Warning: This post contains language that some may find offensive.
The scene: A teacher training at a new high school in Washington, D.C. The topic on the table? Students and the language they use:
“So this should be a place that I should be able to come and express my thoughts. I may be having a bad day. I may come in, and I’ll be like, ‘f***’.”
That’s Shatane Porter, a counselor at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. And yes, he is talking about the F-word. And whether it’s OK for students to say it. In class. In front of their teacher.
“This may be actually a sign of respect and trust that I can cuss in your class and say to you: ‘I’m having a bad day. F***.’ ”
Then, he makes a distinction:
“Not ‘F*** you!’ Just, ‘F***.’ ”
Charles Curtis, the school psychologist, explains the difference:
“So: ‘F*** this!’ Moderate profanity. ‘F*** you, bitch!’ Targeted profanity. See what I’m saying?”
He is trying to explain that when a student blows up in class, teachers should ask themselves: What is the student trying to say? And why is he saying it? To read more from ARIANA FIGUEROA, click here.