Reflection: Another Take on Diversity

By Erin McCormack

I’ve been following the news about the anti-Semitic incidents in the Bedford Schools and the responses from the town, reading the letters and articles and attending the public forums. Over this time, I’ve developed some thoughts and observations I’d like to share.

First, that my family and I have had very positive experiences in the school system and applaud the efforts to address these issues. We truly cherish the diversity in town, and can honestly compare Bedford’s openness to other parts of the country where we have lived and visited. Our children have grown up with children from very different backgrounds who are now their friends. We joke in our house about Team Diversity: our son’s group of friends which includes Armenian, Jewish, Hanscom, Black, Irish, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Asian Indian, Thai, Native American and Yankee.  They have gone to school with teachers in same-sex marriages and children of gay parents. Not always in perfect harmony, but basically accepting these differences as the norm, not a threat, and “not a big deal”.

Having said that, these recent incidents are real and they need to be addressed publicly. Already, much has come out that helps shed light on the situation, and it would appear there is more than one thing going on, i.e., different levels of intolerance, stemming from different sources.

During the forums, several individuals, including students, discussed what might be described as “casual racism” – teasing/bullying among kids who are not enemies, but are testing boundaries and loyalties. They do it to be funny, watching to see how others will respond. This includes such things as throwing pennies, taunting, “See if the Jew will pick up the money”. Or comments such as “Maybe you can Jew him down for a better price.” This is not new, whether or not students have reported it. It also doesn’t apply only to Jewish students, but to Chinese, Muslim, Native American, Middle-easterners, and others, things such as “Slanty Eyes, Charlie Chan, Terrorist, Dune Coon.” It is sometimes between “friends”, and not meant to be threatening or hateful, but to get a rise. And it’s very hard for those on the receiving end to know how to react or to call out the perpetrators, who are “only joking”. Still, it erodes civility and basic kindness, and it’s very hard for recipients not to internalize this limit-setting, i.e. “stay in your place.”

At the high school, there have been actual hate crimes: defacing property with anti-Jewish slogans, as well as other, more game-related activities. Some of this has been uncovered and is being dealt with in a manner known as “restorative justice,” (see earlier Bedford Citizen article). Part of the investigation is looking into whether there may isolated individuals who are angry and disturbed enough to cause more violent acts, although it seems more likely to be attention-getting behavior, which many of the other students are getting tired of, and tired of restrictions that are put in place during times of investigation. This obviously cannot be ignored or marginalized.

And finally, the incidents that have taken place at the elementary schools, which seem not to be connected to the other acts, but still stem from some messages somewhere that are getting through to young children.

On reflection, it seems to me that some of these intolerant behaviors may be a backlash to the very diversity we have embraced: a fear of “outsiders” coming in and changing a pretty comfortable, established way of life for some, the meat of talk-show hosts and others on the internet.  The rate of change is indeed rapid, evidenced by the number of foreign languages spoken in our schools. The children themselves may not have problems, but may be reflecting some of the fears of their parents about who is buying the houses in the neighborhood, and can we relate to them if they don’t speak our language.  And yet, those are not dangers, and can be negotiated by those with much in common – love of their children, and wanting to live in Bedford for good schools and a safe, well-run town.

Lastly, to those who feel that it’s misguided to give so much attention to these incidents, rewarding the perpetrators and creating a bad image for Bedford in the media – I’m afraid it must be so, or things will not change.  It’s like a rash that may be treated topically, but indicates an underlying illness. Things are not right at the moment in Bedford. When I’ve had reason to be at BHS lately, my eyes scan the halls for a swastika, or other. I know that sickening feeling. Many years ago in Belmont, my husband and I had a small swastika carved into our front door. We’re not Jewish, but I felt violated. It’s not a good feeling when someone wants to make you feel small, unwanted and powerless.

It is a good feeling to feel part of a community that cares. In a sense, Bedford is ahead of the diversity wave that is coming all over this country. Let us greet the changes and meet the problems with open minds and open hearts. Eyes are upon us, including our children’s.