I’m becoming increasingly concerned about a trend in the Classics world right now. (Yes, I understand that this trend is part of the broader world, but I am specifically addressing Classics right now.) There seems to be this mindset that one group needs to make change for another group but the first group will neither participate nor listen to the first group’s story, opinions, or reasons.
Let me make something clear right now: I agree wholeheartedly that change is needed in the world of Classics, the ACL, and the NJCL. However, I fear that the way some are going about it is going to backfire spectacularly. We need to understand what is actually happening from those on the inside before we snipe from the outside. Rage about how things have been done in the past without taking concrete action is not going to help us moving forward--but knowledge will.
I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the idea that those of us who are “in charge” in ACL and NJCL aren’t “doing enough” quickly enough. This is a huge process, with teachers and students all across the discipline in the United States and beyond. The leadership takes as much time as they can to address the myriad concerns and suggestions being brought to them and need to consider all aspects of implementing changes. Being on the Board of Governors, any of the ACL-affiliated committees, the National Committee, or a State Chair is a volunteer position. We do not get paid for *any* of this and yet we put in countless hours working to make all of these organizations and the field of Classics as a whole more multicultural, inclusive, and compassionate. Yes, I hate that change takes time. But I don’t want to see people posting statuses that say “you are enough” and then turning around and lambasting others for not “doing enough.” That is, quite frankly, toxic and tears apart those who could be allies.
The ACL is a huge organization. I always see it as a Thanksgiving Dinner with all of your family and friends. Such a dinner can be a different experience for every person involved.
*Perhaps you arrived and were welcomed with open arms, fed well, and then you helped clean up.
*Perhaps you arrived and were judged for not helping immediately.
*Perhaps you showed up with your own version of mashed potatoes and everyone went, “huh….that’s interesting…”
*Perhaps you got into it with someone about how to prepare the turkey, but ultimately, made a compromise or even made two different, but very tasty, turkeys.
*Perhaps you showed up and you can’t cook, but you brought dishes! And someone helped teach you how to be helpful in the kitchen.
*Or perhaps you had an entirely different experience.
For the dinner to be successful, everyone has to chip in and bring something to it. Maybe everyone will love it, maybe only a few people will, but it is meant to be an experience for all. In order to do that, we must all come to the table, bring our strengths, and work on our areas of weakness.
The point here is that we need to get involved and see the organization from the inside. Walk the mile in those shoes. There was a lot I could have said before I became a State Chair. I became one because they needed someone, but I stayed because I saw the opportunity to make the changes that I could have complained about before I was a State Chair.
We need to stop trying to pit people against each other--teachers against teachers, students against teachers, and students against students. We’ve created a huge us vs. them mentality and it’s not making those who could have something to contribute feel welcome. We, Latin teachers, need to do better--not just by the profession, not just by the students, but by each other.
We have so far to go and to get there we *all* need to get involved and do our part rather than putting the work on those who will take it on. We can’t expect people to make changes for us while we stand by and direct from the sidelines. I highly recommend volunteering and making yourself known to your State and National Classics leaders and offering your time and assistance to help implement the changes that you feel need to be made. And all of us who are leaders, let's listen.
