Real-Time Accomplishments

Nothing better than seeing your work bear fruit immediately

I’ve written previously about how torturously inaccurate, stereotype-driven and propaganda-plagued the textbooks (and so many other things) are in the schools here. And I’ve likely mentioned that in addition to my teaching duties I am acting ambassador to all things un-Japanese and a self-appointed, self-certified anti-propagandist as well. 

So when I’m teaching 1st year students about professions in English I see it as an opportunity to show the kids what they’re not going to see on Japanese TV or in their textbooks or anywhere else in their world. 

I show them blackness.

Black teachers, students, police and firefighters etc.  even throw gender at them as well, against their expectations. 

Today, the Japenese teacher working alongside me says: 

JT: I see what you’re doing. 

Me: The same thing I always do, no? (grinning)

JT: Yeah... but I get it now. 

Me: Get what?

JT: It’s true what you said before. Most of the black people in the textbooks are playing sports, basketball and such, or live in poverty. I checked after you mentioned it.

Me: (Nodding) Yeah…

JT: And I agree with what you told me. I think it’s important the kids see other images of black people. Images influence their minds. 

I stood there smiling, thinking that its so great when people get you, but I think my eyes must have welled up a bit because she said...

JT: What? Did I say something wrong?

Me: Not at all. Just surprised is all. I mean, it’s great when I reach the kids but they barely notice what’s happening. Maybe years from now it will make a difference. But when I reach the teachers, I feel a kinda real time accomplishment, you know?

She got that, too.

(Here are some of the pics I used)