Plastics Pollution: A New Metaphor for Working Toward Just or Realistic Education Renewal

• In Event: Disaster Schooling to Joyous Schooling for BIPOC Students

Abstract

Inspired by the 70th anniversary of Brown and compelled by persistent educational challenges, we draw on CRT and racial realism to develop plastics pollution as a metaphor for realistic educational progress. We first detail three facets of the plastic metaphor, which include: macroplastics (explicit forms of racism), microplastics (implicitly racist systems), and nanoplastics (racist internalized belief systems). We outline solutions* that are grounded in realistic educational progress. The plastics metaphor allows for imagining future possibilities in education, holding both hope and the permanence of racism in mind. As educators who believe in learning as liberation, we are committed to nothing less.

Authors

• Linsey Paige Brennan, Michigan State University

• Samuela Mouzaoir, Michigan State University

• Sabrina Zarza, Michigan State University

• Terah T. Venzant Chambers, Michigan State University