If you grew up in the late 1960s and 1970s, a nostalgic stroll down memory lane might conjure up images of Woodstock, peace signs, flower power, “love the one you’re with,” Haight-Ashbury and Berkeley, groovy acid trips, “that’s some good shit” pot, bell-bottoms, and “if it feels good do it.” Bitchen, right? Let it all hang out!
You might even envision emerging civil rights and racial equality movements. And there was this:
In social studies one day, we were discussing the various branches of the government. The teacher, Ms. Burns, was leading the discussion in which, surprisingly, most of the students were actively engaged.
Despite this lively discussion, a smaller group discussion was taking place about the merits of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, two of the best and most well-known teams in the NBA.
One of the students in this smaller discussion said, “Neither team will win the championship...I think...”.
At that moment, Ms. Burns, interrupted. “So, yes, Rick, who will win the championship?”
Enrique, interjected, “Yeah, Rick, who?”
Ms. Burns then said, “Enrique, stay out of this, if you want to answer a question, answer the one about role of the Executive Branch of the government I just asked.”
None of the students called Enrique by his given name. He was Hispanic and very dark skinned. We all called him “Hershey” like the chocolate.
Hershey quickly said, “The role of that branch, I think, is to keep all the birds from falling down to the ground.”
Ms. Burns said, more sternly this time, “Enrique, you don’t know what the Executive Branch does, do you? Because you didn’t read the assignment, did you?”
Enrique said, “No ma’am, I didn’t. I went to our basketball game last night and I got home too late. Do you realize that they start those games at 7:30 at night? That is very irresponsible of the school to start those games that late at night, don’t you agree? That is what the Executive Branch should make rules about.”
Enrique and Rick were the managers of the varsity basketball team and travelled with the team to all games. As managers, they were responsible for getting the uniforms and warm-up suits ready for the game, getting the equipment ready (towels, basketballs, clipboards, chalkboards, water, etc.) for the coaches and players.
Ms. Burns said, “Enrique, I am tired of you not reading the assignments for class.”
Enrique continued to talk to the classmates around him in a sarcastic whisper. “Sounds like I do know what the Executive Branch does, doesn’t it?”
At that point Mrs. Burns lost her cool and screamed, “God damn it, Hershey…I mean Enrique, would you please shut up!” The class drew a collective deep breath, knowing that Mrs. Burns had crossed a line, and she knew it, too.
Quickly, Mrs. Burns took out her favorite pen and began writing on a colored pad that she took out of her desk. Everyone in the class knew what a note from that pad was about.
Ms. Burns continued to write her note to the principal. She said, “Here, take this with you. I want you to go to the principal’s office. I’m sorry that I have to do this,” she continued.
Enrique said, “Don’t you think you should write the note to the Assistant Principal? That’s who always talks to me, anyway.”
Ms. Burns repeated, “Enrique, I’m so sorry I have to do this.”
As he walked out of class and headed to the office, Enrique sang, “I don’t blame you at all” in his best Smokey Robinson and the Miracles falsetto voice. The entire class cracked up.
“I knew that joto (Spanish slang pronounced “hoto”) would get in trouble again. He can’t keep his mouth shut,” exclaimed Rick.
“He’s not a joto. He’s too dark to be a joto. Jotos are never that dark,” another student chimed in.
“Like Michael Jackson. I think that little kid is a joto. He’s black, but he’s light-skinned,” said another student.
“African American!” a female student interjected.
“What are you talking about? What do you think a joto is?” someone else said.
“A joto is a guy that likes guys,” another student replied.
“What do you mean, likes? You all like guys. All you do is hang around guys. You must like guys. You never hang around girls. You never talk to girls. You just like to talk about girls with guys,” Rick pointed out.
“So, that doesn’t mean anything. We talk about girls because we like girls,” a male student concluded.
“If you liked girls, you would do something about it, not just talk about it,” another female student said.
“My dad says that a joto is a queer. It’s a guy who likes girly things, maybe even would like to wear girly things...like dresses and play with things like dolls and jewelry. Those things.” Robby stated.
It was such enlightening conversation.
Meanwhile, in the principal's office, Enrique sat nervously, tapping his foot against the linoleum floor. He could hear the muffled sound of Ms. Burns' voice, who had been asked to report to the principal’s office, as she explained the situation to the principal. Enrique knew he was in deep trouble this time. As he waited, his mind wandered back to the basketball game last night, a double overtime win no less.
Just as Enrique was lost in thought, the door creaked open, and the principal motioned for him to come inside. With a racing heart, Enrique entered the office and took a seat in front of the imposing desk.
Mr. Tyler fixed in on him with a stern look before speaking. Eventually, he said, "Hershey, um, Enrique, do you realize the seriousness of your actions? Skipping assignments, disrupting class, and showing disrespect towards your teacher will not be tolerated in this school."
Enrique hung his head in shame, knowing he had let himself down once again. The principal continued, "But I also know you're a bright student with potential. I know that you are a very good manager on the basketball team.”
“So, what is the problem, Enrique?” said Principal Tyler, the former football coach.
“Usually, I’m bored. Everybody’s bored. We have lots of interesting things to talk about, but most of it doesn’t have anything to do with school subjects,” Enrique said.
Principal Tyler leaned back in his chair, studying Enrique with a thoughtful expression. After another moment of silence, he spoke, "Enrique, I understand that school can sometimes feel boring, but it's important to stay focused on your studies. Getting an education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities for you."
Enrique nodded, his mind now racing with the weight of his transgressions, but also with the additional weight of smart, sarcastic things to say in response.
"I know, Mr. Tyler. I'll try to do better from now on."
The principal gave him a reassuring smile. "I believe in you, Hershey. Now, I have a proposition for you. How about we set up a meeting with a mentor who can help guide you and keep you on track?"
Hershey perked up at the idea. A mentor sounded like just what he needed to stay motivated and accountable. "That sounds great, Principal Tyler. Thank you for giving me another chance."
As he left the principal's office, Hershey felt a renewed sense of determination. He also knew that Mr. Tyler was going to be communicating with Coach Goodwin about this new episode with Hershey. Hershey was sure that he did not want his status on the team as manager to be in jeopardy. That was his identity.