Nice White Parents

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to about education, the role that wealth, whiteness, and privilege play in shaping every aspect of our society, and how “well-meaning” people with power are often opponents of progress for all even if they don’t realize it.

This would be 5 stars if it was much more than 5 episodes. I’m a black parent who recently sent my kid to the school (now BHS), and I am actually shocked at how illuminating it can be to focus on one specific school over a period of time. Obviously it’s not a full picture of all schools or districts or boroughs; but it’s certainly relevant and speaks truth for perspectives that are often omitted. And the reactions in these reviews (not shocking) further illuminates the vein you’ve clearly tapped on. Thank you 293 times!

The thing I enjoy most about Serial podcasts is their ability to look at things from two or more perspectives. This podcast seems to come in with the question already answered. While I believe the host’s conclusion is correct, I don’t believe the deduction included enough research to be tied up so neatly in 5 episodes. I believe any tough or antagonizing interviewing questions were to guide her interviewees to the conclusion she wanted to present. I feel that we heard very little of the interviews from normal parents, parents that weren’t caught up in school leadership or involvement. When they were presented, we only received slices of the host’s choosing. The final episode displayed this the most, as we even hear from a minority that what the host is suggesting isn’t even what minorities want, this “integration” isn’t really what anyone cares about, they too, just want the best education for their kids. In summary, I gave the podcast 3 stars mainly because there was no investigation into opposing viewpoints or even acknowledgment that some areas of other viewpoints could have some truth (which will always be the case, it is rare for one position to contain all of the answers). Additionally, 3 stars was also given for the tunnel vision I believe the podcast delivers. The plot is visible from minute 1 to minute 300. I think this could have been done better; but I thank the host for creating a thought provoking podcast.

The first time I listened to this series, it was interesting and very well reported, but more theoretical as my kids weren’t yet in full time school. A few years later, and my kids are in a multi-racial/ethnic school in a gentrifying neighborhood, and I’m listening again and watching things happen at school and this series is just resonating on an even deeper level. Powerful work.

I've listened to two episodes so far. This podcast attempts to show the problem holistically, but I think it is very narrow minded. The creator of the podcast judges the "white" parents and people, past and present: They are in the wrong. I will listen to the rest of the episodes because of her "this American life" record. I have extensive exposure to education and interactions with different schools, including in NYC. So far this podcast is pointing to important aspects of American education, but it is blaming. It is also missing the complexity of decisions about one's life and one's children in the context of clear systemic problems. It's hard for me to put my finger on why this podcast and its tone are so amiss, but something is off, like the creator is trying to pass the blame for what she's feeling. Amendment: Listened to 4 episodes so far. 1. I wonder how the white parents interviewed feel about how they've been represented here. For instance: Rob. 2. How can you seriously think you're looking at education without looking at how things are done in other countries? 3. Why are Jewish people classified here as white?