Sylvia Wynter's Dream

Course Blog 1 | Antoneisha Dunn | September 11, 2023

Just a little over a week into the new school term, and controversy is already brewing. No, it’s not centered around absent teachers or school infrastructure woes. Who has the time for those discussions, anyway? Instead, as a community – albeit a subset of it – we find ourselves passionately debating an unexpected topic: schoolbags. Yes, you read that correctly: schoolbags! Today, I want to join the conversation. But, for more context on the issue and insights from the minister, tap here.

After reading the Gleaner article linked above, you might have also formulated your own response to the issue. As for me, my response is as follows:

“The dunce backpack controversy appears to be yet another example of administrative overreach in policing how students express and adorn themselves at school. In my opinion, if a group of students wishes to have such backpacks, they shouldn’t suffer learning loss; because the item itself isn’t disruptive. Every instance of these ‘dress code enforcements’ remind me of a poem written by Prince Ea. Not only does this poem highlight the flaws in the world’s education systems, but it condemns them for producing cookie-cutter shaped students devoid of… well…an individuality!”

What are your thought on the issue?