Teacher Identity

I chose to evaluate the social situation in a clip from the tv show, Boy Meets World. The tv show took place in suburban Philadelphia. The school is predominantly white and middle class. During social scenes for this show, the cliques are visible. Here in a classroom scene, the stereotypes are moreso hidden. His students are typically well-dressed and clean cut. Would you see these behaviors and appearances portrayed in a clip whose actors are from a low income neighborhood? Probably not. In this clip, Mr. Feeny is ending a lesson (the content of the lesson is unknown) but he is addressing the behaviors of the class jokster, Shaun Hunter. When Mr. Feeny addressed "you three", Shaun was more than likely engaging in something mischeivious with his best friend, Corey Matthews. When Corey tried to explain his proudness for some unique knowledge he knew, Mr. Feeny smirked and walked away as though his knowledge wasn't insightful. This is because Corey is a class clown and often not taken seriously. Mr. Feeny is well respected throughout this high school. He has been teaching at this school for years. He has developed a relationship with Corey outside of school. Mr. Feeny can joke around with his students yet when it is time for a lesson his students are engaged. He represents an educated man - Mr. Feeny goes to work everyday is a suit.

In regard to his interactions with his students, he makes a reference to giving Topanga her 'moment in the sun'. She is a proper, well-liked, high acheiving student. This phrase implies that she can shine in a very sincere tone, possibly sending the message that those who are not as affluent, will not shine. Mr. Feeny references how the rise in media & technology is having an impact on the these student's literacy and mathematic acheivement. This scenario raised a question to myself about whether this is a stereotype to teenagers, or is this reality?