Teaching Students About Alton Sterling: A Sensitive Approach to a Crucial Topic
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Introduction
In today’s world, political and social issues are more interwoven into our lives than ever, making it important to discuss controversial topics with students. As educators, it can be difficult to know where to start when facilitating discussions about sensitive issues such as the case of Alton Sterling. In this article, we will offer guidance on how to educate students about the incident in a fair and balanced manner that encourages growth, fosters empathy, and promotes critical thinking.
The Incident
Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by two police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, 2016. The officers were responding to a 911 call about a man threatening people with a gun in front of a convenience store. The resulting altercation, and Sterling’s subsequent death, was captured on video by multiple bystanders and quickly garnered widespread media attention. Public outrage over the incident sparked protests and contributed to the growing conversation surrounding racial bias and police brutality.
Addressing the Issue in the Classroom
1. Understanding Perspectives: Emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives when discussing sensitive subjects. Encourage students to consider how various racial backgrounds might shape individual viewpoints about the case.
2. Research & Discussion: Divide students into small groups and assign specific aspects of the case to research (e.g., police response time, eyewitness accounts, officer history). Encourage each group to share their findings and critically analyze different sources.
3. Media Literacy: Discuss how media coverage of Alton Sterling’s death may have influenced public opinion. Analyze headlines and news articles to recognize media bias or sensationalism.
4. Recognizing Bias: Encourage students to reflect on their own biases and assumptions when approaching controversial issues like this one. Use examples from their research or personal experiences as prompts for discussion.
5. Empathy & Active Listening: Teach students about empathy and the importance of actively listening to others’ experiences and emotions during difficult conversations. Address why it is necessary to remain open to different opinions or perspectives even when they may not align with their own beliefs.
6. Problem-Solving: Assess possible solutions to prevent incidents like Alton Sterling’s death from happening in the future. Discuss realistic changes that could be made within law enforcement, communities, and society as a whole.
7. Promoting Civic Engagement: Encourage students to become involved in community initiatives or advocacy groups that address issues like racial bias and police brutality. Discuss how students can make a difference on both local and national levels.
Conclusion
Opening the door for discussions about sensitive topics like Alton Sterling’s tragic death allows students the opportunity to broaden their cultural understanding and develop a more compassionate, empathetic worldview. By approaching these conversations carefully, educators can foster inclusive environments where critical thinking thrives.