I'm done...I don't care who the fuck you are... No more!

[Joinfortmill]

https://www.rawstory.com/roeper-school-birmingham/

Racist lesson labeling Obama as a 'primate' handed out to Michigan students

"Administrators at the Roeper School, the oldest K-12 school for gifted children in the country, are investigating the materials, which were described as "an introduction to primates" but included photos of Obama, the nation's first Black president, reported WJBK-TV...

On behalf of Roeper School’s leadership," read the letter, "I would like to acknowledge the disturbing racial offense contained in this worksheet and sincerely regret its use and the harm it has caused."

[Aristus]

1. If the teacher did this thinking he/she wasn't going to get fired for it,

then it's a school failure.

I think measures need to be taken...

[DBoon]

12. It is a failure of the entire community

I suspect many white parents thought this was hilarious

[Emile]

2. That is one dumb ass teacher to be teaching gifted children.

[demigoddess]

54. as a parent who has had kids in gifted programs in a few states, I know

that they usually assign the stupid teachers to gifted classes. Reasons 1. nepotism. 2. they think it works ok that way. 3. to hold the smart kids back.

[yardwork]

76. I saw the same.

[Effete Snob]

92. This is a private school for gifted children

So, it seems a bit odd that the entire school is designed to hold back all of the students in it.

Seems like the parents would catch on and find another private school.

[demigoddess]

99. not necessarily, gifted kids can be exhausting.

in my case they were holding the kids back so they didn't have to provide additional books. Messing up their system!!

[Darwins_Retriever]

3. Humans are primates.

It would have been better to use a picture that has the various races of humans.

[SYFROYH]

5. I wonder if the teacher will say, as a defence, but its biologically true.

[Escurumbele]

51. That is no defense, it is clearly an offense, it is meant to offend a USA President, otherwise the

teacher could have added a photo of the real buffoon, trump.

[Effete Snob]

7. Which is why it was in a lesson plan published by Duke University

This is a Google web cache of the Duke University lesson plan, which was taken down:

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Z5N0jHR4tXoJ:https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/sites/evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/lesson-plans-introduction-to-primates.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-b-1-d

This is a screenshot of the relevant portion, with a photo credit at the bottom:

[Effete Snob]

13. Probably

But it is unlikely anyone reading and reacting is going to care what were the actual facts.

[femmedem]

15. +1, unfortunately. n/t

[BlackSkimmer]

30. Spot on.

[Effete Snob]

32. The school was founded by Jewish refugees from Nazism

They founded the school precisely to stand against bigotry, and it is a core principle of what the school was about.

But, by leaving out that this was a lesson plan from Duke which has been widely used in the first place, it is a great way to stir up the social media mob to go after the you-know-who.

[BlackSkimmer]

36. And it's already got people going strong here. No surprise.

[Effete Snob]

39. Closed due to threats

[gwenwren]

38. Wayback Machine

And yet the Wayback Machine lists the first occurrence February 1, 2016.
[link:web.archive.org/web/20160201193424/https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/sites/evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/lesson-plans-introduction-to-primates.pdf|Duke University Department of Evolutionary Anthropology]

[Effete Snob]

42. The Wayback Machine is hit or miss

It is not a good tool for figuring out when something may have first been published.

That is the first date it was cached by the Wayback Machine. That's all that means.

[gwenwren]

63. Lesson Plan First Published?

femdem cites no sources for when lesson plan first published. 2016 is a date with references. If it is earlier I would like to know how much earlier... eventually to find out who at Duke University is responsible? Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin and Barack Obama are the examples for human primates. WTF??
The lesson plan's test questions with answers were published around 2015... so who put this thing together?? Since it was used by Michigan school that is an example of Reverse CRT CRT.

[Effete Snob]

67. The school is in Michigan

But it is not a "Michigan school" if you mean to suggest it is a public school.

It is a school founded by Jewish refugees from Nazism:


https://www.roeper.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice

In 1941, after being forced to flee their home in Germany, George and Annemarie Roeper moved to Michigan and founded The Roeper School. At a time when the Nazis were shattering democratic systems across Europe, the Roepers understood they could not be silent. As religious refugees from totalitarianism, the Roepers experienced firsthand the consuming power of hate, bigotry, and prejudice that forced them into exile. They established The Roeper School as a place where students could develop their voices and stand against authoritarian injustice, a place where human rights would be held in esteem, and where a commitment to humanism would shape the community that needed to be built.

-------

This is a "Jewish Progressives are really racists" wedge being eagerly accepted at face value.

Link to tweet

It is precisely the sort of institution that MAGAts would like to destroy.

But, instead, they are allowing useful idiots to go after it.

It's a brilliant two-fer - have a bunch of half-informed folks on social media go after the liberal Joo school.

They are closed today due to threats. Mission accomplished.

[Effete Snob]

70. "Reverse CRT"

You know, you could take a moment to learn something about the people you are attacking.

This is not the typical board resolution of a "reverse CRT" culture:

https://roeper.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/1006/download/download_7427156.pdf


Roeper Board Anti-Racism Resolution

Preamble

In 1941, after being forced to flee their home in Germany, George and Annemarie Roeper moved
to Michigan and founded The Roeper School. At a time when the Nazis were shattering
democratic systems across Europe, the Roepers understood they could not be silent. As religious
refugees from totalitarianism, the Roepers experienced firsthand the consuming power of hate,
bigotry, and prejudice that forced them into exile. They established The Roeper School as a
place where students could develop their voices and stand against authoritarian injustice, a place
where human rights would be held in esteem, and where a commitment to humanism would
shape the community that needed to be built.

For almost 80 years, The Roeper School has stood as an institution whose foundation is built on
social justice, dignity, and the worth of every individual. Our history, philosophy, and mission
call on us to speak with clarity and purpose when we see hatred and intolerance being given
voice and strength. We know that we cannot be bystanders; we know that racism cannot stand
unanswered; we know that there is work to be done to address the injustices of today and
systemic wrongs that have remained in place for generations.

This resolution is not merely a statement of beliefs, but it also is a statement that holds us
accountable to ourselves and to the community. Our children are watching, and we are called
upon as an educational institution to model for them what it means to be a diverse, equitable, and
inclusive community committed to justice. Today, we use our voice to stand as anti-racists, as
allies, and as leaders committed to guiding future generations toward the interdependent
community George and Annemarie called on us to build.

The Roeper School Board of Trustees Anti-Racism Resolution

The Roeper School Board of Trustees hereby consents to and approves the resolutions set forth
below at a regular meeting of the Board on the 24th day of May, 2021.

WHEREAS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice are the foundation of the Roeper
Philosophy;

WHEREAS the Roeper Philosophy and Core Tenets include a commitment to justice
rather than power and to making equal human rights for all people a priority;


WHEREAS The Roeper School is committed to provide each student with a welcoming,
respectful, inclusive, and culturally affirming environment for learning and success;

WHEREAS the ongoing social justice issues across our country, including the killings of
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), have had a profound impact on our
past and present students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and families at The
Roeper School;

WHEREAS we choose to speak out in response to recent and historic national and local
events that have called attention to racist attitudes, racist actions, societal race-based
disparities, and other forms of systemic and institutional racism that have persisted for
centuries;

WHEREAS we recognize our own position of privilege and acknowledge our own
history of, whether conscious or unconscious, participation in systems in our community,
that are built on oppression and include racist practices;

WHEREAS this unique historic moment in our country’s evolution presents an
opportunity and a challenge for all of us to be part of creating a more just educational
community for BIPOC students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and families
within The Roeper School community;

WHEREAS we recognize that race is an important part of our identities, and we are
responsible for nurturing anti-racist learning environments where all students, faculty,
staff, administrators, trustees, and families are respected and valued for who they are
regardless of culture, race, or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS we believe that an accurate understanding of the past is necessary to build a
successful vision of the future. We cannot value BIPOC lives without: (i) teaching their
history, (ii) recognizing the contributions of BIPOC leaders, and (iii) celebrating the
sacrifices and achievements they have made throughout the history of our School and of
this country.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we believe Black lives matter.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we believe Indigenous lives matter.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we believe the lives of People of Color matter.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we condemn all forms of bullying, microaggressions, hate
speech, and violence.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we condemn all forms of discrimination (unlawful or
otherwise), systemic racism, and manifestations of expressions of racism, xenophobia,
and ethnic or racial intolerance.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we resolutely stand, and will speak out, against all hate,
bias, racism, and crimes of violence, and will commit to actively work toward becoming
an anti-racist institution and toward dismantling the systems that promote racism.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we expect the School’s partners, contracted businesses,
and other vendors to support inclusive practices and work to eradicate racist behaviors,
and we expect the School to make decisions around who they do business with to reflect
such commitments.


RESOLVED FURTHER that we will adopt policies regarding the creation and
performance of curriculum review processes to ensure that our curriculum incorporates
historically accurate portrayals and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we will foster an anti-racist culture and take significant
steps to further racial equity within our school, departments, and buildings.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to regularly examine the School’s policies and
practices to remove obstacles and barriers that may contribute to systemic inequities.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to increase the accessibility of a Roeper
education for traditionally marginalized groups, including specifically BIPOC students.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to ensure that each student is valued,
supported, and academically challenged by the School regardless of race, ethnicity, or
culture.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we expect and will support ongoing professional
development opportunities for faculty, staff, and trustees that focus on combating
systemic and institutional racism and further develop the attitudes, skills, and beliefs that
are necessary to support all students and their families.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to foster a school environment that promotes
respect for, and curiosity about, all cultures and affirms equal human rights for all our
community members.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to ensure that student achievement will not fall
into predictable patterns identified by race, ethnicity, or culture and commit to ensure that
each student will have access to personalized learning opportunities that honor the
student’s unique background to promote a sense of belonging.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we pledge to amplify diverse voices, listening to the
concerns they share and the aspirations they bring, as we create and adjust our School
governance practices and policies.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to create a process that integrates equity into
all decision-making, board policy review, and adoption processes, including an annual
review of policies on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

This resolution was adopted by The Roeper School Board of Trustees on May 24th, 2021, by
unanimous approval.

---------------------------

Yeah, sounds like a regular KKK meeting.

[gwenwren]

80. where else did it end up?

Not atacking anyone... I am asking questions about it originating in Duke University... who wrote it? who edited it? who vetted it? how was it funded? Who developed it? Who promoted it? Critical race theory as in Derek Bell studies how racism is institutionalized esp. in law. This lesson plan is an example of this in our anti-CRT political climate.

[femmedem]

72. I saw the date 2008 on the bottom of the page, but my eyesight is poor

and I didn't see that 2008 referred to the photograph, not the document itself, until I saw your post and increased the size of the font. I've removed those posts, and I thank you for the correction.

[gwenwren]

74. thank you!!

i am interested in anything you can find out

[Celerity]

43. Obama did not become POTUS until January 20th, 2009

[Effete Snob]

44. And yet, for some reason...

...he was fairly well known and popular before that date, particularly among the Jewish-progressive-leaning demographic of this private school founded by refugees from Nazism.

But, hey, mission accomplished. The school is closed due to threats today.

[Celerity]

45. Whose mission?

And yet, for some reason.....he was fairly well known and popular before that date

My reply had nothing to do with that, its was a simple date correction.

[Richard58]

48. Oh please--

I think you are giving them too much credit. You honestly think that the teacher was so naive that he/she didn't realize that one of the many insults given to Blacks was that they were monkeys? Come on! I think this teacher knew exactly what he/she was doing! But was going to use the excuse, "But all humans are primates! I don't see the problem."

[Mr.Bill]

49. Obama wasn't president in 2008.

He became president in January 2009.

[Celerity]

46. here is a snapshot of the actual question

https://web.archive.org/web/20180331100620/https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/sites/evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/lesson-plans-introduction-to-primates.pdf

[yardwork]

78. So he was the president elect? Even if well-intentioned, this was a lapse in judgement.

[femmedem]

83. I was wrong about Obama being president elect.

I saw 2008 in small print on the bottom of the sample page but until I zoomed in I didn't realize that the year referred to the photo, not the entire document.

[yardwork]

91. I see. Well, this was a huge lapse of judgment on many people's part.

[Igel]

102. I'd want to know when the materials were posted.

Some things are reinterpreted because they're out of temporal context.

If I were doing this today, I might use Biden as an example.

If in 2018, Trump.

If in 2014, Obama.

[RobinA]

34. Yes, There's Gotta Be

a generic human they could have used. Maybe the person was young and didn't understand the problem? It seems like a dumb thing to do, even if you are a racist.

[Eyeball_Kid]

57. In an academic/scientific context, there are not "various races" of humans.

There is only one surviving "race" of humans: Homo Sapiens Sapiens. Period.

Skin color does NOT define racial differences. We are all of the same human race. Homo Sapiens Sapiens.

In fact, pretending that humans are divided into separate races is by itself a racist assertion. It encourages bigotry and overgeneralization and misinformed opinions. The differences attributed to skin color or skin tone are really ones of physical appearance, cosmetics and culture.

[Eyeball_Kid]

58. Again: there is ONE HUMAN RACE: Homo Sapiens Sapiens. Look it up. n/t

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Grooming Racists

Firings, fines, penalties, and jail time. This is child abuse.

[Effete Snob]

6. It came from a Duke University lesson plan, btw

Here's the Google cache:

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Z5N0jHR4tXoJ:https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/sites/evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/lesson-plans-introduction-to-primates.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-b-1-d



The photo itself was not cached, but you can see the photo credit at the bottom of that screen cap.

[PXR-5]

8. The Republicans and FOX would have a field day if the

lesson showed TFG as an orangutan descendent!!!

[Novara]

9. I live in Michigan

This state embarrasses me on a daily basis lately.

Fucking hell.

[Effete Snob]

16. The lesson plan didn't come from Michigan

It came from Duke University. It is widely used, and was published by their biology department.

It was here:

https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/sites/evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/lesson-plans-introduction-to-primates.pdf

There are archival sites (such as the Google cache) where it can still be found.

[Novara]

21. But a Michigan teacher used it, thinking that it was OK

I mean, WTF?

Birmingham is a mostly blue city. I hope reaction is severe.

[Effete Snob]

23. Teachers all over the country have used it

That is why it has been published by Duke University for so long.

[Novara]

25. However, THIS story is about a Michigan teacher

Thus, my reaction as a citizen of this stupid state. The school that made the news over it is in my state, so my reaction is because I live in this state (which embarrasses me constantly with the stupidity found here). You know, the one that was pointed out in the story. That's why I am commenting on THIS story in regards to THIS state.

Clear?

It seems you are arguing a point I'm not making.

[Effete Snob]

26. Very clear

Look at the kind of people who run this school:

https://roeper.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/1006/download/download_7427156.pdf

Roeper Board Anti-Racism Resolution

Preamble

In 1941, after being forced to flee their home in Germany, George and Annemarie Roeper moved
to Michigan and founded The Roeper School. At a time when the Nazis were shattering
democratic systems across Europe, the Roepers understood they could not be silent. As religious
refugees from totalitarianism, the Roepers experienced firsthand the consuming power of hate,
bigotry, and prejudice that forced them into exile. They established The Roeper School as a
place where students could develop their voices and stand against authoritarian injustice, a place
where human rights would be held in esteem, and where a commitment to humanism would
shape the community that needed to be built.

For almost 80 years, The Roeper School has stood as an institution whose foundation is built on
social justice, dignity, and the worth of every individual. Our history, philosophy, and mission
call on us to speak with clarity and purpose when we see hatred and intolerance being given
voice and strength. We know that we cannot be bystanders; we know that racism cannot stand
unanswered; we know that there is work to be done to address the injustices of today and
systemic wrongs that have remained in place for generations.

This resolution is not merely a statement of beliefs, but it also is a statement that holds us
accountable to ourselves and to the community. Our children are watching, and we are called
upon as an educational institution to model for them what it means to be a diverse, equitable, and
inclusive community committed to justice. Today, we use our voice to stand as anti-racists, as
allies, and as leaders committed to guiding future generations toward the interdependent
community George and Annemarie called on us to build.

The Roeper School Board of Trustees Anti-Racism Resolution

The Roeper School Board of Trustees hereby consents to and approves the resolutions set forth
below at a regular meeting of the Board on the 24th day of May, 2021.

WHEREAS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice are the foundation of the Roeper
Philosophy;

WHEREAS the Roeper Philosophy and Core Tenets include a commitment to justice
rather than power and to making equal human rights for all people a priority;

WHEREAS The Roeper School is committed to provide each student with a welcoming,
respectful, inclusive, and culturally affirming environment for learning and success;
WHEREAS the ongoing social justice issues across our country, including the killings of
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), have had a profound impact on our
past and present students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and families at The
Roeper School;


WHEREAS we choose to speak out in response to recent and historic national and local
events that have called attention to racist attitudes, racist actions, societal race-based
disparities, and other forms of systemic and institutional racism that have persisted for
centuries;

WHEREAS we recognize our own position of privilege and acknowledge our own
history of, whether conscious or unconscious, participation in systems in our community,
that are built on oppression and include racist practices;

WHEREAS this unique historic moment in our country’s evolution presents an
opportunity and a challenge for all of us to be part of creating a more just educational
community for BIPOC students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and families
within The Roeper School community;

WHEREAS we recognize that race is an important part of our identities, and we are
responsible for nurturing anti-racist learning environments where all students, faculty,
staff, administrators, trustees, and families are respected and valued for who they are
regardless of culture, race, or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS we believe that an accurate understanding of the past is necessary to build a
successful vision of the future. We cannot value BIPOC lives without: (i) teaching their
history, (ii) recognizing the contributions of BIPOC leaders, and (iii) celebrating the
sacrifices and achievements they have made throughout the history of our School and of
this country.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we believe Black lives matter.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we believe Indigenous lives matter.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we believe the lives of People of Color matter.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we condemn all forms of bullying, microaggressions, hate
speech, and violence.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we condemn all forms of discrimination (unlawful or
otherwise), systemic racism, and manifestations of expressions of racism, xenophobia,
and ethnic or racial intolerance.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we resolutely stand, and will speak out, against all hate,
bias, racism, and crimes of violence, and will commit to actively work toward becoming
an anti-racist institution and toward dismantling the systems that promote racism.
RESOLVED FURTHER that we expect the School’s partners, contracted businesses,
and other vendors to support inclusive practices and work to eradicate racist behaviors,
and we expect the School to make decisions around who they do business with to reflect
such commitments.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we will adopt policies regarding the creation and
performance of curriculum review processes to ensure that our curriculum incorporates
historically accurate portrayals and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we will foster an anti-racist culture and take significant
steps to further racial equity within our school, departments, and buildings.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to regularly examine the School’s policies and
practices to remove obstacles and barriers that may contribute to systemic inequities.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to increase the accessibility of a Roeper
education for traditionally marginalized groups, including specifically BIPOC students.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to ensure that each student is valued,
supported, and academically challenged by the School regardless of race, ethnicity, or
culture.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we expect and will support ongoing professional
development opportunities for faculty, staff, and trustees that focus on combating
systemic and institutional racism and further develop the attitudes, skills, and beliefs that
are necessary to support all students and their families.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to foster a school environment that promotes
respect for, and curiosity about, all cultures and affirms equal human rights for all our
community members.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to ensure that student achievement will not fall
into predictable patterns identified by race, ethnicity, or culture and commit to ensure that
each student will have access to personalized learning opportunities that honor the
student’s unique background to promote a sense of belonging.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we pledge to amplify diverse voices, listening to the
concerns they share and the aspirations they bring, as we create and adjust our School
governance practices and policies.

RESOLVED FURTHER that we commit to create a process that integrates equity into
all decision-making, board policy review, and adoption processes, including an annual
review of policies on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

This resolution was adopted by The Roeper School Board of Trustees on May 24th, 2021, by
unanimous approval.

-------------

Fucking assholes.

[Novara]

29. That makes it even more egregious

My best friend used to live in Birmingham and I always thought the city was rather progressive (so did she).

But idiots and racists are everywhere.

[Effete Snob]

37. The school is closed due to threats

So count this one as a win:

[BlackSkimmer]

40. Wow, you're really missing what that poster is trying to tell you.

Can’t let anything get in the way of outrage I reckon.

[gwenwren]

85. Sent all over ... but reacted to only once/

You can't back up this claim that "teachers all over the country have used it." There would have been newsworthy outrage all over the country before this.

[Effete Snob]

89. That was the point

It was downloadable course material published by Duke:



That’s why it still shows up in Google.

[vlyons]

10. Everyone reading this post is a primate

I think we are also in the great ape family. But that was probably not the intent of that teacher. Calling Obama a primate was meant as a slur. To be a valid biology lesson, it would have been better to say that all humans are in the order primates, which also includes lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans.

I hope that teacher gets disciplined.

[GoCubsGo]

17. Yup.

A generic line drawing of a human would have more than sufficed to get the point across. The teacher chose to use a photo of a specific individual. I have no doubt he/she meant it as a slur.

[Effete Snob]

19. The teacher didn't choose it

The teacher used a highly regarded lesson plan published by Duke University. Duke has taken it down in order to avoid the stupid torchbearing mob:



https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/sites/evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/lesson-plans-introduction-to-primates.pdf

It started with this question as a "pre-lesson survey" (taken from the Google cache)




The "photo credits" make it clear what was there:



But, as primates reacting to a perceived threat, you can see the behavior of humans to partial information which they do not bother to investigate in order to form a hostile troop.

[vlyons]

31. Nonsense I don't care what the lesson plan was

The teacher should have used much better judgement.

[GoCubsGo]

33. Duke didn't take it down to "avoid a torch-bearing mob."

They took it down because they knew they had fucked up using that image. GMAFB. As for the teacher, they could have changed it out. Problem solved.

[gwenwren]

94. the work of 2 undergrads

A matter of record that: It was not highly regarded. Not used by teachers all over the country. Not published by Duke. The work of 2 students who posted on their department's website, probably so they could joint edit it. Duke was unaware it existed until the uproar.
The most likely scenario is that the teacher wanted a lesson plan, looked online and found it. Downloaded it without even reading it. That is what is most likely.

[stopdiggin]

97. thank you.

facts are always nice things to have around.

Given the context - the school, the curriculum, the teacher, the students - it seems highly unlikely that this was intended as a fat racist smear. But we do like us some good fandango!

[Hekate]

18. To the apologists in this thread:how odd of you, in a country where the first Black president's wife

… was referred to as “an ape in high heels,” to not see that this “lesson plan” was as racist as hell.

If the creator of this abomination really wanted to show a human being as an example of primates, they should have picked someone outstandingly white. If they wanted a president, why not George Washington? If they wanted a random person, I just saw a photo of a little girl who was so blond she was practically albino at the Bans off Our Bodies protests. She’s a primate.

In a country where Black people get called apes and monkeys as a deadly insult — no, just no. Not as the sole example. Line up random photos of all manner of humans, from all continents and all races and say, see, this is our common heritage, we are all humans and all primates.

[Effete Snob]

22. Ah, the "apologists" accusation

A teacher in Michigan downloaded a lesson plan published by Duke University and used for years since 2008.

Rather than attack that teacher, or Michigan (as one post above), why not actually figure out with whom the responsibility rests, before lashing out at people.

But, sure, digging into the facts and actually finding additional detailed information about the story makes one an "apologist" for racism, because it is better to remain uninformed than to actually get to the bottom of what happened.

Ignorance is bliss.

Yeah, fuck that teacher! Fuck that school! Let's destroy someone's life!

[Hekate]

24. I addressed the people in the thread who were optimistic that no offense was intended. Did not

… suggest destroying someone’s life. Did I?

Remind me again why we usually don’t interact. Have a nice day.

[Effete Snob]

27. It's the "you know who" at work again

You might want to learn something about the school:

https://www.roeper.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice

-----

Roeper Board Anti-Racism Resolution

Preamble

In 1941, after being forced to flee their home in Germany, George and Annemarie Roeper moved
to Michigan and founded The Roeper School. At a time when the Nazis were shattering
democratic systems across Europe, the Roepers understood they could not be silent. As religious
refugees from totalitarianism, the Roepers experienced firsthand the consuming power of hate,
bigotry, and prejudice that forced them into exile. They established The Roeper School as a
place where students could develop their voices and stand against authoritarian injustice, a place
where human rights would be held in esteem, and where a commitment to humanism would
shape the community that needed to be built.

For almost 80 years, The Roeper School has stood as an institution whose foundation is built on
social justice, dignity, and the worth of every individual. Our history, philosophy, and mission
call on us to speak with clarity and purpose when we see hatred and intolerance being given
voice and strength. We know that we cannot be bystanders; we know that racism cannot stand
unanswered; we know that there is work to be done to address the injustices of today and
systemic wrongs that have remained in place for generations.

-----

That's why they need to be attacked.

It couldn't be a misunderstanding over an image of a popular figure in 2008 being included as a representative human to make the point that all humans are primates.

It had to be racism. That is the only explanation.

And, by omitting the full factual picture, it is a convenient way to whip up sentiment to go after a school founded by Jewish refugees precisely to stand against bigotry.

It would be great to have a conversation without snide personal comments, but I realize that is difficult for some.

[Effete Snob]

35. School closed due to threats

Mission accomplished.

[femmedem]

66. Thank you, Effete Snob.

I just spent a year and a half putting together a Black Heritage Trail in the city where I live, so it's loads of fun to pop onto DU at the end of my workday and see that I'm being called an apologist for racists here. I appreciate your sticking up for me.

Also I love your username.

[Effete Snob]

68. .

https://politicaldictionary.com/words/effete-snobs/

“Effete snobs” was a phrase used by Vice President Spiro Agnew to denounce anti-war protesters, and young intellectuals in general, during the Vietnam era. The phrase quickly caught on and was adopted as a slogan by the anti-war movement.

-------

Amazingly, I get a lot of flack on DU over the name, from the cadre here who I guess is STILL pro-Vietnam-war.

[femmedem]

69. Thanks for the history lesson!

I figured it was closely related to Coastal Elite.

[ecstatic]

81. You keep citing Duke as if

that automatically makes it OK. No. It doesn't. I don't know the author's intent--it might have been an honest mistake or temporary lapse of judgment. Everyone makes mistakes, nobody is perfect--not even individuals who work for (or attended) prestigious universities. In a situation like this, it's best to listen to the feedback and grow rather than to continue digging deeper.

[Effete Snob]

84. Because people keep assuming the teacher was the author

"I don't know the author's intent"

Okay, but you are already a step removed from the teacher and the school at that point.

[ecstatic]

90. True, but did the teacher review the lesson before diving in?

Or did she and the entire class see the material for the first time together?? I know people have busy lives but even if I were a slacker and didn't see the lesson until I was in the middle of teaching class, I would figure out a way to quickly get the handout back or take the file offline. I'd tell them there was an error and to hold off until I got back to them.

[RaDaR63]

100. Nice reply.

👍
Some people seem to be on some kind of mission. Being reasonable and applying common sense don't seem to be compatible with that mission.

[Joinfortmill]

71. 👍

[ecstatic]

79. +1000. nt

[demmiblue]

82. +1. It's a well known and long-standing racist trope, FFS.

Some of the people defending it... totally not surprised.

[llashram]

93. there will always be people

who are apologists for people who do harm to others based on race, culture etc. That is ONE of the reasons racism has lasted so long and by the way, will never entirely go away. Too many people who could call a FLOTUS "an ape in high heels" while giving a pass to a FLOTUS who never measured up one iota to that FLOTUS in high heels mentioned are out there who voted for a pig like a loser like 45.

[Baitball Blogger]

20. I guess this is what they want to teach instead of CRT.

[Effete Snob]

28. Does that frequently happen with institutions founded by Jewish refugees from Nazism?

Who is "they" in your sentence. This is a private school founded by Jews who wanted to take a stand against bigotry:

https://www.roeper.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice

In 1941, after being forced to flee their home in Germany, George and Annemarie Roeper moved to Michigan and founded The Roeper School. At a time when the Nazis were shattering democratic systems across Europe, the Roepers understood they could not be silent. As religious refugees from totalitarianism, the Roepers experienced firsthand the consuming power of hate, bigotry, and prejudice that forced them into exile. They established The Roeper School as a place where students could develop their voices and stand against authoritarian injustice, a place where human rights would be held in esteem, and where a commitment to humanism would shape the community that needed to be built.

Click the link below to continue reading and to read the full resolution.

[BlackSkimmer]

41. I doubt you're going to get through to the outrage posse here.

Your posts have made it clear whence that lesson plan came, but no one seems to want to hear it.

Not surprising.

[Gore1FL]

47. I can see how this can be misinterpreted as racist.

It doesn't really seem to be the point, though, based on the further information provided in this thread.

I'm not offended about being a primate, an ape, or a descendent of fish, myself, and don't consider it a slur when it is pointed out.

[clementine613]

50. Enough of the Racism. I've heard the same disgusting term used for Desmond Tutu as well.

Is there any low that the Rethugs won't sink to?

[Effete Snob]

52. I doubt anyone is going to get that

[clementine613]

55. It's racist and disgusting.

The fact that the dictionary is in on it doesn't make it any better. The word should be retired unless referring to actual animals (or humans biologically as a whole).

[Effete Snob]

60. I don't know whether you think you are being funny or not

But use of the word "primate" to refer to a leading bishop doesn't have anything to do with the anthropological sense of the word.

The fact that Tutu has been dead for quite some time really required you to dig this one out of cold storage.

https://www.episcopalct.org/news/remembering-the-most-reverend-desmond-tutu/

We have awakened today to the news of the death of the Most Rev. Desmond Mpilo Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town and Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

It's the official title of the office.

[clementine613]

62. No, not being funny.

And yes, then the word should be retired (unless using it in the biological sense).

[Ms. Toad]

98. The lesson was using it in the biological sense -

Many people, including apparently many on DU apparently don't know that humans are part of a larger group of animals known as primates. The worksheet was part of an introduction to primates - using examples of animals which are - and are not - primates.

The same people who believe that creationism should be taught as science are the ones I would expect to be outraged at the suggestion that humans are primates.

Should the lesson have been revised to use a photo of a generic human? Absolutely. BUT the lesson was being used to teach an important biological concept.

[dchill]

53. Racism is so not gifted.

[stopdiggin]

56. more 'quality' reporting from Raw Story ... -(nt)-

---- ----

[peppertree]

59. Legitimate apes

[Hekate]

87. When it's a legitimate ape, the whole body politic shuts down. I WISH.

[peppertree]

88. DUzy!

[stopdiggin]

96. we are all 'apes'

(primates by classification) Which is something that I would hope that higher level students would already be familiar with ... The 'context' here is not nearly as incendiary - as Raw Story might like to make it?

[Warpy]

61. As long as there was more than one photo, it was accurate

We are all primates Our closest relatives are chimps and bonobos, we split off from a common ancestor about 6,000,000 years ago In fact, a partial skeleton from exactly that period has been found, a tree dweller that walked fully upright on the ground.

https://www.britannica.com/animal/Orrorin-tugenensis

And for black readers who have been stung by some ignorant snot who called them monkeys, consider a factoid from zoo vets. If you shave a chimpanzee or other great ape (usually for surgery), you get a colder, pissed off creature with exposed white skin. Yes, under their fur coats the other great apes are white. Only their exposed skin contains melanin. Just keep that in mind when you confront people who are stuck on skin color as the only important thing about a person.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

73. Do we KNOW anything about this teacher, perchance?

What if it turns the teacher is a Black, Lesbian, Jewish woman who's grandparents died at the Nazi's hands, and who graduated from Duke (where the lesson plan came from), with impeccable Liberal/Democratic credentials and a distinguished teaching history ... who made an honest mistake by copying an old lesson plan from her alma mater, assuming it was long ago vetted and judged to be 'okay'?

What would we say then?

Obviously that's unlikely, but I mean ... shouldn't we at least maybe wait to find out a little more about the teacher ... before we all come collectively unglued over this?

As opposed to immediately buying into whatever RawStory's spin on the subject is?

Just a thought

[stopdiggin]

95. and a pretty decent one

but it seems one that a lot of us are unwilling to advance.
(the particulars on this case - very progressive school, curriculum, advanced students, etc. - would tend to 'lead' in a slightly different direction. could be wrong, of course - but it seems like it might be worth some 'investigation.' with, somewhat predictably - very little being delivered in the article)

But it was a thought ... ------ --- -----

[yardwork]

75. I can't even! WTF?!

[maxsolomon]

86. Not only am I a Primate,

I'm also a GREAT APE.

[skip fox]

101. So I guess they're not primates. I've long suspected . . .