HOW DO YOU MIRANDIZE YOUR STUDENTS OR CO-WORKERS ON OFFENSIVE MATERIAL? FINALE!

A PRE-EMPTIVE “NONOFFENSIVE” STRIKE
How do you roll out acceptable standards in your classroom or workplace to minimize the chances of anyone getting offended? What steps do YOU need to take? Here are a few steps to consider:

3 STEPS:

1. Careful Review---Carefully review your humor, music, videos, or any other form of media you plan on using. If you have any reservations about their appropriateness, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

2. Peer Review---Pick 2 or 3 colleagues to review your material regularly before you use it, especially if you have any doubts. A fresh perspective or 3 can be eyeball opening to what you didn't see in your review.

3. Setting the Standards---On the 1st class of the semester OR other appropriate time with co-workers,

a. set standards for offensive material with everyone involved. You propose and define the categories and adjust accordingly based on their feedback. Make sure everyone is clear on what is appropriate and inappropriate material---where the LINE IS DRAWN, and

b. issue a disclaimer to all students OR employees regarding your own behavior to hold you accountable to those standards, such as

“Should I ever offend anyone with anything I say or do, or any print material, music, or videos offend you, please know it wasn’t intended. I may make mistakes. Tell me about any material that offends you so I can change it before the next class or semester.”

This 3b disclaimer is extremely important. We rarely hear that anywhere. Instead, to the contrary, we hear performers and, possibly, even our colleagues and friends tell us they don’t care who they offend. They often do that with great pride, puffing themselves up, as if offending people intentionally and having no respect for another person’s values or principles is a badge of honor. That should not be your position in the classroom or workplace.

If the preceding steps are taken regularly, you should be able to minimize offensive jokes and media from rearing their ugliness in your workplace and, more importantly, minimize the chances of hurting the people with whom you work every day. At least, when you do make mistakes, and you will, you’ll be prepared to handle them appropriately.

Well, that’s the end of my offensive blog series. Can you believe it? I know you couldn't wait for my anti-climatic, predictable finale. I hope at least one idea hit you that was of value to think about in your teaching or position in the workplace. Let me know your thoughts.

COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC