Although ASL is an American school, there is a very international population. Even though ASL is more diverse than America, there are still split opinions on topics of diversity. During the Nation Football League (NFL) 2016-17 season, a quarterback for San Francisco 49ers named Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem. He believed that taking a knee would help bring attention to police brutality of African Americans. Although he no longer plays because no team has signed him, during the summer he became the face of Nike’s campaign which caused mixed reactions from some people.
Would living in a different country affect how kids and teachers at ASL see diversity and global matters that involve diversity? People will still have very different outlooks on this topic but could the views be impacted by age, race, and where they live?
One person who attended local British schools as a student but who now works at ASL is Mr. Sean Ross, the grade 7 aide. He said he lived in one of the most diverse places in the country which affects his global perspective. He also stated that other schools he has worked in have been very diverse.
“I think it is a good way to protest. It sends a very clear message and it wasn’t violent, it was passive. In my opinion, there is a lot of evidence that helps support why he felt that way. He was good at articulating why he did that. Kids should always speak out for what they believe in,” said Mr. Ross.
This is just one opinion with a background which is different than most because of how diverse he is. His background and living in a different country his whole life could impact his views on this topic.
Eighth-grader Rishi Kurada who is a native of India, said “ASL has a variety of kids instead of just one race like my old school was.”
Kurada had a similar view to Mr. Ross when saying “Colin is doing something he believes in, and you are allowed to do what you believe in.”
MacCoy Weil is an eighth-grader originally from Denver, Colorado. He lived in Colorado until he was in sixth grade when he moved to London. Weil, said, “ASL diversity has a much wider variety of students than my past schools and they are much more accepting of each race in the school. I do think Colin (Kaepernick) is advocating for a serious topic and he is standing up for what he believes in. I do believe in standing for the flag and showing respect for the people fighting. I think it’s important to stand up for what you believe in but also show respect.”
People react to topics like racism through their backgrounds. All three people believed he was standing up for a serious topic. ASL diversity affects how people see racism but still people have different opinions on what is right and what is wrong.
