Separation And Exclusion, By Mary Bibb

I found your response very enjoyable. I agree with you in saying that Mary Bibb faced many biases due to her race and sex and support your statement in saying that “one’s identity should not restrict or deny them from any opportunities.” I thought it was important that you addressed the issue of separation and exclusion, as the society was disregarding her accomplishments and making her seem invaluable due to her skin tone, sex and gender. Black children were also excluded/denied access to common schools and Mary Bibb wanted to change this, making sure that children of any skin colour could receive an education. Even though schools now accept students of various cultures/backgrounds/races, I find that within the classroom and schools, judgement,
labelling and discrimination still exist. There is this one little black girl in my class that just transferred from another class. She is the only black girl in the class and because of this, the kids ignore her. Nobody wants to play with her or be her friend because she is “different” and “new.” Without realizing it, the teachers also treat her a little differently, as they don’t concern themselves with her as much and treat her as if she is invisible. She is normally playing alone, is the last one to be called and sitting on the back of carpet in silence. Since then, I have been trying to talk to her and involve her in group activities, but because I am there only once a week, not much can be accomplished. This makes me very sad because she is such a bright and intelligent child, but many people look past this and choose to simply accept societal beliefs on gender and race.