6:1 - Complacent

When & Where: I heard this word while listening to the song "Sledgehammer" by Invincible a few days ago. She is a hip hop artist who raps about social and political issues. The lyrics are:

          "Each generation must find its mission, fulfill or betray it."
          I know that ours is more than just being killers or players
          Or making millions of papers
          Our blood is spilling
          They hate us
          Too much injustice among us to sit still n complacent

            


Definition: According to dictionary.com, complacent means, "Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements."

Level of Familiarity: I've heard of complacency before, but it has never been a word I could define or use in a sentence. I always thought it meant just allowing things to happen without questioning them. I didn't know the other aspect of the word had to do with smugness or self-satisfaction.

Reflective Commentary: It is definitely important to know this word because complacency can be harmful to progress. It inhibits critical reflection, which is a disposition we should try to maintain as educators. We can't be advocates for our communities, schools, ourselves, and our students if we are complacent. Right?