Yesterday a group of actors came to our school and put on a comic version of Cinderella. I normally have the philosophy of taking everything with a grain of salt and not getting too riled up about most things. But this play really got to me. I guess my eyes have been opened through our classes (especially diversity and being aware of it).
My kids saw and laughed at a person dipicted as a humpback who was lame and had a distorted face. What a coiensidence that his name was Gravel. I was really bothered by this especially because our school had invited a handicapped class to come from another school to see it. There were also some very stereo-typical gender roles magnified. Dawn and I both just looked at each other several times during the play with looks of disbelief. How do we break these misconceptions and layers of prejudice when we as teachers are taking our students to plays that show it. What do you think. Also, any other Caldwell Co. teachers who's schools are hosting the play may want to prepare their kids for these roles and discuss the misconceptions.

I don't think it's too late too have a thorough debriefing about the play with your class. If your reaction was that strong, then I'm sure that your more sensitive students came away with negetative feelings too. It would be a great opportunity and springboard for discussing some real tough issues. Your students are a little bit older and could more readily understand the deeper underlining issues surrounding stereotyping. At least, you probably have some students who have been ostracized or picked on for some reason or another. If you and Dawn feel strongly enough, you may want to use it as an opportunity to let the students address it by writing the producers of the play. Letting them have an authentic audience for authentic feelings might be just what they need. They would know that they do have a voice and it would validate their feelings.