You Teach Math, Right?

Whenever I introduce myself to people, the conversation inevitably turns to the topic of work/jobs, and I always get a little nervous. Now, you might be thinking, "What a very particular thing to get nervous about". Let me explain. I'm a 4th-5th grade ELA (English Language Arts) Interventionist. What that means is, I specialize in working with kids who are below grade-level in their reading and writing abilities. By pulling small groups and providing individually specialized support, I identify and develop potential for growth in students. I love and am very proud of the work I do. I care for my students and believe that my skillsets and strengths make me a great fit for my job. However, other people don't always seem to think so. Most of my conversations about work usually go a little something like this:

"I'm a teacher."

" Awesome! You teach math right?"

"Nope..."

"Ah, sorry, science then?"

"Wrong again."

"Oh...then, what do you teach?"

"I teach English.

Before I jump into the reasons why an exchange of this sort is frustrating, let me explain my thought process when approaching these conversations. The first thing that happens is, I become acutely aware of the fact that I'm Asian. Then, I'm wondering to myself: "If I were any other race, if I looked different, would they have assumed that I taught math or science?" At this point, I'm telling myself, "I'm sure they didn't mean it that way. Besides, how could I know that my race was the reason for their assumption? Maybe it was the glasses? Maybe it was...what else could it be? Why would they assume that I taught math or science?" So, with all that said, let me explain why these conversations are frustrating.

One of the main reasons I get frustrated is that these assumptions are annoying. More specifically, the frequency with which these conversations take place. While the intensity of the offense here is pretty minimal to me (I'm not very offended at each individual instance), the frequency of the offense is quite frustrating. Here's a great video that beautifully describes what I'm trying to say. It's frustrating not because the remarks are extremely hurtful or offensive, but because they happen SO OFTEN. The fact that Asians make up approximately 2% of the population of the state of Missouri (U.S. Census, 2017) is a fact that I am constantly aware of. It's at the forefront of my mind when I meet new people. Exchanges like the above-mentioned one increase that sense of other-ness and of non-belonging. It makes me feel really different and out-of-place, and that sucks.

The other reason I get frustrated is because these sort of exchanges can be so easily avoided. Go ahead, take 5 seconds to think of another way to find out what subject a person teaches. I would just ask them, "What do you teach?" If these people had taken 5 seconds to think about what they were going to say and about the ramifications it might have, the micro-aggression could have been avoided. But they didn't, and now I have to either call them out or let it slide.

The next time somebody assumes that I teach math or science, I'll just ask them point-blank: "Why do you assume I teach math or science?" Maybe that'll make them pause and think about the preconceived notions and assumptions they just made.

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I THOUGHT I WAS DONE, BUT SIKE. LISTEN. As I type up this VERY blog post, yet another instance occurs. I'm sitting at a coffee shop working on my blog post about how people assume that I teach math or science and not english right? So, I look over to my right and make awkward eye contact with the lady sitting next to me. Context: I had just gotten off the phone and had been speaking in Korean. I apologize to the lady for the awkward moment and turn back to my blog. She then proceeds to say, "That's okay! What are you working on?"At this point, I could use a quick break, so I turn to her and say, "I'm working on a post for my blog. I'm editing and reviewing the post for clarity and grammar. You know, typical writing review stuff." SO, TELL ME WHY SHE DECIDES TO RESPOND IN THIS WAY: "Oh! That’s so sweet! I’m sure that running a blog gives you lots of chances to practice your English. Have you improved much since you’ve started your blog?" I almost spat my drink at her from shock and spite. I still haven't figured out which emotion I was feeling more. The timing was too perfect. So, I turned to her, looked her dead in the eye and responded, "Ma’am, I’ve actually only just started the blog. And, I’m actually more fluent in English than I am in Korean. In fact, I’m an English teacher here in Kansas City." She pauses and stammers, "Oh, I see, that's great! I'm sure you're an amazing teacher." AND PROCEEDS TO PICK UP HER DRINK AND LEAVE THE COFFEE SHOP. Oh the perfect irony.

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Anyway, that's that.

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It's been fun.

Till next time,

J