You know those people who are just so awkward when it comes to stereotypes that they seemingly walk on glass when they are around you? Well, I had such an experience today. Though it is of course in their interest not to hurt you and try to be polite and politically correct, said persons usually overcompensate.
Take for example our biochemistry teacher. She has had a tough year with us, and she is trying to win us back, much against the odds. Her English isn't great, thus she can sometimes say things in very funny ways.
Take today for example, when she was explaining to us vitamin D's importance to the human organism. The point she was trying to get across was that people with fairer skin tone have an increased production rate of vitamin D in exposure to sunlight. Reversely, darker people have a reduced production, and thus need more sunlight to make the necessary amount of vitamin.
She somehow managed to twist this into a very funny situation. See, I was sitting next to my fellow Swedish classmate who happens to be platinum blond, so the teacher instinctively turned her as she mentioned how the "blondie race" have a higher production rate of vitamin D, due to lighter hair and "purer skin". Those words exactly. We all just started laughing in the class at the situation, my friend felt comically targeted and singled out. Then of course the teacher had to explain what happened to the other "race", i.e. the darker people. As she was fumbling over how to best explain the opposite of the "pure skin" people without sounding horrible, I quickly intervened, anticipating the train wreck about to happen. I jokingly confirmed that I was having terrible problems with my Vitamin D production in this Polish winter, with there being no sun and all. The teacher gave a small sigh of what probably was relief, and we carried on.
I think this little story is a good example of how we should treat these situations with awkward stereotypes, not as personal insults, but as opportunities for humor. Especially when, as in the case with this teacher, there is no intention to hurt, but just an honest mistake/language barrier. In my class we all laughed, we are used to these things and just find them funny now. This is a fine line though, being able to laugh at racist jokes/mis-sayings, but still making sure that it is all kept alright. It very much depends on the people and the situations, so the accepted norm seems to change from time to time. Then again, it is only awkward if you make it awkward... right?
Take for example our biochemistry teacher. She has had a tough year with us, and she is trying to win us back, much against the odds. Her English isn't great, thus she can sometimes say things in very funny ways.
Take today for example, when she was explaining to us vitamin D's importance to the human organism. The point she was trying to get across was that people with fairer skin tone have an increased production rate of vitamin D in exposure to sunlight. Reversely, darker people have a reduced production, and thus need more sunlight to make the necessary amount of vitamin.
She somehow managed to twist this into a very funny situation. See, I was sitting next to my fellow Swedish classmate who happens to be platinum blond, so the teacher instinctively turned her as she mentioned how the "blondie race" have a higher production rate of vitamin D, due to lighter hair and "purer skin". Those words exactly. We all just started laughing in the class at the situation, my friend felt comically targeted and singled out. Then of course the teacher had to explain what happened to the other "race", i.e. the darker people. As she was fumbling over how to best explain the opposite of the "pure skin" people without sounding horrible, I quickly intervened, anticipating the train wreck about to happen. I jokingly confirmed that I was having terrible problems with my Vitamin D production in this Polish winter, with there being no sun and all. The teacher gave a small sigh of what probably was relief, and we carried on.
I think this little story is a good example of how we should treat these situations with awkward stereotypes, not as personal insults, but as opportunities for humor. Especially when, as in the case with this teacher, there is no intention to hurt, but just an honest mistake/language barrier. In my class we all laughed, we are used to these things and just find them funny now. This is a fine line though, being able to laugh at racist jokes/mis-sayings, but still making sure that it is all kept alright. It very much depends on the people and the situations, so the accepted norm seems to change from time to time. Then again, it is only awkward if you make it awkward... right?
It is very hard to comment without insulting someone. But when I read your story I think that it is some meaning by your place in Ghana and your platina blond buddy staying in Sweden.
ReplyDeleteIf opposite - things could go really wrong with vitamin D. Or ?
No, not really, i mean, I have lived in Sweden a long time. During winter time, one can get enough vitamin D from eating the right type of foods, such as milk and fish etc.
Delete