Just how much does society have to bend in order to accommodate dysfunction and disinterest?
I was a classroom teacher in Title 1, high poverty schools before making the leap to university teaching. I had much experience with the situations that Monique Morris depicted in this book. And yes, in a perfect world, schools would be supportive of every outburst and disruption that students make in class, because those are symptoms of deeper problems, usually stemming from issues and conflicts at home. But school can't fix all the problems and issues that stem form dysfunctional family environments and culture. Society can't expect schools to absorb all the problems that either begin at home or should be addressed in the home.
I tried to be an empathetic, supportive teacher who accepted the students as they were, just as Monique Morris is calling for in this book. But those same students assumed I was 'weak' because I was patient with their problems and their disruptions in class. They exist in a culture that operates on the maxim 'survival of the fittest.' They believe they must be 'hard' to survive in this world. This sets them up for failure in traditional institutions like school. And not being able to keep their emotions in check is symptomatic of dysfunctional families. The classroom is not the place to work out that dysfunction. But human nature being what it is, students recreate the noise and chaos from home in the classroom because they are comfortable with chaos and noise, and probably to work out their issues with a stable or functional adult that is 'safe.' No teacher can teach or help students learn in a classroom where this occurs on a daily basis. These unruly students need counselors who are trained to work with trauma and its after-effects. This level of need requires an expertise that is far beyond what teachers should be expected to handle in a classroom.
So where does it end? Do we totally dismantle the concept of school because part of the population lives in a culture that holds no value for school or education? I also come from poverty, by the way. And I realized pretty early on that education was the key to my being able to get out of and away from poverty and the hopelessness and misery it maintains. Being able to keep my emotions in check and listen quietly in class was part and parcel to my success as a student, which led to opportunities to move ahead in the world. If I was able to get out of poverty through education, anyone can do it. I just don't believe that learning and education is seen or valued as important in poverty culture and that keeps it running at cross-purposes with education.
All the good ideas and platitudes in the world are worthless if they aren't based in reality and human nature. And no one is willing to state the obvious here: generational poverty embraces street culture and the guns and violence it engenders produce young people who aren't the least bit interested in learning or being successful in school. That's emblematic of a culture that rebels against the status quo by venerating gangsters and bad guys, instead of trying to use education as a tool and move forward in life. School is simply not desired or aspired to in street culture, which is predicated on survival of the fittest. That's the sad reality of schools, these days.
Perhaps the advancement of technology will retool the school environment to being an online practice done at home, rather than students attending brick and mortar buildings and classrooms. If students are given the ability to learn online, individually, with no interruptions or disruptions, the ones who really want to learn won't be held hostage in physical classrooms by disinterested students who are acting out to deflect attention from their inability to read or do the work the teacher is attempting to explain.
I have to conclude that coddling dysfunction and allowing unruly students to derail lessons is lunacy. Their presence creates the safety concerns and policing of schools that Morris criticizes in this book, due to the fighting and chaos they bring to school, along with the guns in their bookbags. We can't turn schools inside out in order to placate and coddle their dysfunction. At some point, just like in "The Emperor's New Clothes," we have to address the ignorance and stupidity of street culture that is embraced by poverty culture. And that's a hard truth to face in this knee-jerk, reactionary point in time.
Other Sellers on Amazon
$15.84
+ $3.99 shipping
+ $3.99 shipping
Sold by:
Omega Books and More Inc.
Sold by:
Omega Books and More Inc.
(9513 ratings)
92% positive over last 12 months
92% positive over last 12 months
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Shipping rates
and
Return policy
$15.85
+ $3.99 shipping
+ $3.99 shipping
Sold by:
Becker Inc.
Sold by:
Becker Inc.
(6191 ratings)
98% positive over last 12 months
98% positive over last 12 months
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Shipping rates
and
Return policy
$19.86
& FREE Shipping
& FREE Shipping
Sold by:
RNA TRADE LLC
Sold by:
RNA TRADE LLC
(225 ratings)
94% positive over last 12 months
94% positive over last 12 months
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Shipping rates
and
Return policy
Add to book club
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
OK
Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools Hardcover – March 29, 2016
by
Monique W. Morris
(Author)
|
Monique W. Morris
(Author)
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
|
|
Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Paperback, Illustrated
"Please retry"
|
$12.37 | $11.55 |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$24.99 | $17.64 |
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.
Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.
View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.
Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.
Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book.
Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
-
Print length256 pages
-
LanguageEnglish
-
PublisherThe New Press
-
Publication dateMarch 29, 2016
-
Dimensions5.7 x 1 x 8.3 inches
-
ISBN-101620970945
-
ISBN-13978-1620970942
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
|
Download to your computer
|
Kindle Cloud Reader
|
Frequently bought together
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Healing, and US Social Transformation (Justice and Peacebuilding)Paperback$5.99$5.99FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
So You Want to Talk About RacePaperback$8.46$8.46FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
Other People's Children: Cultural Conflict in the ClassroomLisa DelpitPaperback$12.39$12.39FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About RacePaperback$7.67$7.67FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated AmericaPaperback$12.53$12.53FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
The New Jim Crow (Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness - 10th Anniversary Edition)Paperback$11.24$11.24FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical DiscipleshipPaperback$9.99$9.99FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational FreedomBettina LovePaperback$12.69$12.69FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues: Education for the Liberation of Black and Brown GirlsHardcover$8.39$8.39+ $3.99 shippingOnly 1 left in stock - order soon.
The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Healing, and US Social Transformation (Justice and Peacebuilding)Paperback$5.99$5.99FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About RacePaperback$7.67$7.67FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education: Fostering Responsibility, Healing, and Hope in Schools (Justice and Peacebuilding)Paperback$5.99$5.99FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
Editorial Reviews
Review
A powerful indictment of the cultural beliefs, policies, and practices that criminalize and dehumanize Black girls in America, coupled with thoughtful analysis and critique of the justice work that must be done at the intersection of race and gender.”Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow
If you ever doubted that Supremacy Crimes—those devoted to maintaining hierarchy—are rooted in both sex and race, read Pushout. Monique Morris tells us exactly how schools are crushing the spirit and talent that this country needs.”Gloria Steinem
This book is imperative reading, not only for educators and those in the justice system but—perhaps especially—for anyone who loves and sleeps down the hall from a young, developing African American woman.”Lisa Delpit, author of “Multiplication Is for White People” and Other People’s Children
A dynamic call to action. Black girls’ exposure to being pushed out of school and set on paths to incarceration, physical and economic insecurity, and social marginality is so movingly set forth by Morris that it can no longer be ignored. Pushout is essential reading for all who believe that Black lives matter.”Kimberlé Crenshaw, co-editor of Critical Race Theory and co-author of the reports “Say Her Name” and “Black Girls Matter”
At a moment when footage of institutional assaults on young Black men emerges with a horrifying regularity comes a timely and indispensable look at the often invisible oppression of girls of color. Pushout blazes with the voices of young women fighting for their dignity, safety, and the fundamental right to a future.”Nell Bernstein, author of Burning Down the House and All Alone in the World
Despite increased attention to the mass and over-incarceration of Black men, the plight of criminalized Black women and girls is overlooked, underreported, and underanalyzed. Finally, a compelling narrative that tells us the heartrending story of how schools are culpable in re-victimizing some of our most vulnerable citizens. This is a must-read for educators, juvenile justice officials, parents, and the entire community.”Gloria Ladson-Billings, Kellner Family Distinguished Chair in Urban Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Morris’s sharp analysis and the compassionate way she contextualizes these stories will surely compel readers to take action against the injustices that Black girls experience in schools and beyond.”Beth E. Richie, author of Arrested Justice
A road map for educators and policymakers who want to address the unique ways in which black girls are placed in the school-to-prison pipeline.”Erica L. Green, The New York Times
If you ever doubted that Supremacy Crimes—those devoted to maintaining hierarchy—are rooted in both sex and race, read Pushout. Monique Morris tells us exactly how schools are crushing the spirit and talent that this country needs.”Gloria Steinem
This book is imperative reading, not only for educators and those in the justice system but—perhaps especially—for anyone who loves and sleeps down the hall from a young, developing African American woman.”Lisa Delpit, author of “Multiplication Is for White People” and Other People’s Children
A dynamic call to action. Black girls’ exposure to being pushed out of school and set on paths to incarceration, physical and economic insecurity, and social marginality is so movingly set forth by Morris that it can no longer be ignored. Pushout is essential reading for all who believe that Black lives matter.”Kimberlé Crenshaw, co-editor of Critical Race Theory and co-author of the reports “Say Her Name” and “Black Girls Matter”
At a moment when footage of institutional assaults on young Black men emerges with a horrifying regularity comes a timely and indispensable look at the often invisible oppression of girls of color. Pushout blazes with the voices of young women fighting for their dignity, safety, and the fundamental right to a future.”Nell Bernstein, author of Burning Down the House and All Alone in the World
Despite increased attention to the mass and over-incarceration of Black men, the plight of criminalized Black women and girls is overlooked, underreported, and underanalyzed. Finally, a compelling narrative that tells us the heartrending story of how schools are culpable in re-victimizing some of our most vulnerable citizens. This is a must-read for educators, juvenile justice officials, parents, and the entire community.”Gloria Ladson-Billings, Kellner Family Distinguished Chair in Urban Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Morris’s sharp analysis and the compassionate way she contextualizes these stories will surely compel readers to take action against the injustices that Black girls experience in schools and beyond.”Beth E. Richie, author of Arrested Justice
A road map for educators and policymakers who want to address the unique ways in which black girls are placed in the school-to-prison pipeline.”Erica L. Green, The New York Times
About the Author
Monique W. Morris is President/CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color and co-founder of the National Black Women’s Justice Institute. She is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and social justice scholar-advocate. Her books include Black Stats and Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues (all from The New Press).
Start reading Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools on your Kindle in under a minute.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
New releases
Explore popular titles in every genre and find something you love. See more
Product details
- Publisher : The New Press (March 29, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1620970945
- ISBN-13 : 978-1620970942
- Item Weight : 15.5 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.7 x 1 x 8.3 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#65,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #171 in Philosophy & Social Aspects of Education
- #541 in Discrimination & Racism (Books)
- #802 in Women's Studies (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,185 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
164 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
This needs to be a mandatory read for all educators. I considered myself a very "race-aware" white educator who treated everyone fairly, but this opened my eyes to the ways that I was insidiously, subconsciously treating my Black female students differently. I am dead serious when I say this should be mandatory--we can't go on treating our Black girls like this.
60 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
Monique E. Morris’s account of the over-policing and criminalization of black girls is powerful and informative. She describes the way black girls have been subjected to narratives that impact the way they view school as less of a priority and themselves as not capable of thriving in an academic environment. She focuses on the full impact of zero tolerance policies and the ways in which an over-reliance on punishment can effectively push black girls out of the school system. She addresses the ways that female bodies are shamed and affected by dress code policies, that emphasize the responsibility of black girls to prevent sexual violence and victimization and take away the accountability from the perpetrators. I learned a lot in Morris’s ideas for solutions to the unsuccessful correctional facilities and how black girls could be more supported by their educational institutions. The book showed Morris’s ability to both be both realistic and un-sugar-coated, but hopeful that it is possible to combat school pushout and the criminalization of black girls if community members, parents, educators, and others are personally invested.
31 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Monique Morris' "Pushout" gives an incredible inside look of young black girls that must defy all odds to be able to receive a proper education, something that everyone in this country deserves. The book has real black women's stories of perseverance and situations they were put in during their time in school. Most of these girls are misunderstood and stereotyped in ways that are unimaginable. Morris delivers an exceptional piece that is full of real stories and real evidence in regard to the criminalization of black girls in schools. You should read this book if you are interested in real stories and evidence concerning black girls in the education system in this country. Some strengths of this book would be the stories that Morris includes in this piece. You follow some of the same young women throughout their time in the educational system and the things they endure. Some of these girls are prostitutes and they are trying to get back on their feet and away from this system, and some are young black women that cannot get their teachers to help or listen to them. Another strength is the beginning of each chapter includes a quote or poem that really sets the mood for the rest of the chapter. One weakness would be an abundance of facts and statistics, but if you are reading this book for a class, it helps for any sort of writing or presentations on the subject. I would definitely give this book a thumbs up and recommend it to anyone that is interested because it gives a raw account of an issue that is not frequently discussed and it will really change your perspective on the education system and the way it treats young black women in America.
4 people found this helpful
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 stars
An overdue exploration of the way institutions like education have targeted and rejected girls of color
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2017Verified Purchase
A must read for all school professionals--teachers, administrators, staff, school social workers, counselors. It underscores the need for trauma-informed practices and policies in schools. It centers the experiences of marginalized youth. It is overdue.
21 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is an important read especially in the fight against systemic racism in schools. A must read for any urban educator. It's only not 5 stars because sometimes it's a little boring in parts. The best pieces are when the author is telling the stories of the girls she interviewed. Overall, very compelling and important to understand how educators and administrators can be part of the solution instead of the problem.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Top reviews from other countries
Elena
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good
Reviewed in India on March 4, 2020Verified Purchase
Good content. Received on time.
Deals related to this item
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Pages with related products.
See and discover other items: african philosophy, educational theory, sociology of education, urban history






