Last Saturday, 18 June, I was a keynote speaker at a conference for Montessori early years workers. My remit was to speak about black parents and children, stressing the importance of ongoing dialogue between carers and workers. I argued that many black parents - and workers - may have slightly differing perspectives on the world shaped by their own experiences and the reactions to their ethnic identity.
I also highlighted the survey carried out by our Black Voices Network that revealed how isolated many black workers feel in dealing with racism and discrimination.
The speaker that followed me, Gary Wilson, was passionate about improving educational outcomes for boys. He gave many examples of how boys are disdvantaged in the educational system through the slow drip of negative stereotyping.
Gary Wilson's talk was witty, informative and heart-felt. (Though, if I had the chance, I would have liked to challenge the point that girls' t-shirts constantly promote positive messages. 'Future WAG'? 'Shopaholic'? Primark under-10, spring/summer season, 2010.)
There was much similarity in what we had to say, but one thing struck me afterwards - we rarely encoached on each other's territories. When I mentioned gender, I spoke about girls. When Mr. Wilson talked ethnicity, it was generally 'white working class boys'.
It reminded me about how easily it is to retreat into our comfort zones. Next time, I will make sure I talk boys too.
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