Oh, the things comp students say

Today, while discussing profiles, I prompted students to write some statements about themselves. Most of these started with "I believe..." or "I think...". Then I had them pick their favorite and we went around the room reading them. I get to the guy in the front, decked out in baseball cap and Abercrombie sweatshirt, and he says "I'm not prejudiced, I just don't think coloreds and homosexuals should act like victims." To be sure I heard correctly, I had him repeat himself. Yup, that's exactly what he said. I've been milling over how I could have responded for the last couple hours. At the time, however, there wasn't much for me to say. I managed to mumble how the word was probably inappropriate. He then informed me that it was okay because he was white and "they" are "colored." What shocked me most, perhaps, was the guy who said this. He doesn't look like he grew up on a farm, in Iowa, or away from societies.

A few students later I get to one girl who proclaims: "I think people on welfare should get off their butts and get jobs." Now here's an issue that gets me. Where do these people grow up? Edina? Ach. Holding back the scathing remarks I'd like to make, I simply reply that she should take women's studies--women and economics. I barely got out the words women's studies before she rolled her eyes and went back to her Cosmo quiz existence. I'm guessing Betty Friedan is not one of her role models.

Before this, when discussing how profiles are often found in magazines, I managed to get into a discussion about the Deborah Gibson article in the latest issue of Playboy. Student I've previously mentioned declares that he would be more than willing to bring in some back issues for examples. I declare that I enjoy my job and would like to keep it a little longer. I return to our exciting lecture on profiles, and three boys in the corner continue discussing Playboy.

At one point while they were coming up with their brilliant descriptions I went to get a drink. On my way back I passed a class with clearly uninterested students. I stood outside the door for a moment and realized how lucky my students are to have me.