my father had this theory when I was growing up that he wouldn't hide things from me, he would expose me to everything he could in the world so that when I was confronted with those things on my own I would have an idea what to do. so that I could say yes or no, so that I would have a tiny little understanding of the fact that my world wasn't the world.
dear future students,
In the process of learning how to be a teacher, I have been extensively forewarned that my main job is to protect you. I will continue to receive background checks before being allowed in the same building as you, I will pee in many cups for you, I will cover my tattoo for you, I will take out piercings that exceed one hole in each earlobe for you. I will dress appropriately for you, use proper language, and try to be an example of a 'good citizen'.
however, I will not refrain from teaching you what I think is important for you to be exposed to. if Ai Weiwei says "fuck you, motherland"...you're going to understand the implications of that act politically in his country and personally for him and you're not going to say fuck in my classroom. I want to share with you things that are meaningful and important and that have an impact on the world we live in...and the world we live in doesn't always meet dress code standards. I'm willing to go there, I want to take the chance and have these conversations with you, but you've got to be on board with me.
i don't want to just send pretty stuff home. it's thoroughly un fulfilling on my end and honestly, it's not doing much good for you either. the majority of you do not care about art and will do nothing with art when you grow up, so I am certain that we need to use art to cover a whole lot more in our time together.
