How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?

I am a graduate student at a university and I am currently leading a discussion session for one of the literature courses there. My discussion section only has 10 students, so we get a chance to talk to one another quite often. All of the students seem to understand the type of language and mannerisms that is appropriate for a college-level discussion course, all except for one student who constantly expresses his opinions/thoughts in a vulgar and informal manner. For instance, when we were discussing Kant's Groundwork of Metaphysics, he responded by saying something to this effect:



%26quot;You know, what I don't get is how this Kant man keeps on repeatin' his **** and sticking them useless examples tryin' to like, confuse me, and all that shits. Why the hell is Kant using them snobby-*** hard-to-understand words to confuse all of us. Because if I was him, I ain't be writing them complex crap like that, yo.%26quot;



I would expect that at a collegiate level, students should know how to comport themselves. I've noticed that his way of speaking really bothers a few students, who have complained to me about it. I want to address this student and tell him to change his behavior, but I am afraid I might be accused of being a racist since he is the only black student in my section. How do I address this problem without appearing to be racist?How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?
Thats crazy we have to deal with stuff like this in

our society(racism that is or not coming off as racist).

I would just pull him to the side and let him know what's up.

Let him know to tone it down a little. The best thing is to not come off

condescendingly (thats when people get all defensive)

when speaking to this person but ask him tone it down.

Start with a warning and if he should persist to behaving this

way take the next best action. He needs to realize he is in college

not out in the streets with his friend and that there is a time and place

for everything. His behavior is just totally unacceptable and if I were you

I wouldn't put up with either! Good luck:)How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?
If he cannot speak on a college level then he should not be in a college course. The least he could do is not swear, tell him to act right or get the hell out. Tape his speech for future references if this comes up. YOUR the head honcho, its YOUR class. There are other students commited to this course and it would be disrespectful for you not to take action ASAP.How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?
as a college level student....i would suggest not calling the student out in front of the other students...ask them to stay after, and just mention that you like that he is getting involved in the discussion and appreciates opinions and origionality, but must also try to practice better language....



something else that might help....dont worry if he is black....green or yellow. if a white student was acting like this in a formal class...what would you say to him/her....same situation.



but none the less, always support a critique with something possitive.How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?
Well first of all I agree with the student as to why the person writes books like that. And I seem to find that English teachers find more meaning in a book than the author did. Maybe the author wrote a book just to write it and nothing more. Maybe there is no meaning, Like J.K Rowling and the HArry Potter series.



But any way. I just wanted to say that. Now What I would do is call the dean or principle to sit in or ask him if he may speak in a more school oriented tone. If not, then write him up. I'm incollegea and thank gosh there is only 1 semester of English because i cant do this for four years. lol.How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?
Sounds like someone isn't smart enough for your class, or thinks they are too kool for school.



Good luck dealing with him.How do I tell someone to change their behavior/comportment without sounding racist?
Why on earth would you want to correct him? Why not just let him continue what he's doing?



If you try to correct him, you'll be an irreversibly wicked and evil racist. Just let him continue invalidating himself. And when he fails the college course he's currently taking, then maybe he'll wake up and learn from his mistakes!