First lesson in racial profiling?

Question

My son just got into first grade (in a midwest state in the US). There are 24 kids in his class - 5 of them of South-Asian origin.

In the class, there are 6 desks with 4 students each - and 4 of the 5 south-Asian kids have been seated on the same desk. Is it just me or does anyone else think that's not right.

Answer 1

i'm not quite folowing, how can 4 students use one desk?  there may be other reasons for this, maybe these kids feel more comfortable in that group?  who chose the arrangement, in my daughter's school the kids do.  i need more information before shouting racism

Answer 2

Are the seats assigned or chosen? Do the grouped kids speak English fluently? Does the teacher call it the communist table and impose snack sanctions?

Does it really freakin' matter? Its first freakin' grade! Kids just learned how to cross the street for gees sakes!

Answer 3

maybe it's just a coincidence...you're being over-sensitive.  

Answer 4

wow chill out dude. they are really young and maybe the teacher felt they would be comfortable around people that are similar! im sure the teacher will have them branch out. If not then it would be more or less... but that was a harsh judgment on your part

Answer 5

It doesn't look right .You might ask why they are being sat together and not separated like the others.

Answer 6

Yea I think that the teacher is being abit racist, however I have a feeling is unintentional. It could have been a big coincidence because most teachers, myself included, usually make the damned seating chart before we even meet the kids. Its not so easy to justify because im not that teacher in particular but its also not as clear cut as it seems.  My advice would to be simply to ask about the seating arrangements, possibly about how they were made and came to be. At least that way you could get a deeper understanding before judgment is passed.

Answer 7

Sue the school district for racial discrimination!

Answer 8

is there a Kia car plant (or similar) in your town?  Are these kids American, or are their parents here from the home company (and then the teacher might be placing them together because english is a 2nd language, or they were friends already and wanted the transition to be less funky for them)?  More details

Answer 9

It is racial segregation, plain and simple. And, if you feel strongly enough about it, (which I think you do), you should complain. Expect to get all kinds of excuses, including things like, 'they are socially uncomfortable with the others', 'it is good for their self esteem' and even 'they are ahead of the rest of the class'. Obviously, these are all just that - excuses. The only way to change it, is to complain, and threaten to take it to the next higher level if you don't get a satisfactory response. Activism is the only way.  

Answer 10

It's you.

Answer 11

its normal for most races to stick to geather like my click at high schools is all white and one black

Answer 12

i think you are right but maybe they seem well suited and happy to be seated next to each other.

Answer 13

The first lesson in racial profiling is that it is right 80% of the time...Stereotypes exist for a reason!  Why not stack the deck.  You can't argue with stats.  

Why should she bring the other tables down to make things equally along racial lines?