Having a racist/nationalist teacher

[PLAYER57832]

Act like a racist as well, except be for a different race. Always talk about how fucking awesome Italians are or something.

Italians are awesome. Of course they all know their country is pretty much shit. But Italians discovered American, baby! Top that.

Ok, Native Americans discovered America.
Also, Norwiegens before Italians.
Also aliens(see scientology)

Uh -- I believe Viking land was not controlled by Norwegians when America was discovered ... but on to the real debate..

Anyway, bottom line:
Education is not just about learning ideas we like. Sometimes the best education helps us to understand views we find truly distasteful. "Understanding" does not mean "agreeing".

Teachers WILL teach their own opinions. Your job is to regurgitate (recite back) what they tell you. SOME teachers really do want you to think, BUT they are few, just like bosses who really and truly want to hear your views are few and far between.

As long as it is just ideas, in a class, either drop the class or bear with it while you are there. If the teacher asks you to truly violate your morals --- swear on a Bible, spit on the Koran or other actions you personally find morally offensive (wearing green if it is against your religion to do so ... ), then you have a choice. You can see if you are legally protected and fight in court, you can drop out of the class and accept the consequences or you can try to appeal, rationally and calmly to the teacher's bosses, whomever they are. Or maybe something in between.

What you do depends on how important this grade is versus how important the issue is and the true options you have. In general, unless the teacher is actually breaking the law (HIGHLY unlikely, based on what you have said), you have little recourse. Best to use this as a lesson in dealing with authority figures with whom you disagree, while learning all you can.

Remember, you will meet all kinds of people in your life and many will not think as you. Part of education is teaching you to deal with those individuals. Besides, as I said earlier, Greece has contributed a lot to the world. Knowing that is not a bad thing. And, it in no way prevents YOU (no matter your teacher) from also learning about nice things other countries and people have done ... just don't try to tell your teacher about them. At least until you are OUT of her class! (again, and unless she is asking you to do something truly wrong!)

[b.k. barunt]

So it turns out that my new English teacher is ultra-nationalist. She is apparently one of those who believe conspirasies like how Greek have not become the offical language of the world etc. She also believes about Greeks being like the master race or something, Greeks are the smartest and best in everything and that we should conquer our enemies. When I said something about an idiot in TV who says that Greeks came from the space and are destined to rule the world she said that he is right and if I search in the internet I would realise that all these bullshit are true. What should I do with her? Try to ignore her or even agree with her so that she doesn't put me a low grade or constantly argue with her? What's the opinion of all you lesser human beings?

Shit.
What's the fucking problem?
When i saw the title, i figured you had a flag waver who hated minorities. Instead, it seems that you have an interesting, eccentric nut job - again, what's the fucking problem? I'd much rather have an interesting, eccentric nut job than some boring ass run of the mill cow eyed yuppie stepinline. If you can't handle a little weirdness, whatthefuck are you doing here?


Honibaz

[Ntetos]

She's an English teacher that believes there is a conspiracy against Greek becoming the official world language? Sounds like she is part of her own conspiracy theory.

That's an urban legend that many people believe. It is promoted by the nazi party accusing jews to be the reason Greek lost the election. I am embarassed to say that I believed this thing until i realized it just didn't make any sense when I was 8-9 years old. Why grown up pepole still believe it is a mystery to me.

Does your headmaster/principal agree with this nutjob? Or know that these opinions are being put forward in the classroom?
In these days of internet cafes and computers in the library it is quite easy to send an anonymous email detailing how you, a cocerned outsider, have "heard a rumour" from some of the pupils that this teacher has that opinion.

It won't really work. It will only make her appear like the hero-martyr that the evil traitor commies and anarchists want to silence. It has happened with a book a nazi wrote.

I can't drop her class because that's not the way the educational system in Greece works. It's a compulsory subject.

When i saw the title, i figured you had a flag waver who hated minorities

That's what she is. She just doesn't recognice minorities because we are all direct descedants of the Ancient Greeks. Immigrants on the other hand should all be deported. (I wonder who is going to do all the hard work if that happens.

Bend her over her desk and roger her senseless.

You haven't seen her. You don't want to.

I guess the only solution is to ignore and agree with her. It's going to be a very long year. At least most of my class agrees with me about her idiocy which I guess is a good sign for the future of this country.

[b.k. barunt]

Oops, didn't realize you were in Greece. Well that changes things somewhat, although i doubt if a Greek flag waver can be as obnoxious as an Amerikan flag waver. For one thing you're too small tho bully anyone.

You're right about not bending her over the desk though - from what i've heard that only works with men over there. Heh heh.


Honibaz

[PLAYER57832]

I don't know your teacher, or grade level, but the bottom line is you need the grade. Part of school is learning to "play the game". Your best bet is probably to go along with her unless and until she asks you do something truly against your morals ... if she thinks you should throw bombs, or even rotten apples at foreign embassies ... NO, of course not! BUT if she just wants you to agree that Greek is the best langauge and that everything Greek is good ... just listen, don't object and agree when you can. (and DO tell her what she wants to hear on the tests!!!). You can disagree when you are not in her class.

As for Jonas internet suggestion .. be VERY VERY careful. Email is quite trackable unless you really know what you are doing. Besides, it does not sound like she is really doing anything against the laws of your country.

On the bright side, the real truth is that Greece has a great culture and truly has contributed a lot to the world. So, there is a lot to be proud about. Concentrate on those things ... that you know there are other nice countries out there can be your "secret" until you get out of her class.

Good luck!

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Kids being supported by their parents, people with money, who don't have to work for a living have this option.

But PLEASE realize that most of the world does not ...
Not when it is something relatively minor. Most people HAVE to "go along" .. at least until the class, or job is over. That is just reality. When he is done with the class, THEN he can lodge a protest, once he has a decent grade in had.

[b.k. barunt]

I don't know your teacher, or grade level, but the bottom line is you need the grade. Part of school is learning to "play the game". Your best bet is probably to go along with her unless and until she asks you do something truly against your morals ... if she thinks you should throw bombs, or even rotten apples at foreign embassies ... NO, of course not! BUT if she just wants you to agree that Greek is the best langauge and that everything Greek is good ... just listen, don't object and agree when you can. (and DO tell her what she wants to hear on the tests!!!). You can disagree when you are not in her class.

As for Jonas internet suggestion .. be VERY VERY careful. Email is quite trackable unless you really know what you are doing. Besides, it does not sound like she is really doing anything against the laws of your country.

On the bright side, the real truth is that Greece has a great culture and truly has contributed a lot to the world. So, there is a lot to be proud about. Concentrate on those things ... that you know there are other nice countries out there can be your "secret" until you get out of her class.

Good luck!

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Kids being supported by their parents, people with money, who don't have to work for a living have this option.

But PLEASE realize that most of the world does not ...
Not when it is something relatively minor. Most people HAVE to "go along" .. at least until the class, or job is over. That is just reality. When he is done with the class, THEN he can lodge a protest, once he has a decent grade in had.

Correction - most people CHOOSE to go along. I'm not supported by my parents and i certainly don't have a lot of money, and i chose to speak up in spite of negative repurcussions in jobs, school, and the military. It's cost me a lot of grief, but i'm still alive and kicking. Choose to be an ass kissing sychophant if you want money, social status and comfort, but spare us the lame ass whining about how you "HAVE to go along". Pussy.


Honibaz

[jay_a2j]

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Kids being supported by their parents, people with money, who don't have to work for a living have this option.

But PLEASE realize that most of the world does not ...
Not when it is something relatively minor. Most people HAVE to "go along" .. at least until the class, or job is over. That is just reality. When he is done with the class, THEN he can lodge a protest, once he has a decent grade in had.

Correction - most people CHOOSE to go along. I'm not supported by my parents and i certainly don't have a lot of money, and i chose to speak up in spite of negative repurcussions in jobs, school, and the military. It's cost me a lot of grief, but i'm still alive and kicking. Choose to be an ass kissing sychophant if you want money, social status and comfort, but spare us the lame ass whining about how you "HAVE to go along". Pussy.


Honibaz

I choose to not go with the flow every day at work. (and no, I don't live with my parents) I choose to treat inmates like human beings, not to put my hands on them unless it is absolutely necessary. Both of which are absolutely contrary to "going along". I have had supervisors tell me to bring up false charges on inmates, again not going to do that even if it is commonplace. To just "go along" would require a person to be untrue to themselves.

[Juan_Bottom]

To just "go along" would require a person to be untrue to themselves.

Ditto, and bears repeating. I almost flunked outta high school for not saying that Jesus is my savior, but looking back, I still wouldn't have taken that easy road.
It's crazy people like that that you have to meet, head on if need be, everytime.

[PLAYER57832]

I choose to not go with the flow every day at work. (and no, I don't live with my parents) I choose to treat inmates like human beings, not to put my hands on them unless it is absolutely necessary. Both of which are absolutely contrary to "going along". I have had supervisors tell me to bring up false charges on inmates, again not going to do that even if it is commonplace. To just "go along" would require a person to be untrue to themselves.

I did specify that it only applies when you are not asked to actually violate your morals. Bringing up false charges on anyone, etc. would DEFINITELY violate my morals, too.

Absolutely, there are times when you MUST take a stance ... times far more serious with far more serious consequences than even you mention. BUT, there is a huge difference between these actions and perhaps not even actually agreeing with a teacher, but just not actively disagreeing while in her class OR not actively disagreeing with your boss while in his employee.


I would suggest you find another job (not easy, I fully realize). You won't be able to change the system from where you are and will end up either being yourself accuses/framed OR you will (eventually) end up like them. To protect yourself, keep records as much as possible (write stuff down when you get home, with very specific points and details about dates, people, etc.) and LOOK for another job ASAP. THEN you can put out feelers on whether anyone official is interested in the situation.

Changing information of ANY kind, lying is plain wrong ... but it is very hard to catch wrong-doers in action.

To just "go along" would require a person to be untrue to themselves.

Ditto, and bears repeating. I almost flunked outta high school for not saying that Jesus is my savior, but looking back, I still wouldn't have taken that easy road.
It's crazy people like that that you have to meet, head on if need be, everytime.

Let me repeat, agree unless it violates your morals... and though I did not say it, I would generally include "unless it violates the law" as well (unless the law itself is completely immoral).

Each person has to decide where that line should be drawn. It MUST be drawn, indeed, but sometimes (only sometimes) you have to wait to actually draw it.

Correction - most people CHOOSE to go along. I'm not supported by my parents and i certainly don't have a lot of money, and i chose to speak up in spite of negative repurcussions in jobs, school, and the military. It's cost me a lot of grief, but i'm still alive and kicking. Choose to be an ass kissing sychophant if you want money, social status and comfort, but spare us the lame ass whining about how you "HAVE to go along". Pussy.


Honibaz

And exactly how effective were you in changing ANYONE's opinion? How many people have you helped by your decision? Did your objections really change anything at all?

As I said above, there absolutely are times to speak up. The question is when and how.

If he objects to this teacher, what would likely happen? Wills she say "gee I was wrong, I will change my whole philosophy now? Will the principal say "gee I did not know this" and fire her, or impose ANY penalty? ... HIGHLY doubtful! Instead, the student would not get his grade, which would hurt is prospects for his future. (he already said it was a required class)

If instead, he waits until he is not in her class, perhaps until he graduates and THEN gets a group of former students and community members to confront her ... and perhaps the principal, then he migth accomplish something.

BUT the other point is that education is not just about hearing ideas we like. Sometimes you learn more from people who teach ideas you do not like, may even abhor. This ONE THING makes school quite different from other venues. Sometimes educators keep people with unpopular views precisely to provide a contrast, room for thought (and sometimes they just don't care)


And, by-the-way, I,too "spoke up" ... and am currently unemployed largely as a result.

I am not saying one should never speak up ... not at all, but I AM saying that you have to be careful and be quite sure that the battle is truly worthwhile. Sometimes avoiding one battle is a key to winning the war.... That's not cowardice, that's intelligence

[b.k. barunt]

Something along the lines of "he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day."


Honibaz

[heavycola]

I don't know your teacher, or grade level, but the bottom line is you need the grade. Part of school is learning to "play the game". Your best bet is probably to go along with her unless and until she asks you do something truly against your morals ... if she thinks you should throw bombs, or even rotten apples at foreign embassies ... NO, of course not! BUT if she just wants you to agree that Greek is the best langauge and that everything Greek is good ... just listen, don't object and agree when you can. (and DO tell her what she wants to hear on the tests!!!). You can disagree when you are not in her class.

As for Jonas internet suggestion .. be VERY VERY careful. Email is quite trackable unless you really know what you are doing. Besides, it does not sound like she is really doing anything against the laws of your country.

On the bright side, the real truth is that Greece has a great culture and truly has contributed a lot to the world. So, there is a lot to be proud about. Concentrate on those things ... that you know there are other nice countries out there can be your "secret" until you get out of her class.

Good luck!

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Didn't you also ignore your science teacher because he dared to bring up evolution in class?

[PLAYER57832]

I don't know your teacher, or grade level, but the bottom line is you need the grade. Part of school is learning to "play the game". Your best bet is probably to go along with her unless and until she asks you do something truly against your morals ... if she thinks you should throw bombs, or even rotten apples at foreign embassies ... NO, of course not! BUT if she just wants you to agree that Greek is the best langauge and that everything Greek is good ... just listen, don't object and agree when you can. (and DO tell her what she wants to hear on the tests!!!). You can disagree when you are not in her class.

As for Jonas internet suggestion .. be VERY VERY careful. Email is quite trackable unless you really know what you are doing. Besides, it does not sound like she is really doing anything against the laws of your country.

On the bright side, the real truth is that Greece has a great culture and truly has contributed a lot to the world. So, there is a lot to be proud about. Concentrate on those things ... that you know there are other nice countries out there can be your "secret" until you get out of her class.

Good luck!

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Didn't you also ignore your science teacher because he dared to bring up evolution in class?

Also, there is a BIG differance between college in the US -- where you can choose your location, classes, etc. and high school, (or even college in other countries) where you do not have that option and don't often even have the "academic freedom" protections that you do in the US (they may be limited, but they DO exist here!).

[Ntetos]

I don't know your teacher, or grade level, but the bottom line is you need the grade. Part of school is learning to "play the game". Your best bet is probably to go along with her unless and until she asks you do something truly against your morals ... if she thinks you should throw bombs, or even rotten apples at foreign embassies ... NO, of course not! BUT if she just wants you to agree that Greek is the best langauge and that everything Greek is good ... just listen, don't object and agree when you can. (and DO tell her what she wants to hear on the tests!!!). You can disagree when you are not in her class.

As for Jonas internet suggestion .. be VERY VERY careful. Email is quite trackable unless you really know what you are doing. Besides, it does not sound like she is really doing anything against the laws of your country.

On the bright side, the real truth is that Greece has a great culture and truly has contributed a lot to the world. So, there is a lot to be proud about. Concentrate on those things ... that you know there are other nice countries out there can be your "secret" until you get out of her class.

Good luck!

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Didn't you also ignore your science teacher because he dared to bring up evolution in class?

Also, there is a BIG differance between college in the US -- where you can choose your location, classes, etc. and high school, (or even college in other countries) where you do not have that option and don't often even have the "academic freedom" protections that you do in the US (they may be limited, but they DO exist here!).

Player is right. It's not that I don't want to disagree with her but it won't bring any good. Last year I was always having arguments with my history teacher who had no idea about history (she hadn't even studied history in the university) and in the final exams she put me 14 out of 20. I ask for a re-evaluation and I get 19,2. Do you think anything happened to her? Well, no. She is in another school now and she will do the same things again. Why create problems with this one who is probably going to teach me next year again?

[PLAYER57832]

I don't know your teacher, or grade level, but the bottom line is you need the grade. Part of school is learning to "play the game". Your best bet is probably to go along with her unless and until she asks you do something truly against your morals ... if she thinks you should throw bombs, or even rotten apples at foreign embassies ... NO, of course not! BUT if she just wants you to agree that Greek is the best langauge and that everything Greek is good ... just listen, don't object and agree when you can. (and DO tell her what she wants to hear on the tests!!!). You can disagree when you are not in her class.

As for Jonas internet suggestion .. be VERY VERY careful. Email is quite trackable unless you really know what you are doing. Besides, it does not sound like she is really doing anything against the laws of your country.

On the bright side, the real truth is that Greece has a great culture and truly has contributed a lot to the world. So, there is a lot to be proud about. Concentrate on those things ... that you know there are other nice countries out there can be your "secret" until you get out of her class.

Good luck!

I disagree with this on so many levels it's not funny. Suggesting to "just go along" with the teacher to ensure a "grade". For some, things like character, integrity and conviction will come before a grade. Speaking from personal experience, I once had a professor in college who, to be blunt, was a die hard liberal. (go figure) But when he brought up politics I stood my ground. And at the end of the semester he was going to give me a D-, so I dropped his class just before the final. I suspected he had a bias against me because of my vocal political views but I was not about to "keep to myself" and let him indoctrinate the class with liberalism. It was Sociology 101, and why he was bringing up politics was beyond me.

Didn't you also ignore your science teacher because he dared to bring up evolution in class?

Also, there is a BIG differance between college in the US -- where you can choose your location, classes, etc. and high school, (or even college in other countries) where you do not have that option and don't often even have the "academic freedom" protections that you do in the US (they may be limited, but they DO exist here!).

Player is right. It's not that I don't want to disagree with her but it won't bring any good. Last year I was always having arguments with my history teacher who had no idea about history (she hadn't even studied history in the university) and in the final exams she put me 14 out of 20. I ask for a re-evaluation and I get 19,2. Do you think anything happened to her? Well, no. She is in another school now and she will do the same things again. Why create problems with this one who is probably going to teach me next year again?

Use this as a chance to try and understand a view you find distasteful ...and maybe figure out ways you CAN reach folks like this later, when you are older, have more credibility (that is, you are someone more people will listen to). I would guess she probably knows a lot of real and valuable stuff about your country ... concentrate on that. Then, when you are older, you can work to really and truly change views.

Something along the lines of "he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day."


Honibaz

Yes, .. and particularly since it sounds like he is not yet a full adult in his country.

Even so, had he said his teacher were actually asking him to do more than listen to her ... my answer would differ.