I have grown up in Missouri, it is all I know. I went to schools all over the Springfield area. So it might be fair to say that I have some knowledge of how things work around here when it comes to my learning. And this place is not a saint.  

The cost of living in Missouri is lower than if you were to travel outward to the coastal area. This is the hot spot for all older generations looking to retire. You have the influence of people with old social norms with disregard to how the times have changed. Basically, if you are not white, you are going to get looks.  

Arrogant people have an effect on the younger generation and what they think is acceptable. All the things changing around them that we are learning to love about ourselves: skin color, sexuality, identity, mental illness, and so much more, that is a part of who we are that we should not be judged on solely. 

Working retail as a white person is painful enough, having to deal with people who have less patience than me. But my friends who are not white have it worse than me. They have to deal with stares from others and awkward conversations of asking where they are from.  I guess if you are not white you are not from America to some people. 

That is only one environment I am referencing, I have also seen news titles that are even less fair. White people always have to be the victim, never the perpetrator.  

A month ago, there was a black woman defending herself from young attackers who were seeking to harm her, and the title of the article made the two younger ones sound like the victim. I’m not going to name the outlet, but for reporting in Missouri, they should do better. 

I have a hard time seeing this type of media and not being outraged at how our people can treat others. Why is this still happening? Have we not learned anything?  

Well, we are, but slowly. 

Springfield public schools did what they were supposed to, they taught me what I needed. I felt prepared for the outside world with the skills I have learned– but because outside media and real world experience have taught me and humbled me on what I really need to know. 

I think the biggest flaw has to be the history department. Every other department is fine, except there could be a bit better focus on real life skills like stressing the importance of real life skills. However, starting with what we are exposed to and supposed to understand at a young age is the history of the world and our country. 

We learn about Lewis and Clark, George Washington, all the glorious white people that founded this country. What a load that is. I wish I could have been more exposed to the native people that were here before us. Learn about other people of color with the same importance as they put on people like George Washington.  

Kickapoo High School has done something brave, that I have heard so many conversations about in school and out: they changed their logo. No longer the mascot head, but they are still called “chiefs.” I appreciate that a conversation was had with the native tribe the school was named after and something was done. 

Lots of imagery used and costumes worn were promoting stereotypes that were dangerous. We were also disrespecting them. My ignorance led me to believe that it was tradition, so it was okay. But we were disrespecting a whole group by someone wearing a headdress and tomahawking during a song. It was all ignorance and a much needed conversation. 

This is the conversation we need to keep having with each other. Keep speaking when you think you are not heard. It is never easy to start a change: you do not know if people are going to see you differently. There will always be those who disagree. But we need to keep our ears open as well as our hearts to accept each other and learn.  

SPS can learn and grow. I know there is limited control, but those who are in power can make a change. They can do better for the kids that go through, teach them all the people that came before them, and not only the ones that are dollar bills and with big fancy statues. But those who were here before us. So those who are after are far less ignorant and we can build a more educated nation.  

Article by Rylan DeHaven