Teachers in Minority Schools

Lydia A. Nayo must have walked out of the theater before the last line of the movie she so fiercely blasts (Commentary, Aug. 23). At the end of the movie, when the teacher is asked what made her stay on and teach, she replies, “They (the students) gave me candy and called me their light.” The point? Although teachers are faced with the toughest challenges, including resistance from parents, budget cuts resulting in inadequate resources and pay cuts, as well as an unmotivated student population, they require only small recognition. Teachers pour their hearts and souls (and many times their pocketbooks) into their students and accept only a small verbal appreciation in return.

Nayo believes this movie is sending a cynical message to teen-agers of color that “Salvation is a slim, determined white woman.” Why not leave “white” and “woman” out of it and replace them with “teacher”? This movie happens to be based on the true experiences of a white female teacher; however, the experiences described here are for all teachers regardless of race or gender.

TRACY ROSS

Foothill Ranch

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* Membership in our heterogenous society provides the advantage of multiple slants on issues: Nayo’s cogent commentary designating Michelle Pfeiffer’s “Dangerous Minds” (originally titled “My Posse Don’t Do Homework”) as “calculated and cynical” contrasts with the alternative motivation of my daughter, who recommended the property to Ms. Pfeiffer because of its appeal (based on actual events) as a positive example for society to care more about development of the wasted human potential produced by pervasive structural and cultural racism.

Based entirely on reality, its message is inspirational to all races; although Nayo felt that the movie disparaged families of needy kids, and depicted the students’ grateful response to their teacher somehow as self-belittlement.

CAROL CORRIGAN

Los Angeles

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* Nayo seems to think that education and improved self-esteem can only be achieved if both students and teacher have similar skin color and/or ethnic background.

As a young African American male teacher who teaches in an all black and brown environment I take offense at her notion that it’s a “bad idea” to depict a white woman trying to make a difference in an all “minority, inner-city classroom.”

Being a part of an organization (Teach for America) in which white males and females compose a hefty majority of new teachers, I can firmly say “Dangerous Minds” is anything but a calculated and cynical movie.

There are many white, black, Latino and Asian females and males who are committed to giving students a chance at a quality education regardless of the difference in ethnicity. Yes, there are some who embark on teaching as the savior of these “poor black/brown kids” but they are the exception not the rule.

It’s unfortunate that students in the inner-city classroom are not always given the opportunity to have teachers who reflect the adults in their communities. Should they suffer because African American and Latino male educators are in short supply and face an enormous demand? I think not.

No, “Dangerous Minds” is not some cynical, self-serving movie. It’s about someone giving a damn about others despite racial differences. It’s about giving students hope and encouragement regardless of where or how they live.

LINDELL ANTHONY SLATER

Long Beach