Teaching Empathy in a World Gone Mad: My Night at the Bar
Last night at a local bar in Austin, a stranger challenged my husband about his beer choice, blaming it on some recent controversy. Then, out of nowhere, he launched into a furious rant about kids in Texas being pushed to be trans. When I mentioned I was a teacher, he demanded the 'real truth.'
Honestly, I was stunned. My classroom 'agenda'? It's simple: I don't let kids bully each other. I stop them from yelling hateful things, from making anyone feel less than human. That's it. No secret plots, no brainwashing—just trying to teach a bunch of middle schoolers not to be jerks.
Why is kindness so controversial? Why does empathy feel like a radical act? I left the bar feeling angry, confused, and exhausted. How do we fix this? How do we get people to listen instead of rage? 🤦♂️🤷♀️
Let's talk. I need ideas, or maybe just a drink.
#Education #Empathy #Teaching #LGBTQ #MiddleSchool
