Job Discussion Forums

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

I just bought a big 'ol California flag thinking it would be cool to hang in the classroom... then my mom asked "do you think that will be acceptable or will people think it is disrespectful?" Honestly I hadn't even thought about it... it's not a political statement or a statement of allegiance... just kind of an identity thing and I thought it would be a way to decorate the room and give it a touch that would be my own.

Anyone see a problem with hanging the flag of their state in a Mexican classroom?

MELEE · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:45 pm Post subject:

Do you know that you will be having your own classroom?
In Mexico it is more common for the students to stay in a room and the teachers to move around. There's a good chance you won't be able to put anything up on the walls at all...

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

To flip the coin, how do you think students in California would react if a Mexican teacher brought the flag of the state of Veracruz or Chiapas (do they have state flags..?) into the classroom and displayed it on the wall without any purpose except decoration?

As a Canadian, I might want to take the flag of my home province of British Columbia into the class for discussion, but it seems to me that it would be wiser to take a collection of flags from around the world into the classroom and center an activity around the collection.

If I were to hang the flag of BC on the wall without an explanation or activity, most of the students would think 'WTF?'

MELEE · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 2:16 pm Post subject:

The teacher I had for Spanish 1 and 3 in High School was Mexican and had a Mexican Flag up in the classroom. The walls were covered with things from Mexico and it was on of the liviliest rooms in the school. I'm still in touch with her and her impact on my life definately contributed to my living in Mexico.
I think an interesting difference between the United States of America and Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos is the role of the state. So it might be interesting to show the state flag and talk about how places like schools, post offices, and other government buildings in the US always fly both flags. Here in Mexico, there can be big cultural differences from state to state (or region to region), more so than in the US. But in the US there is more variation in laws. When people ask me questions about the US, I often find that my answer starts with, "Well in my state...." and ends with "It can be different in every state."
If anything, you should bring a bunch of different things you feel symbolize your identity and make a collage about Mikey. If you have a desk, this would be nice on the wall, behind or next to your desk. I work at a university and we don't have our own classrooms, but we do have offices. I usually tell new teachers to bring things to decorate their office like photos of family, post cards of cities they've visited, or a wall hanging from another country where they've worked. Students love seeing these things and always ask questions about them. I do actually have a small Iowa flag in my office---a car window sticker that is tacked up on my notice board.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

When I lived exactly in the house you will be living at the neighbours behind took down our CND flag and threw it on to our patio. I thought it was rude as we weren't trying to dominant or be disrespectful but then someone said something about there being a LACK of a mexican flag. Had we put both up...things might have been tolerated or even accepted. I would have to say that is what you should go for....unite the two, even though I realize you are trying to demonstrate a side of you. You need to also show not only your acceptance but also your desire to be a part of mexico along with who you are. Or even just bring it in as a 'first day introduction day' and then ask the students to bring in things that they feel identify themself and put it up on a bulletin board or wall too.

When the point was brought to me about flying both flags, I thought it was a totally real point and felt stupid for thinking that the neighbours were being rude. It was I who was, even though that was definitely not my intention (just ask thelmadatter....I"m a VERY polite CND! Laughing

)

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 1:30 am Post subject:

I don't think the California state flag is the best choice to use in a Mexican classroom. Here's why: The historic bear flag was raised at Sonoma on June 14, 1846, by a group of American settlers in revolt against Mexican rule. The flag was designed by William Todd on a piece of new unbleached cotton. The star imitated the lone star of Texas. A grizzly bear represented the many bears seen in the state. The word, "California Republic" was placed beneath the star and bear. It was adopted by the 1911 State Legislature as the State Flag. [Source: California Blue Book.]

That might not go over so well with some people. Better to not make any kind of statement then to make an offensive one. I mean, how would it be looked upon if an Arabic teacher hung-up a Saudi Arabian or Iraqi flag in a US classroom? WTF would be a common response. The same probably goes for Mexico.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Mikeysaid wrote:

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

You will be teaching Grade 6 in a private school? Been there. Have fun!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:40 am Post subject:

To the OP. Why is this even important for you?

To hang-up a California state flag in a English classroom in Mexico. I mean, what's the point? I was teaching English and geography at my last school, so it wouldn't have been too far of a strech if it had tied in with other activities. For example having students bring in other flags and then using that as a basis as a class discussion and project. But to hang up a California flag, just to do it? Well, whatever.

Remember that we are guests here in Mexico, and especially being from the US, we need to exercise some sensitivity. That is especially true in the classroom.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

I think it is a reasonable thing to do. My only advice would be to get a feeling for the school and your students. Concentrate on establishing yourself as a good teacher, first. Then, when you have earned that reputation, you will have a little more leeway when it comes to peripherals and other "extras."