A Florida teacher posted on Twitter, asking for Abbott Elementary to write a PSA “about keeping our kids safe when it comes to Gun Violence.” The woman describes herself on Twitter as a “Mom, Wife, Teacher, School Safety Activist, Outspoken.”
Quinta Brunson, the creator of the show, replied, “Respectfully, Abbott Elementary the tv show is not a politician. Politicians are. They need to do something about it.”
The teacher continued to press, responding back to Brunson.
“The safety of our students falls on all of our shoulders. Abbott has been the lighthouse for educators to highlight the social injustices and inequities at schools regarding funding and student needs. You have such a powerful positive platform. Please reconsider,” she said.
The teacher’s request had Twitter up in arms, and people quickly addressed her post.
Twitter sided with Brunson and posted why the teacher’s request for a PSA was misguided.
“Abbot can have a hand in creating a conversation” we don’t need to create a conversation, the conversation has been created and had. Enough talking. Literally do something
— 🙂 (@WormRatOnline) May 25, 2022
One user pointed out that the woman contacted the wrong Abbott, and instead should have demanded Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to address the issue.
@teachermerlin – you meant Governor Abbott, right? pic.twitter.com/iemf3f6on6
— André Marcel Harris, MSW (@andreharris89) May 25, 2022
Others felt her suggestion was in poor taste and that creating an episode featuring gun violence would be traumatizing for the child actors.
But can you understand how, at a time like this, asking for a PSA from a TV show might be in poor taste? Especially considering there’s no shortage of educational media through TV shows, movies, magazines, etc that serve that exact purpose already
— ur fav muted mutual🫧 (@ThisBeLi) May 25, 2022
Have you even watched the show? Where would such a heavy topic ever fit in…always want black women to do something about it, tf Quinta has to do with any of this? 🙄
— For the Night Nation 🌙 (@thehatepress) May 25, 2022
Have you thought about reaching out to @amyschumer or @AlecBaldwin about your struggles? I’m just curious because it’s racist to expect Black women to “get things done” because you’re tired of doing your civic duty.
— Maya L, MA (@mayalwrites) May 25, 2022
it is not the actors’ nor the staff of the show’s job to reenact a traumatic event and deal with the mental repercussions of doing so to “start a conversation” on something that politicians should have been talking and acting on for years.
— a pimp named slickback (@formxldehyde) May 24, 2022
One user directly pointed out how a white woman attempted to assign a Black woman the responsibility of addressing gun violence.
Why do WW continue to embarrass themselves with dumb takes like this? Instead of going directly to the elected officials that keep voting against gun control you come onto a Black woman’s thread to try and delegate work? The fvckin caucasity. pic.twitter.com/QTgPKt8LNV
— C🍪🍪kie Montague (@AroundTheWayMM) May 25, 2022
white women are literally raising these lil terrorists but somehow it’s a black womans job to stop them?
— yall are not smart (@blackbigbibitch) May 25, 2022
She’s from FL. Taking bets @teachermerlin has not “suggested” one single thing to DeSantis & yet she trots her entitled behind on here to give her unsolicited, unnecessary, unwanted opinions to insert herself into Black spaces. pic.twitter.com/7Pz76FMjjS
— Sweet Tea 🍹 (@sugarcane_tea) May 26, 2022
Why is it that white people (specifically men) are the major contributor of violence and yet you call on a Black Woman to educate said group…that’s wild
— BlkLiteraryMagic (@BlkLitMagic) May 25, 2022
It’d be more effective if you convinced your friends and family to stop voting for Republicans.
— Diva Liscious Eleven (@divaliscious11) May 25, 2022
