I was disgusted by my experience at Emens Auditorium on Tuesday night.
I listened to the Brown sisters recount their role, as well as their father's, in the case that revamped American society -- Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kan.
The 1954 case overturned the ruling of "separate but equal" institutions for blacks and whites brought on by the Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896. The Brown case opened the door to shared educational institutions for all skin colors in the United States.
My mind whirled at the idea of how fortunate I was to be in Muncie to hear Linda Brown Thompson's and Cheryl Brown Henderson's perspectives of this historical moment.
So where were all of you?
I was embarrassed to see the lack of attendance for such historical speakers. The balcony in Emens was closed to visitors. Long, heavy drapes swayed over the empty seats, cutting off all rows leading to the exits.
Were these measures taken to give the Brown sisters the illusion that more students and faculty were excited to hear what they had to say? Most rows were barren, and not one was filled to capacity. It's revolting to imagine that the picture these women will remember Ball State by is an audience of chairs.
You're probably thinking back to your job, homework or other commitment you had on Tuesday.
That's fine. You're not to blame; rarely anyone ever is. Believe it or not, I'm a person too, and I know what you're going through right now. Maybe if we all hold hands and wish really hard, all of our schedules will vanish to Mars.
But think for a moment about what we learn in our classes. Some of you will unconsciously recount a daydream or a blank screen, and if this is true, I'm with you.
Sure, we pick up a few bits and pieces in our classes that we will remember until the next test. Hearing real people talk about an event or participating in an activity is far more moving than any class you will take. Experience is a greater tool for teaching than any book.
Especially future teachers -- where were you? Last fall, 2,600 students were enrolled in the Teacher's College. I wonder if the total broke 600 on Tuesday.
I'm not an education major; therefore I'm in no position to claim understanding of teaching methods. But a little voice is telling me these well-spoken ladies would have given your future classes a few extra lines to add to the paragraph in a text.
What the Brown sisters had to say about this monumental case in our nation's history was insightful, moving and surprising. It's too bad you had to miss it. Then again, there's always next time.
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