Pioneer High School student: MTV show 'did a great job of showing what really happened'
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Emma, 17, was on the show to be transformed from a “preppy poet,” as the episode description called her, into a rapper.
Despite not wanting to open up and expose her true feelings to the world, by the end of the episode Emma was rapping a song that she wrote, on a stage in front of 2,000 people, clad in a white jumpsuit.
The episode had moments of laughs, such as when Emma's father Dan Hamstra broke out his dance moves while his daughter practiced her rap, and caused some tears when Emma relived the already-controversial scene in teacher Vicki Shields’ African American Humanities class, explaining why she wanted to be a rapper.
However, immediately after she was done watching the episode with about 20 friends and family members crammed into her basement viewing party, Emma was all smiles. She said she was pleased with how the show ended up coming out.
“I think the show did a great job of showing what really happened. The story line was good, (and) I don’t think anyone came across as over exaggerated,” Emma said. “I think it was a really good episode.”
The episode re-airs on MTV at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
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The most emotional portion of the show was Emma’s visit to the African American Humanities class, which ended with Emma leaving the classroom and briskly walking to the bathroom in tears, closing a stall door behind her. After watching the incident again, Emma struggled to keep her emotions in check with tears welling in her eyes.
The scene in the classroom was filmed just six days after Emma’s grandfather had died, which left her in an already-emotional state, she said.
She said going through the experience of filming the episode and dealing with questions of whether she can rap because she is white has caused her to look at race in a new way.
“I understood race was tricky before I did this, but I didn’t understand how bad it was,” she said. “It’s pretty bad."
One example she mentioned was coverage on AnnArbor.com of a situation at Dicken Elementary School, when the principal drew criticism after allowing a field trip for African-American students.
" It’s a tricky situation,” she said.
Emma didn’t have much time to think about the fallout from the episode — the University of Massachusetts-bound field hockey player left for Virginia Beach, Va. to tryout for the U.S. National Field Hockey team soon after the show was over.
Shields said after the episode aired that the show was edited in a way to make it as controversial as possible and didn’t reflect the entire conversation.
The class Emma spoke to about her quest to become a rapper was in the midst of learning about cultural appropriation and how white people have appropriated portions of African American culture over time, for better and for worse.
When addressing the class, Emma tells them she wants to focus her rap on her experience being bullied at Pioneer and the field hockey team. She said she’s a feminist and wanted to rap about her beliefs. Students and Shields question how she’s going to be able to reach an African American audience as a white person and not understanding where the music had come from historically.
Shields said the original plan was for the entire class period to be spent listening to Emma talking about why she wanted to become a rapper but the show’s producers wanted a question and answer portion inserted. That portion of the class ended up being the only thing shown to the MTV audience.
“I wanted her to get in and say what she would say and get out because I knew (the editing) was going to happen,” Shields said. “They said no, five minutes of questions. They asked a couple of easy questions and she started crying and that’s what you see on Made. Now I’m getting emails about bullying her and I shouldn’t be a teacher and the irony is I didn’t want to be on the show in the first place.”
Despite the show filing during a stressful time, Emma's mother, Ruth Hamstra, said her daughter came out a stronger person on the other side.
Emma had to finally open up and face her fear of being vulnerable through her rap and has now worked more personal messages into her poetry, Ruth Hamstra said.
“She conquered it. I was surprised at how well she did,” Ruth Hamstra said. “She looked amazing and she really took it as something she wanted to be at her best at and conquer.”
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
jasmin
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
I'm a 17 year old black female from the suburbs of Chicago. I have watched the episode 3 times. I have 2 things to say about it all: 1. Mrs. Shields was wrong. As a teacher and role model (whether by choice or not) she should not have put hr viewpoints on her students. She should have saved her thoughts for a private time and let the students speak amongst each other from their hearts not the from what their teacher instegates. 2. I have much respect for Emma. Being a white girl trying to rap in a community with racist views coming from all people groups is tough. Most people don't know what that it is. Well I do. I am one of 10 black people in my school, and it is assumed that since I am black I should like hip-hop and not speak correctly. Well I am about as far from that stereotype as Emma is from the stereotype that white people can't do "black people things." I make videos on YouTube. Most of the songs I play are considered to be music that white people listen to and black people don't. I have had racial slurrs and comments directed at me, yet I keep doing it. I like the music that I like and other people can't tell me I shouldn't because I'm black. The same thing stands for Emma. She found a way to express her feelings and no person can say it's not something for her because she is white. If you have something to say in response to me, whether agreeing or disagreeing, I would love to hear it. And check me out on YouTube I love taking on controversey and/or acclimation. Youtube.com/iwritemusic12
Former A2rite
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
We had a student who merely wanted to express herself in the art form of rap. If anyone knows anything about rap or Enimem knows you don't have to be black to be able to express yourself in that manner. Shields though, I thought didn't appear to be educating a 17 yo inexperienced child who hadn't even step foot out into the real world to gain the deep rooted understanding of people, race relationships and culture. She appeared to be addressing a seasoned adult. Although, I wasn't in the classroom, I felt Vicky's role should have been more empathetic and objective. But again, I wasn't there and didn't hear the entire classroom discussion to state in my opinion whether Vicky didn't handle it as she should have. GREAT JOB EMMA!
Michelle
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
Vicki Shields has no business teaching anyone, anywhere! Not someone I would EVER want teaching my children! I don't call this 'preparing anyone for the real world', it is called 'bullying' and how ironic that that was Emma's reason for doing this to begin with and how sad that it was a teacher doing it. Humiliating a 17 year old high school student in a classroom full of her peers is not how a teacher prepares a student for the real world! It is a horrible thought to think that these are our teachers today! Blaming MTV for editing is nothing but a cop out!
A2-er
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
If the student said she wanted to write in the style of Shakespeare, and the teacher encouraged her to learn about Shakespeare's era--about the way sonnets were used, or the role of the theater in Elizabethan society, or the fact that in that era female characters were performed by male actors, or how many words and phrases Shakespeare invented, or the culture behind some of the idioms he used that now are obscure and distant from our experience--that would all make sense, right? And yes there's a difference between rap or hip hop, and a historically distant style of poetry--but the difference makes it all the more urgent or wise to learn the background of the rap style: those who can rightly claim it as theirs or of their culture--at least in terms of its origins--will be the student's audience. Showing a deeper understanding of the style will likely help to connect with them. Particularly since 'being real' is a key part of the rap/hip-hop genre's essence. It's not just about creative rhyming patterns. I'm glad that a meaningful discussion happened in the classroom--too bad that it was edited out in favor of stirring up controversy. But that's sort of where we're at, as a society now, isn't it? We have so much that needs sorting out, via good, honest discussions, but instead we get edited, sound-bite versions of peoples' thoughts, geared to stir up opposing points of view by pushing peoples' buttons. I applaud Ms. Shields for the courage to try to have a challenging discussion--it's easy to play it safe as a teacher and fly below the radar, give out easy assignments and make sure everyone gets an A, but that's not serving anyone's interests. It's not really what teachers are supposed to do, and it's not what GOOD teachers spend their time doing.
Smitten
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
Shields said. "They said no, five minutes of questions. They asked a couple of easy questions and she started crying and that's what you see on Made." I am stunned at the level of ignorance with this teacher. Again, proof that U.S. standards on teaching certification is way to low. Who is the child an who is the adult? It appears to me that Emma is acting more like the adult in this situation.......
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
They're both adults. 17-year-olds are not children.
Marianna
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
That's what I've been saying. Emma is 17 years old. Ms. Shields is an adult, she needs to act like one.
mohomed
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
Clearly Vicki Shields needs to have some tolerance and diversity training to help be a more well rounded human being and sensitive to the emotions of teenage kids since she is in fact a teacher of teenage kids.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
"Emma was rapping a song that she wrote" Correction - rap pieces are not "songs." They are noise.
Hmm
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
Showing your age there Chuck.
cette
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
It's not just what Vicky Shields, it's how she said it. That matters, alot, in fact. But what she said wasn't very nice either. So what, there's lots of not so nice people out there. More than that, AAPS has to decide a policy on letting camera's in on their staff and students.
Hmm
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.
Does there really need to be three stories about this???
dutch
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
I admire Emma's determined, creative efforts. She is exactly the independent thinking, idealistic young adult that this world needs more of. No one needs to worry about her being sucessful in college. I was personally appalled by the way Ms Shields treated her. Regardless of the issue, a teacher should not be humiliating and embarrasing a student in front of an entire class. In addition, the fact the the prinicpal, Mr White, did not adress this issue when it happened and chose to wait to see an edited version on TV is completely inappropriate. There have been on-going issues with his leadership and this is just another incident to add to the list.
Tom Todd
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
maybe it's time to realize that the one lasting effect of the NAACP is to scream racism whenever a white person is involved with anything remotely associated with anything to do with what African American's perceive that they have some type of say or ownership of.
Tom Todd
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
I think with this economy that some Political correctness would and should go out the window.Honestly if the roles were reversed the state would probably have to call in the national guard.
aawolve
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
Could you imagine the outcry if a black student went in front of a room full of white students, saying she wanted to be rock star, and the white teacher and students told her that her aspirations are questionable, because she's black? There would be freedom marches down main street.
katie
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 3:50 a.m.
Umm, rock has it's roots in the black community, too.
obviouscomment
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
unfortunately that would probably happen...and i would disagree with that uproar just as much as i do with this one...because there are double standards that shouldn't be and unfortunately that is the world that we live in...i so do wish that people of any race or gender could openly discuss these issues and come to a peaceful middle, but so far that has yet to happen
grye
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
I find it interesting that the students in the culture class wanted to know how she could perform without knowing the roots of the music. Rap isn't just for black people and although it may have been initially performed by black people, there are many non-blacks who are recognized artists. The need to understand the roots of the music is about as relevant as understanding how a watch works when all you want to do is tell time. If there is like for a style of art, there is not a requirement to know the beginnings of the art to enjoy it or even partake in it. Requiring this creates a biased attitude.
iamwater
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
Perhaps Ms. Shields could have benefited from see what happens when "keeping it real" goes wrong. <a href="http://www.videovat.com/videos/971/chappelle-keeping-real.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.videovat.com/videos/971/chappelle-keeping-real.aspx</a>
KeepingItReal
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
This is so funny. My blog name is "keepingIt Real!. I love it.
iamwater
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
Obviously, that should be "seeing". Duh.
rocco
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
This is a comment about the comments I've read in this story and the one posted earlier. Many of us thought we were entering the postracial society when Obama was elected president. This turned out not to be the case. Race is still a subject that needs to be addressed. Furthermore, when given the opportunity many people wish to speak about it as evidenced by the large number of respondents. Many respondents have turned on the teacher because she wished to engage the student in the dialogue of race. Many thought that it was inappropriate for her to do that. Many came to the support of the student who they felt was being bullied inappropriately by the teacher. Few saw it as a genuine learning experience for the student. The fact that the exchanges took place in an African American studies class should have cued everyone that issues of race would be on the table and the context for the discussion.
KJMClark
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
No, the problem is *not* that the teacher wanted to "engage the student in the dialogue of race", it's that the teacher was fairly antagonistic, demeaning, and confrontational about it. Andrew, I asked Midwest Teacher to explain what MTV did wrong *in the classroom*. I'll ask you the same thing. In the classroom, what did the show do that was inappropriate? Whether they should have aired that segment is a different question, that gets to first amendment issues. However, I'm curious what they did that was such a problem in the classroom.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
People also seem to be missing the fact that it was MTV (surprise) who pushed the conflict.
aawolve
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
Engaging in a debate about race doesn't excuse racism. I'm missing your point.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
It's high school. People go through rough patches, they learn, they grow. People push them, and sometimes they cry. That's no reason to put it on TV. Ridiculous.
Midwestern Teacher
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
Your willingness to explore an art form in a public forum was admirable. As a feminist, it is likely that you understand what it feels like to receive criticism regarding your views such as hearing that you are complaining about something that is no longer an issue, that sexism is a thing of the past. We know that sexism persists. Unequal pay and representation in positions of power are examples of this continued inequity. You may have heard some of the names that people use to minimize feminists and imply they are negative, complaining, male hating people. You may have felt uncomfortable when a male told you how women feel and/or think and dismissed your interpretation. How can you use those experiences to build an understanding beyond the boundaries of your experience? Class, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc., affect how we perceive the world and ourselves as well as how we are received by others. I was not surprised that a teacher of an African American History class would want to discuss the historical roots of the art form you were exploring. I believe that, as a culture, we all need to find ways to discuss race and privilege because, as you've learned, it is highly charged. Social change necessitates not just getting your message out there, but being willing to hear others messages. This encounter was pushed into a difficult area by show producers not to foster understanding but to highlight divisiveness. The edited version of the experience may feel satisfying to you in the short run but you may find that it was tailored that way. I hope that eventually you would ask yourself why that is.
KJMClark
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
A number of people have suggested that MTV is to blame for this somehow, but it's not at all clear how. Could you clarify how the show is responsible for what happened in the classroom?
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
Great observations.
TinyArtist
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
"Emma was rapping a song that she wrote on a stage in front of 2,000 people clad in a white jumpsuit." I don't like to nitpick, but shouldn't that be 2000 people clad in white jumpsuits? Otherwise, very illuminating article.
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
haha I thought the same thing and couldn't help "seeing" that crazy scene in my mind!
obviouscomment
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
I think this teacher is doing a good job of preparing students for the real world. Emma is a senior and is planning on going to college next year...which means she is going to encounter teachers and students that are going to push her to explain her feelings and beliefs just as this teacher did. It's important for her and other students to be able to express their feelings on these matters and answer these kind of questions about anything they stand for because otherwise their stand is worth nothing. I would dislike the situation if it was an elementary or middle school student, but this is a high school senior and a few tears wont hurt her. Even in this article she says she was helped to appreciate a different view/side of racial issues. In my opinion, and it seems in hers as well, this was good for her. Kudos to Ms. Shields for preparing her high school students for the real world and things they are bound to face. This way she was able to face these things in a safer environment and learn from them rather than be thrown in the ring with no training.
KJMClark
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
Emma is 17 years old. She is not an adult. Antagonistic discussions will perhaps be appropriate when she's an adult in college, particularly if she's made aware beforehand that the class features discussions where their viewpoints may be belittled. That's not really appropriate in high school. Ms. Shields was quite right to point out misconceptions, but there was no legitimate reason to be that confrontational about it in a high school class.
obviouscomment
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
i was directing my comment to macabre sunset, not aawolve...and nobody punched anybody in the face, talk about exaggeration...
aawolve
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.
Of course racism exists. So does violence, but i don't think the students will benefit from their teachers punching them in the face.
obviouscomment
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
so you don't think that racism exists?
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
She's preparing her students for something, but it's not to help them become productive in a multi-cultural world. She's preparing them for a battle that doesn't exist. And that actually will cause them harm.
obviouscomment
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
i did not feel this teacher's actions were racist, sorry you disagree
aawolve
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
Yes, more teachers should behave in a racist fashion toward their students, because it will better prepare them for the real world. Outstanding logic.
Heardoc
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
I think that the overwhelming evidence here is that this teacher, Vicki Shields, needs to have some more training. This student did an excellent job and very mentally strong given the the situation she was exposed to through Vicki Shields and the students in the African American studies class.. Let us look to the school board and the Pioneer principal to handle this situation in the same manner they would if this were a white teacher and a black student. As I stated before -- Vicki Shields should not be teaching this subject matter in the future.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
"the overwhelming evidence" You've seen the video of the entire class period, then? Where did you get your hands on it?
KeepingItReal
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.
Much to do about nothing!
rinmem10
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
The adage is "much ado about nothing".
a2grateful
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
It's theatre folks. . . it's a show . . . it's MTV (aka emptyV) . . . Controversy equals ratings . . . entertainment does not equal documentary . . . I wouldn't judge anyone by the "show" . . . It is biased to sell whatever . . . Best wishes to Ms Hamstra, Ms Shields, the students in the "show", Mr. White, and Pi Hi students . . . Where there is controversy, there can be discussion, learning, and enlightenment . . . With this as a goal we can transform theatre into great theatre . . .
Mich Res and Alum
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
@kms How do to know all those things were done by the teacher? MTV showed an EDITED 2 minute portion of a 55 minute class. Everyone is going crazy over nothing. What I saw was a student assert that black women and white women face the same difficulties and a teacher correctly challenging that assertion. If the class really was a platform for the student followed by only 5 minutes of questioning, why are we not vilifying MTV? Oh I forgot, in Ann Arbor we don't respect teachers, so it's easy to throw out the idea of questioning the clip and just yell about the teacher. I wonder how many people would speak more intelligently if AA.com required commenters to use their real name.
KJMClark
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
That's not quite what I saw. I saw a student say that feminism is feminism, and the teacher decide that what she meant was that African American and caucasian women face the same difficulties. The teacher put words into her mouth, and then elaborated on that straw man while knocking it down. It would have been fine for the teacher to point out that there was a separate African American women's rights movement and explain why they were separate. I don't think most people are aware of that. That would have been an interesting discussion. Instead, the teacher and the students proceeded to give that straw man a good beating and then make the student feel unwelcome. ... And that is my real name and that's really my picture.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
"I wonder how many people would speak more intelligently if AA.com required commenters to use their real name.' Its not a good idea to play the "real name" card unless your using your real name.
kms
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
Did you watch the whole episode of "Made"?
kms
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.
@Kyle: I would be curious to see what Pioneer principal Michael White has to say about the episode. Did you seek his comment? Mr. White has always held his students to the highest standards, which I have always respected and supported. I wonder if he holds his teachers to similar standards. Ms. Shields could have fostered a constructive conversation on cultural differences but instead displayed a disdainful, confrontational manner that humiliated Emma and caused her to break down in tears in front of the class. To accuse Emma of cultural misappropriation because she wants to perform a single rap song at a school talent show is absurd. People of all stripes should be encouraged to participate in artistic endeavors.
dutch
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
Isn't it clear by the fact that Mr White did absolutely nothing when this occurred that it is not of concern to him? The fact that a teacher humiliated a student in front of the class because the student didn't share her personal beliefs is not important to him. Liz Margolis covered for him.
kms
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
Thanks Kyle. I have the utmost respect for Mr. White and his work at Pioneer. His honest opinion, more than anyone else's, would hold a lot of weight for me.
Kyle Feldscher
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
I have reached out to Mr. White via Liz Margolis and I will be attempting to speak with him again today.
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
You can't hold Shields responsible for Emma's tears. I think Emma was very brave. And, like any 17 year old, a little bit naive. And that's okay. Everyone always has so much to learn. She at least is willing to put herself out there, and is courageous enough TO learn. Even edited, I don't see what is untrue about what Shields is saying: As women we are all coming from the perspective of being women, however, we are all also coming from various subcategories and carry those realities with us. Both are correct.
A2K
Fri, Jun 24, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
Cultural Misappropriation?! Perhaps I shouldn't wear my Sari or, heaven's forbid, a pair of pants -- since I'm misappropriating traditional Male Dress.