have killed his wife. But other than being a bit of a character, Dennis Rodman is one of the top defensive players of all time in the NBA. But RuPaul, why would you suspend someone over RuPaul? I would hardly lump RuPaul in with OJ Simpson when it comes to offensive - unless someone is offended by an Africian American Drag Queen

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. How About Dr. King, Malcom X, and Muhammad Ali?

~

[LynneSin]

2. It sounds like there was a variety of people honored

I'm just a bit offended that somehow RuPaul is perceived as a reason to suspend a teacher.

[devilgrrl]

5. So you don't think they had sinister intentions?

:crazy:

I think it's pretty obvious that they were being derogatory. How you can't see that is bewildering.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. Could Be Or They Were Hopelessly Naive Not To Think The Choices Would Be Controversial

~

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. I disagree

All 3 are notable African Americans. We had OJ's picture up on the wall in our school during Black History Month. BFD.

[devilgrrl]

12. O.J. who got away with murder, RuPaul a transvestite, and Dennis Rodman a cross-dresser

They were being insulting - it's that simple.

:popcorn:

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. We have no way of knowing what their intentions were

I'll wait for more info before I pass judgment.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud2BlibKansan]

20. Show me where I said that

I'll wait.

[devilgrrl]

23. Here...

"Los Angeles school district spokeswoman Gayle Pollard-Terry said Wednesday the teachers were removed from their classrooms at Wadsworth Elementary School. She says the teachers, who are white, could have made a more appropriate choice, such as Oprah Winfrey."

Copy and pasted from the article.... happy now?

[proud2BlibKansan]

50. I didn't say that. You are quoting the article.

I said I will wait to pass judgment when I have more facts. We don't know what the teachers' intentions were. Just being white doesn't make them racists.

[LanternWaste]

93. Correct. So we infer from an obvious

"We don't know what the teachers' intentions were."

Correct. So we infer from an obvious-- white teachers use glaringly controversial examples of a demographic, rather than the obviously appropriate successful role models. What I infer from that is one of two things-- either too stupid and out of touch with contemporary events and trends to be a teacher, or willful and passive malice (i.e., racially motivated) on their part.

That there could be other explanations that are mathematically possible, but I think I'd go with the Vegas odds on this one. And, as our own judgments are directly and indirectly ineffectual, our judgments are more an academic exercise than they are the condemnation of a judges ruling.

[cali]

24. there are so many wonderful contemporary AAs they could have chosen as role models

for their students and they chose these three? please. If they wanted a sports hero type, there are dozens of those. How about Shani Davis for one? Entertainers? How about Monique or Beyonce of Morgan Freeman or dozens of others. Either these three teachers are stupid fucks or they're racist fucks.

[devilgrrl]

26. I think they're both stupid and racist!

:mad:

[Behind the Aegis]

28. What is wrong with RuPaul as an entertainer? Why is choosing him "insulting?"

NOt only has he made in-roads for drag queens and female impersantors, but he is a great preformer, actor, and brought quite a bit of attention to the gay and straight community about AA in the gay community.

[devilgrrl]

30. There's nothing wrong with RuPaul. Do you think those WHITE teachers were well intended?

If so - I think you're nuts.

[Behind the Aegis]

34. I don't give a fuck what you think about me.

Do you know their intentions? I am guess you don't, just like me. However, it is insulting as fuck to see posters like you make it seem as if RuPaul is something to be ashamed of or isn't an appropriate choice for an AA role model!

[devilgrrl]

37. Fine, then don't get upset should some anti-semite hand out pictures of David Berkowitz!

RuPaul is perfect for a racist homophobic assholes like those teachers probably are. :hi:

[Behind the Aegis]

39. Like you'd give a shit or even post about it.

But, if the white person turns out to be a fag/dyke or P-FLAGer then all will be OK, right?

[devilgrrl]

42. Think what you want - you're obviously not too concerned by the underhanded racism by these teachers

:hi:

[Behind the Aegis]

43. And you're obviously not concerned with homophobia.

:hi:

[devilgrrl]

56. Keep telling yourself that!

[Behind the Aegis]

57. No need, you do it so well.

[devilgrrl]

61. Yeah because Josephine Baker is much better choice than RuPaul - James Baldwin too!

:hi:

[Behind the Aegis]

62. They are wonderful choices, so is RuPaul.

[devilgrrl]

64. I'm so glad that you didn't find those selections homophobic!

Because I think those teachers are both homophobic and racist! They're picking on RuPaul not promoting her.

[Toasterlad]

49. I Don't Think That Was the Poster's Intention

The poster was suggesting that the TEACHERS that chose RuPaul for inclusion in this event considered RuPaul a poor role model for black people, which seems likely to be the case. The poster clearly doesn't believe RuPaul is a non-positive African American, nor do I.

I think you're being oversensitive.

[Behind the Aegis]

54. Perhaps, but without knowledge of the real motivations, I see this as added bigtory.

[Toasterlad]

73. It's True That the Teacher's Motives Are Not Known, But Given That the Three People Chosen

all represent traits that would appear negative to some right-wing jackass, it seems likely they were chosen for derogatory purposes. Who picks OJ Simpson as a hero of black history? Seriously, who does that?

[LynneSin]

82. I love RuPaul

I understand that the teachers, who were white, might have made the choices thinking that somehow RuPaul is bad because (is he a he or a her because I know he dresses as both a man and a woman - I thought he was a gay man who does drag queen but please correct me if I'm wrong)of who RuPaul is. But honestly, I think RuPaul is a better role model that folks give credit for.

And from what I read with the article - other teachers choice more appropriate role models.

[cali]

31. I don't have any particular problem with that choice, it's that choice

in conjunction with the two others that steams me. And sorry, I can still think of more inspirational figures than RuPaul.

[Behind the Aegis]

36. I can think of hundreds, but how many are as well known.

AS far as I know the others were sports junkies, who knows. But, what I am seeing is that this is insulting to GLBT folks as well as AA if you and others are so intent on claiming this is racism. I guess if we found out the white person who chose this is a big ole faggot/dyke or P-FLAGER, then it will be OK?

[cali]

44. look, there are real people who make excellent role models for children

none of these three fit that description. period.

[Behind the Aegis]

46. RuPaul sure does.

[cali]

48. why? what has he done for humanity or for African Americans that makes him such

he's a minor entertainer. And if you can't come up with AAs who far exceed his accomplishments, you need an education.

[Behind the Aegis]

52. Seems you are in need of an education.

He has done much for the GLBT community.

"And if you can't come up with AAs who far exceed his accomplishments, you need an education."

How arrogant and ignorant on your part.

[cali]

58. really? what? do tell, dear.

what has he done for the black GLBT community. he's a minor celebrity. and he's hardly some shining light in the AA community. you don't give a fuck about the racism, but you're the first to scream about anti-semitism and homophobia.

[Behind the Aegis]

60. I do care about the racsim, but has it been proved? No?

No one said the person had to be some paragon. He has made important contributions. Maybe you should learn more about him and his life and career, dearie.

[eilen]

69. Well, he is on tv every week

as is Dennis Rodman on Celebrity Rehab. OJ-- well he did have the support of the AA community throughout his trial. I don't know that he would be considered to be an affront. Sure there are many stellar citizens that are AA, however, these three have also made tremendous accomplishments in a prejudicial society.

[delete_bush]

88. Thanks for your reasoned approach

Missing from the OP was this...

"Pollard-Terry said Simpson, Rodman and RuPaul were included on a list of prominent African Americans approved by the school for study during Black History Month."

[eilen]

68. I love Ru Paul

He is so talented and is a really good person too. I don't know why anyone would consider honoring him to be derogatory to his race.

[proud2BlibKansan]

53. How do you know they weren't offered a menu and had no other choices?

That was my first thought. Someone at my school bought a packet of pictures of notable African Americans and put the pics up in the hall last month. OJ Simpson was one of the pictures. I wouldn't put his picture up or include it in the packet but someone else made that choice.

We don't know that someone else at the school didn't choose these pictures and handed them out. If they were in a parade and they wanted all the pictures to be the same size that is a likely scenario.

Now if that is not what happened and these teachers thought they were being funny I will be first in line to condemn them. But until the facts are in I am not going to do that.

[devilgrrl]

66. We'll find out what they were up to and my money is on that they're racist assholes.

eom

[Pithlet]

70. Yep. What's the more likely scenario.

That's where I'd put my money, too.

[Skip Intro]

76. I agree. You are absolutely right to seek enough info in order to arrive at an informed opinion.

Not as much fun as inventing conspiracy theories and jumping to conclusions, granted, but far more reasonable.

[BR_Parkway]

33. So being a transvestite or cross dresser are bad things that would

be insulting? Interesting.

Not that I think the teachers made the most appropriate choices - But it's nice of you to vocalize your thoughts on the "T" part of the GLBT community. Bigotry in all forms is pretty insulting actually - it's that simple

[Chulanowa]

35. In general discourse? Unfortunately yes

This is why there's a struggle for their rights. I doubt devilgrrl was putting down transvestites, simply commenting on the general perception.

[cali]

40. uh, let's see: someone who's known for cross dressing and terrible behavior

a minor celebrity who's a transvestite and a man who was accused of murdering his wife. that's who these three fuckwads came up with as role models for their class to honor. You can't think of figures who are more inspirational and better role models? It ain't that tough, dear.

[BR_Parkway]

63. another - and I'm not your dear. Both RuPaul and Rodman are actually

ground breakers in showing the world that they can achieve high honor without conforming to societies complete structure of what is or is not "appropriate" dress. Were they the best choices? Don't really know, the article reports that Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman and President Barack Obama were also featured by children in other classes - and if three teachers suspended - I'd have to figure at least 120 students were involved in this parade and the article doesn't say who else they highlighted.

OJ is certainly as bad a choice as Tiger Woods would have been - but at the height of their careers, both were very much respected for their achievements

Could they have been being malicious with these choices? Certainly, but too little info to know for sure. Could they have been trying to promote some diversity and acceptance by also highlighting that some people have been successful even when they were 'different' and not constrained to specific gender roles? Certainly, but too little info to know for sure.

Could automatically deciding that people not following accepted gender roles or clothing is a negative thing be bigoted? Certainly. And the implication is perfectly clear.

[Toasterlad]

74. They Didn't Choose RuPaul For What He IS, They Chose Him For What He Represents to THEM

I shouldn't have to tell you that homophobic racists don't find black drag queens admirable people. Or did you think it was a coincidence that they also chose OJ Simpson as a hero of black history?

You guys objecting to the contempt being heaped upon these teachers seem to be under the impression that those doing the heaping are condemning the celebrities chosen. With the notable exception of Simpson (who should certainly NOT be admired, by anyone), no one is saying these are bad choices. We're saying that they were chosen because the teachers BELIEVED them to be bad choices

[tnlefty]

78. Well, I like RuPaul when he's in drag, and not...

He's a handsome man and pisses me off as a woman. I'm envious of the ability to wear that make-up, hair, and still be able to pull it off. Men who do make-up much better than I will have a tendency to piss me off. :rofl:

[BR_Parkway]

86. No, I've said that there's not enough info to know what the teachers

thought - we're presented with 3 people out of somewhere close to 100 if all the students were in the parade because that's newsworthy. If the other 97 were stellar examples of great people - that would point out that the teachers weren't bigoted at all. But we can't know that from what info has been provided.

You guys are jumping to these conclusions that sound like 3 teachers selected 3 disgraced African Americans only to mock Black History month.

Here's the only other article I can find about the incident - http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/03/local/la-me-teachers4-2010mar04

and here's one thing noted "Pollard-Terry said Simpson, Rodman and RuPaul were included on a list of prominent African Americans approved by the school for study during Black History Month."

I do wish that it talked more about how many students were carrying pictures. If these 3 were some of a very small group, then yeah - it looks more toxic than if they were a small percentage of the total.

I would imagine that there was some thought put into the school's decision to include those three as a way of trying to make history more up-to-date? I'm not a teacher, but speaking as a parent - how do you keep it meaningful to a 4th grader who watched Obama get sworn in last year to try to connect to someone like Rosa Parks or MLK - people that are ancient in that child's mind

I'm not saying any more about this - I'm a gay white guy and shouldn't be involved in a discussion of someone feeling that something else is racially prejudicial. I hate it when people tell the gay community we shouldn't be offended, so I've got no business wandering into those waters on this one. The only reason I even posted here was the comments that were so negative to transvestites and cross dressers.

[Toasterlad]

91. I Agree That It's All Speculation At This Point

However, the inclusion of OJ Simpson indicates to me that this was a specific case of teachers attempting to mock the spirit of black history month.

And as one gay white guy to another, I think it's perfectly all right for us to be involved in the discussion, precisely as long as we're not telling people that they have no right to be offended. But I don't believe that anyone on this thread intended to imply that drag queens can't be admirable people, or that RuPaul is not an admirable person. I would certainly never presume to tell an African-American that they are wrong to be offended by the misuse of black celebrity images (positive or negative), although I reserve the right to intervene if I think someone is misinterpreting another post (as I intervened above).

[Behind the Aegis]

92. And you and I disagree.

It is all speculation, but as the other poster showed, the school approved those three. As for others implying RuPaul is not an admirable person, that wasn't the question. It was is he an appropriate "role model" for the Balck History month pride parade, and you will clearly see there are those in this thread who don not think so; it was with that I took exception. Perhaps you don't think he is an appropriate role model?

[Toasterlad]

75. Dupe

[Toasterlad]

45. RuPaul Is a Drag Queen, Not a Transvestite.

"Transvestites" (a word that is no longer in favor) are usually straight.

[LynneSin]

80. How is being a transvestite or cross-dresser a bad thing....

and for the record I think RuPaul is just a drag queen. I believe he spends time dressed as a woman and as a man.

[NightWatcher]

13. sounds like they were being racist assholes and got caught

[devilgrrl]

15. That's what it sounds like to me too. Alarming that so many here think otherwise!

Take off those rose colored glasses! :mad:

[NightWatcher]

18. can you think of anymore inflaming people that they could have gone with

[devilgrrl]

22. Willie Horton. In fact, I'm surprised that they didn't hand his picture out.

eom

[Robb]

65. Al Jolson? nt

[catzies]

3. "LEAVE DENNIS ALONE!"

I'm an unabashed defender of Rodman (no pun intended).

Betcha most folks don't know that he paid for James Byrd's funeral.

For those that don't remember, he was the poor man who was lynched by being tied to a truck in Texas and dragged until he died a horrible death.

Dennis contacted the family and when he found out they couldn't afford to bury him, Dennis paid for it.

[frylock]

38. dennis rodman has a good heart..

he's a pretty complex individual and oftentimes misunderstood. i have nothing but respect for the man.

[devilgrrl]

4. Disgusting!

:puke:

[joeybee12]

7. In ways, RuPaul was a pioneer, because he crossed over...but since the

teachers included him along with OJ, I doubt they meant to be flattering to the SuperModel.

[Behind the Aegis]

8. How fucking stupid!

RuPaul is the shit!

You better work!

[devilgrrl]

71. RuPaul is the shit but those teachers weren't complimenting her IMHO.

eom

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. It's a literal war on teachers these days

Another AFT district. Lawsuit to be filed any day now.

[Sanity Claws]

14. Did you see that the teachers who chose these 3 were white?

I think their choice of these three is a none-too-subtle racist slap.
Of all the African-American people these people could have selected, they selected these three. Man, if you are defending this, you don't know an insult when you see one.

[devilgrrl]

16. Oh, I know! UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE!!!!

:nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke:

How dumb do you have to be?

[cali]

21. they're either so stupid they shouldn't be teaching or racists.

[devilgrrl]

25. Cali - do you really think that they're that naive? My bullshit detector flew out the window.

eom

[cali]

27. no. it's too insulting.

[devilgrrl]

29. Isn't it?

I usually don't fly off the handle like this - but I can't help it in these situations and that people here are giving them the benefit of the doubt is infuriating.

[Chulanowa]

32. Anyone who thinks this was innocent hasn't been paying attention

Nothing against Dennis or RuPaul - O.J., well, no comment - but if you're celebrating black history month, it might make a little more sense to choose people who, like... Made history, or lasting cultural impact. Not three people who, usually, are the butt of cheap jokes on late-night TV.

If you're going to goof off, though, at least goof off with style

[FreeState]

72. "it might make a little more sense to choose people who, like... Made history, or lasting cultural..

"it might make a little more sense to choose people who, like... Made history, or lasting cultural impact"

I realize this has gone over everyones head but RuPaul fits that bill to GLBT persons. There are GLBT students at the school celebrating black history month too. It may not be true for those of you outside of our community but to state he does not fit that bill is beyond insulting to me as a gay man.

[Chulanowa]

79. I honestly don't know much about RuPaul

So, really, no opinion either way. As I said, I'm not getting down on him (does RuPaul identify as "he?" Like I said, I have no idea) I just have a bias against entertainers being considered "historical figures", with hte exception of those who defined a genre. And... Well, I've already admitted being clueless about RuPaul, so, hey.

However I think both of us can agree that, whatever RuPaul's contributions to black history may be... that probably wasn't the intent of the teachers in question

[Behind the Aegis]

83. THANK YOU!!!!!!

:applause:

REALLY, thank you so much!

[upi402]

41. can we spank teachers?

brilliant. RuPaul hasn't lost the plot to my knowledge. But OJ and Rodman? c'mon

[proud2BlibKansan]

51. Get in line

Be prepared to wait.

[nadinbrzezinski]

47. Perhaps I am nuts

but OJ is not a hero... and no NBA star is a hero either...

Why not Angelou?

[Bluebear]

55. Because the racist teachers found their 3 more 'objectionable' black figures to 'feature'.

[cali]

59. yep. way to belittle their students.

[nadinbrzezinski]

67. Of course, and I would not blame the kids

in this case IT IS the teachers.

:hi:

[Dr. Strange]

77. Because Angelou never boxes out when she rebounds.

:)

I nominate this for the understatement of the month:

She says the teachers, who are white, could have made a more appropriate choice, such as Oprah Winfrey.

Not that Oprah would have been high on my list, but it would have been more appropriate.

[Canuckistanian]

81. Because Oprah Winfrey is a "more acceptable" black role model

:eyes:

[nadinbrzezinski]

87. Actually she is

after all she has yet to murder anybody... and pushes for things like oh readying.

My choice would be Maya Angelou, or for that matter a few others... such as MLK, Medgar Evers, or for that matter heroes of the 19th century... but then again I am historically inclined.

But yes, Oprah is far more acceptable, and a worthy role model.

There were other reasons these teachers chose these models... and had nothing to do with ahem the black experience...

[LiberalPC]

84. This is so racist!!!!!!

[Name removed]

90. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Number23]

85. I agree with those who said that considering that this is supposed to be a Black History Month

celebration, those who have actually contributed to Black History should be honored and I honestly don't believe that any of these people fit the bill. Whether this was a deliberate act of racism or not, I honestly don't know but there are literally millions of more worthy candidates. (I'd love to see more black women get recognition during BHM.) Actually, OJ may have been a good candidate 30 years ago but his legacy has been so tainted that it's kind of a moot point by now anyway.

And Dennis Rodman?? Please!

[Blue_Tires]

89. wow...classy....