Response to Ed, "Fairness"

Is it more important to present the world as it is, or the world as it could be?

First off, I totally agree with you that we must acknowledge that the world can change, and we can make it more fair. I think the answer to your question is both: we need to present the world as it is, and as how it can be. I think it's really important for teachers to acknowledge unfairness in the world, because students come from all different walks of life and if some of them have experienced unfairness (which I'm sure all of them have at some point) then it should be acknowledged. It makes it easier to identify the problem when other people around you are talking about their experiences; it helps you understand that you are not the only one experiencing inequality. After discussing and reflecting upon inequality with others in a classroom setting, it may be more clear how to make the world better. It is probably hard for teachers-especially if they teach younger students- to be honest about how unfair our world is, but it does not have to be an entirely negative conversation if it is turned into a productive discussion on how to combat unfairness.

Question: How can teachers minimize unfairness that happens in the classroom?