Coffee and Conversation

One of my first students gave me this coffee mug. This particular mug has survived many rounds of decluttering, many cross country moves, and has held many varieties of caffeine.

This mug reminds me of my time as a high school English teacher, a time when I reached many hundreds of students who passed through my classes. I introduced them to books and material that pushed the limits of traditional academia. I taught them to think critically and defend their opinions with evidence. I showed them the realities of the literary world and how some people didn’t think all voices should be heard.

I’m always amazed to see which books have been banned, or are currently banned in school districts. Of particular interest is why they were banned in the first place, and at what point in history. Why repress a particular voice at a particular time? Is it similar to what’s currently known as Cancel Culture?

I’m reminded of a quote by Oscar Wilde: “The books that the world calls immoral are books that show its own shame.”

In my most recent classroom, which happened to be in a private, Catholic institution where many things were banned, I taught my kids that it was ok to think differently. They had a right to free expression even though they had to conform to school code at all times. It was difficult, often subversive work on my part. After all, “what is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.” (Salman Rushdie)

In my current life, I don’t get to read many books. I’m doing more laundry and cooking and butt-wiping than intellectually stimulating activities. But I have two sons. And you better believe they are going to grow up to become respectful critical thinkers who will uphold their right to express themselves freely, and defend others rights to do the very same.

Well, that was some deeper stuff than I anticipated. Happy Wednesday to you all. I need to heat up my coffee again for a third time today.

💚Ali