I'm proud to know an excellent High School Gov't & Economics teacher in a school with a very diverse student body & staff here in California. This was posted as a class experience this week -
(Teacher's) students as we're watching parts of the State of the Union address, most notably talking about gay marriage:
"Why doesn't that guy behind Obama (Boehner) clap when he's talking about civil rights!? Doesn't he know we can SEE HIM?!"
(Teacher's) neutral response: "He knows, and it's his 1st amendment right to feel one way, or the other."
Another student:
"It's okay (Teacher), I bet not everyone clapped for desegregation back in the day..."
(Teacher is) bummed that I only have 1 semester left with these observant kids (adults really)!
When they have a moment of clarity like that, it makes it all worth it.
I'm sorry it sounds stilted & awkward because I edited it to preserve anonymity.