Judging a book by its cover

I have always been taught that one should not judge a book by its cover, yet for better or worse Apple Middle School's content was exactly what the Caucasian, affluent, gossip-filled, resource-rich cover I anticipated it to be. When I entered the building I was greeted with a huge sign that said in multi-colored cut-out letters: “Apple Middle School: Where Everyone Is Welcome.” My mind immediately began firing questions which ranged from the logical to the conspiratorial. Who exactly are they trying to make feel welcome here? People of different races? Sexual Orientations? Faiths? Moreover, why is the sign needed in the first place? Was there a time when these people did not feel welcome? How has that changed, if at all? Going into Apple I already knew that this was going to be my “good” school. Every student teacher is supposed to be assigned to one school that has many resources, involved parents and a supportive administration as well as one where many of those things may not be true. So when I walked into the school, met with my cooperating teacher and started meeting my fellow staff, I was less than surprised as I saw one White face after another. Even the janitor was White (so White, in fact, that he was even sporting crisp Joe Dirt-style mutton chops).

Keeping this in mind, after my preliminary research I knew the demographics for the school and the surrounding area so I was aware of the situation I was getting into. In addition, I made it a point not to judge any of the people which I was meeting just because they were White, in the same way that I did not want to be judged just because I am a young male of color from Brooklyn. I would be no less guilty of prejudice if I assumed anything about any of these people before I got to know them personally. It is worth noting though, that due to the fact that I was the only person of color in the entire building, all my actions, both positive and negative, are reflective of not only me, but the school I go to, the place I am from, my family and my entire race. This may sound a little drastic, but just think of the fact that for many of these individuals who have lived in the suburbs all their life I will be the first Dominican person they have ever met. Perhaps the first young male of color they have ever personally known. And as lovely as people of color are depicted on television (allow me to wipe the sarcasm off the keyboard before I continue) I am motivated by more than money and women. I can speak in full sentences using vocabulary most people have never heard of. I can speak many languages; discuss politics, current events, literature and education. All this and I have rhythm.

Today was a day full of meetings and paperwork; a logistical obligation which must be completed in order to begin the true work. Tomorrow the true test begins. As the first day of school draws ever closer I must remember to stay positive, be observant, and make sure I am judging the content of the characters and not the cover of the book.