We Ain't Teachers | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

We Ain't Teachers

Y'all ain't our students

7
We Ain't Teachers
Claplife

This article goes out to the social justice warriors, the people of color, the marginalized peoples across the country and globe. This goes out to those people whose mission of a freer world devoid of structural and social hatred is the reason that they get up in the morning. This article is to remind y'all that it isn't your responsibility to change the minds and change the hearts of people who are antithetical to our causes.

You do not need to take it upon yourself to spend countless hours typing a response to a provoking comment, you do not need to drain yourself having a conversation with people who do not listen with open ears. You are not anyone's teacher. You are not anyone's professor. You are for your people and for yourself, those are who you should be looking out for, not for the ignorance of others. There isn't enough energy nor time for us to be focusing on anything other than our struggles for equality. Instead of focusing on them, we need to practice self-care and community care and make sure that we are where we need to be mentally, emotionally, and physically because ultimately we are all we have. To some this might look like quitting or allowing those ignorant people to win, but an instance during which you are able to practice self-care in this world that doesn't want you to do so is a victory in itself.

This is so important given the recent turn of events, the road ahead of us isn't an easy one. We need to make sure that we take a break today so that we may break oppression tomorrow. We must be ready and willing to pick each other up as we go down this winding road into the future. It is critical that we acknowledge that not everyone is going to understand, and that not everyone is going to want to understand and that is okay. There are those even who want to understand, are willing to understand, and expect to fully understand but never will. These people expect you to tell them and inform them about your entire existence as a marginalized person. As well intended as they may be, you are under no obligation whatsoever to do so. Do not allow them to tokenize your experience, and do not allow yourself to be tokenized. Your experience is for your use only.

For people who hold social justice close to their heart, passion and energy aren't things that are too far off. All we have to do is think about our mission and we are ready and motivated. However, this energy does have a limit and isn't infinite. We must realize this and we must take the necessary steps to prevent ourselves from burning out. We must also realize that we aren't getting paid ANYTHING by educating, or attempting to educate, those who do not sympathize nor want to sympathize with our causes. The only thing that comes out of that is exhaustion which we already get enough of fighting institutionalized discrimination.

Just remember we ain't teachers.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

1802
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

448338
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

20995
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44120
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments