N-word controversy was a teachable moment, but mob mentality led because leaders failed
Cambridge, like the nation and, I suspect, many communities across America, is living through turbulent and divisive political times. As many involved Cambridge residents are aware, recently a School Committee member decided to opt out of taking her seat in the next term. It was due to a very serious mistake and lapse in judgment followed by a sincere apology, which many Cambridge voters seem to have accepted. But local elected officials decided to use this mistake for, in my opinion, their own political ambition, and no one – no fellow committee members, no city councillors – showed leadership by standing up to a mob demanding vengeance and her head on a platter. Yet another opportunity was lost to lead and teach Cambridge students of the power of forgiveness, understanding and leadership. All municipal elected officials failed in their responsibilities to lead and use this event as a teaching moment for the young (and apparently the adults) of Cambridge.
One naive, ignorant teacher defended the committee member wearing a T-shirt with a bullseye on it during committee public comment, thus enraging and bringing out the mob once again. Cambridge Rindge and Latin School security had to escort the teacher off school property, in essence acting as a bodyguard. This is one more low point for the community.
This was not the first time a mob dictated Cambridge’s actions. A few years ago a young gay man whom I consider a friend ran for City Council. His political campaign was doomed by discovery of racist, hate-filled blog posts he had made as a young man living through a serious battle of conscience over his own sexuality. Again, the mob came out in force demanding blood. People I considered friends jumped on the bandwagon of hate demanding his blood. I hope he reads my words here and understands the power and responsibility to tell his story to young people battling through the same issues he did as a young man filled with anger and confusion. I believe it is a powerful, true story to tell that would benefit young people everywhere dealing with their own questions of sexuality.
There are other such incidents that should, but likely will not, bring shame to Cambridge. Bullying, along with a mob mentality, exists here in “woke” Cambridge. This is why I am no longer involved with Cambridge politics. I have found other ways to give a voice to those who believe they have none, and that no one in City Hall cares about them outside of election season.
All is not lost. Teachers, along with elected officials, can lead by example and teach students the difference between a mob mentality and a peaceful protest. They can show young people without the benefit of life experience the importance of that difference and the need for understanding and forgiveness, especially with whom you disagree. Disagreement, discussion and debate helps communities evolve.
During this holiday Season. I pray that the students involved with this incident learn about mercy, grace and forgiveness. I also hope they do not face a similar, unforgiving mob in their own lives. Finally, I pray a desperately needed leader steps up to bring Cambridge back to the leadership it was once famous for, so Cambridge can lead the nation through the dark political times ahead.
Happy Holidays.
Emmanuel “Manny” Lusardi is an East Cambridge resident, longtime immigrant activist and former liaison for immigrant affairs to the Cambridge Mayor’s Office.
This is a fabulous letter and full of food for thought. I knew that city council candidate who got drummed out. I hope he is well. My next comment will no doubt raise some protest but it is a legitimate question, one I can see the teacher addressing in a future seminar. We need to talk about these things. How else are we collectively going to learn if we are scared of repercussions?.
While I ponder this opinion above deeper, I was just reminded of when Henry Louis Gates was arrested and there was a big police review about the officer’s behavior. The professor called him rogue on TV and was indignant at how he was treated. The officer countered (first, he didn’t know who he was) that he would not give him any identification, was belligerent and un-cooperative. Was there a sense of entitlement there? I don’t know. I wasn’t there. I remember my question at the time which was asked at the police review board.
*At what point does arrogant behavior as a civil human being become identified as racial incident? Can a person of color be an A-hole without becoming a “victim” of racism?* This may be a different topic but it is still valid. How do we educate without asking the questions and when is political correctness a deterrent from those lessons without fear of bullying or banishment? And how are ignorant white folk going to learn? that is what you want, right?
It is unfortunate when compounded painful events are conflated into one single stew of anger and pain. Each issue needs to be an individual investigation in order to develop legislation to address singular topics and broader implications. Otherwise, we are being ruled by emotion and emotion by its very nature can not be legislated.
The school committee member (Emily’s prime antagonist) who took this incident “personally” lost an opportunity to take the high road, take leadership, bring people together and show by thoughtful and measured action how to resolve this deeply painful incident. I also call the mayor out who is totally ill-equipped in these cases, and I would hope that Emily was afforded an opportunity to be interviewed.
I commend the teacher for trying to discuss this and other charged topics. And the fact that Dexter agreed to be on the panel showed she was sincere at trying to help in his efforts. The fact that he used the full N-word several times opened protocol for her to follow suit. It was safe because the door was opened in this academic setting. Yes, she was naive, but the school committee just lost a fighter for the students- fighting for inadequate classroom staffing, poorly maintained buildings, chronic absenteeism, dealing with the math achievement gap, and the disproportionate enrollment of boys of color in special education. To quote Patty Nolan, “the pain in the community is not just based on one mistake Emily made”.
Yes, I blame the school committee and associations for taking the easier way out instead of doing the hard and uncomfortable work and set an example.
Very well said Mr. Lusardi, my own thinking as well.
I took the time to watch the school committee meeting > http://bit.ly/CSC-121019
and read everything I could find on Cambridge Day, including the heavily redacted report > http://bit.ly/CSC-LegalReport. However the fact that this festered so long that someone thought a legal investigation or a fact finding was necessary is crazy. And the redactions were fuel to fire itself.
It was also helpful to read an analysis by Randall Kennedy in the Globe > http://bit.ly/2Zzso0e – written closer in time to the events.
Then this follow up in Cambridge Day itself: http://bit.ly/2F9K5K There is more as well
It’s such a waste that the events were not used a humane teachable moment for all concerned.
Mr. Dua is wonderful teacher and an asset to CRLS. Emily Dexter deserves credit for her work on the School Committee, and for showing up to the original classroom discussion in the first place.
It is unbelievable that this was allowed to spiral out of control and became a political firestorm that absolutely harmed Mr. Dua and forced Ms. Dexter off the School Committee.
But they both may be a little bit responsible for bringing it on themselves. They both seemed to respond as political figures rather than as human beings having a difficult discussion and attempted to come to a better understanding of each other; that might have set a better example for students.