“What’s the Right Thing To Do?” is a monthly column featuring ethical dilemmas with responses from students in the Greater Boston area. I am aware of the daily dilemmas students face and this column, of interest to both students and their parents, helps people openly discuss these issues and bring these ethical discussions we all face to the forefront. This concept is especially timely because we are faced with very challenging ethical dilemmas, which are even more prevalent now because of the power and influence of social media.
During one of your classes, your teacher makes an antisemitic joke and the majority of the class laughs along. What’s the right thing to do and why?
I would feel very uncomfortable hearing an antisemitic joke. I would talk to the teacher after class and let them know that it made me feel uncomfortable.
—Jacob, 16 years old
I’d honestly find it intimidating to speak up in the moment even though I would want to. I would find another Jewish friend from my class and approach the teacher with that friend and talk to the teacher about how the comment was offensive.
—Hannah, 15 years old
I would see if the teacher makes a comment like this again, or if these antisemitic remarks become consistent. If it does, I would approach the head of my school and let them know that my teacher has been making antisemitic remarks and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
—Sammy, 15 years old
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