Part 2: The Questions

Questions 1 and 2 are questions I think everyone should be asked to reflect on on a regular basis.  Despite having interactions with a multitude of people in our daily lives, asking ourselves whether or not that same diversity is represented within our personal circle is an important one.  And then pushing beyond that to consider why these people are part of our close personal circle is another important consideration.  What does that reflect about us?  This is a question I have pondered at many moments in my life.  Where I grew up influenced who was a part of my life, my husband's career in the military, living in different parts of the country, and different jobs I have had have altered our circle over time, and it's really telling to see who is included in that circle at different moments of our lives.  
Question 2 is another important one, because we need to become better versed at the realities those considered "the other" face.  In order for people to have empathy, we must be privy to their experiences of "others."

I thought the last question was a really good one to discuss, especially for English teachers and with students in the English classroom!  This reminded me of Rudine Sims Bishop's concepts of "Windows, Doors, and Mirrors" in literature - how are we letting students see themselves in the pieces we read?  How are we helping them to learn about the experiences of people different from them?  This is an essential consideration when selecting any text for students.

I thought that these questions were very thought provoking and had me viewing myself through a different lens. I found question 1, “how diverse is your personal circle and why does it look like it does?”, very interesting. It made me think of the saying, “you can judge a person by the company they keep.” People who are similar tend to flock together which can limit your perspective. That’s why it is important to build relationships with others in all facets in your life, so that your world-view does not become limited and you are able to embrace diversity. I also liked question 8, “how much cross-cultural literature, TV, and movies do you consume?” With access to cross-cultural content at our fingertips, it is easier now than ever to learn about different cultures and broaden your perspectives on human experiences. Gaining this understanding will allow you to understand what some of your students may have experienced, and aid you in creating more authentic and culturally responsive lessons.

So many of these questions go hand in hand with me. I find that I tend to be the shoe on the other foot. Being gay, I would be considered the “other.” The biases are toward me. Judgments toward me. But I never allow this to affect me. I would prefer to educate others. Going outside of my group is very common. All of this truly helps me to have a bigger heart and less judgement for my students. All I want for them is to be able to include others into their groups. Being a PE teacher I can talk to them about trying new foods. Watching new shows. Trying sports and activities that maybe their families didn’t grow up playing. Just because history exists, doesn’t mean we have to follow it word for word. Biases are created in the home and it’s so sad. If we can help in any small way then we have hope for the future of our students. 

In thinking about these 8 questions, I particularly responded to # 2 "Who are the 'others' in your life?" I think this is an extremely important question to ask anyone to really dive into and look at how the "others" are similar or different to the people that you may consider "us". I also think question 3 about, "How often do you use generalizations?" is extremely important to think about. Even just noticing when we might use "they" in reference to a group of people can be extremely telling of where implicit bias might be stemming from and what stereotypes we might have. Additionally, the last question I thought was extremely interesting "How much cross-cultural literature, TV, and movies do you consume?" Much of our understanding of the world comes from TV and it's extremely important to diversify the media that we are exposed to.  All of these questions together will help us to better understand our own identities and why we have the bias' or stereotypes that we might. 

Analyzing your personal circle of influence is important to help understand our view of the world. We see the world through those we interact with on a daily basis. It is important to surround ourselves with a variety of backgrounds, viewpoints and life experiences. This helps us expand our view of the world and differences. 

Analyzing those we view as "other" is an important question. Our own personal history, background and cultural upbringing may shape who we view as "other". Debunking these stereotypes takes great personal effort and work. This links with the first question of expanding our personal circle to allow for difference and acceptance towards others.

Analyzing our cross-cultural literature and media is not something I typically think about. However, on upon personal reflection, much of the media I consume includes characters that look similar to me. It is important to take a moment to think about how that may affect me, even implicitly. 

#5. As a Social Studies teacher, integrating diverse historical perspectives is central to our role as educators.  We make a point to teach historical events from multiple perspectives-- for example, Kipling's "White Man's Burden"  vs. Morel's "Black Man's Burden"; Rape of Nanjing vs. Invasion of Nanjing, Sepoy Rebellion v. Sepoy Mutiny, etc. We ask students to analyze documents, pose questions and seek to understanding complex interactions (with the goal of not repeating past practices).  We hope to inspire change.  It is important to uncover our own biases to expand our knowledge, learn about other people and cultures and begin to understand how diverse the world is.  

#1. This question was definitely eye opening to me.  The High School I attended was diverse in terms of student ethnicity; however, many of my close friends were of the same background and socio-economic status.  In college through pre-student teaching placements, volunteer work and summer jobs, I interacted with many students and families who experienced tragedy and hardships.  Over the past 15 years in the district, I have taught students of diverse backgrounds, family histories and social/emotional needs.  Some friends in my personal circle have joked about the district I work in and our student population.  I have found myself defending our district and my struggling students--only to be told I have a "bleeding heart" and was overly empathetic.  While my circle is not nearly as diverse as I had expected (and all close parties are within a 15 minute radius), I feel like our experiences can shape our understanding, appreciation and interaction with other whom are different than us.

  #1 [12:21]  How diverse is your personal circle and why does it look like it does?My circle is pretty diverse.  My circle looks the way it does due to my previous jobs and hobbies.  I am surrounded by people from different races, cultures, socio economic status, beliefs, etc. With this being said, it can always be more diverse.  There are certain areas in my life where I tend to stay more in my bubble.  For example, I can try new restaurants.  I tend to stick to the same few places; ordering the same few meals.  I tend not to order a meal that I can’t pronounce because I dislike struggling with a different language.  However, that language struggle is something that can be a good reminder to me that some people struggle daily with language.  Specifically, it is something very important for me to remember as a teacher; especially around PTC and CSE times. 

2.   #3 [17:33]  How often do you use generalizations?Before this training, I would have said I rarely generalize.  However, after hearing the speakers, I know generalizations are the result of the blind spots I have; which I have already begun working on.  It is easy to lump classes together.  For instance, I know in the past that I have thought about a class as a tough class to remote teach.  However, there were a few students who were always online, participating and eager to learn more; but, I grouped them with the class.  In the past, it was easy to say that someone was materialistic based off of the items they own; however, it is not always the case.

3.   #4 [20:47]  What is your initial perception when you talk to someone with an accent different from yours?When I am speaking in person with someone who has an accent different from my own, I am eager to see what they are interested in sharing about their background.  Unfortunately, that same accent could be on the other end of a customer service phone call and I would sadly have a different view.  Now that I realized this blind spot, I will remember that an accent doesn’t mean that the person on the other line will be unable to help me as much as someone else.  Accents shouldn’t define people.

#1 [12:21]  How diverse is your personal circle and why does it look like it does?My circle is pretty diverse.  My circle looks the way it does due to my previous jobs and hobbies.  I am surrounded by people from different races, cultures, socio economic status, beliefs, etc. With this being said, it can always be more diverse.  There are certain areas in my life where I tend to stay more in my bubble.  For example, I can try new restaurants.  I tend to stick to the same few places; ordering the same few meals.  I tend not to order a meal that I can’t pronounce because I dislike struggling with a different language.  However, that language struggle is something that can be a good reminder to me that some people struggle daily with language.  Specifically, it is something very important for me to remember as a teacher; especially around PTC and CSE times. 

#3 [17:33]  How often do you use generalizations?Before this training, I would have said I rarely generalize.  However, after hearing the speakers, I know generalizations are the result of the blind spots I have; which I have already begun working on.  It is easy to lump classes together.  For instance, I know in the past that I have thought about a class as a tough class to remote teach.  However, there were a few students who were always online, participating and eager to learn more; but, I grouped them with the class.  In the past, it was easy to say that someone was materialistic based off of the items they own; however, it is not always the case.

#4 [20:47]  What is your initial perception when you talk to someone with an accent different from yours?When I am speaking in person with someone who has an accent different from my own, I am eager to see what they are interested in sharing about their background.  Unfortunately, that same accent could be on the other end of a customer service phone call and I would sadly have a different view.  Now that I realized this blind spot, I will remember that an accent doesn’t mean that the person on the other line will be unable to help me as much as someone else.  Accents shouldn’t define people.

These questions are quite eye opening.  Although simple and straight forward, it definitely made me think in a way I hadn’t before and I immediately noticed things about myself that I didn’t really allow myself to realize previously.  After reflecting on all the questions personally, I noticed that the podcast and the discussion often turned to how we may feel guilt for inadvertently judging others.  But for me I had the opposite reaction, I noticed that I often take on the other role as the one feeling judged.  Due to where and how I grew up (which I never looked at as poor or disadvantaged at all) I often get looked down on by peers.  Never in my life did I feel badly about who I was or how I happened to be raised.  But in recent years I have found that I am often looked at as “the other”.  The one from a lower income area, “trash”, or not up to their level.  I often use this perspective to be responsive with my own classes. 
Who are the “others” in your life?  Currently to me the “others” are those who are wealthier or from more posh communities.  I feel this is the group that most often looks at me as different and I feel triggered by it.  The feeling is also heightened to a whole new level when I feel like those attitudes are also transferred to my kids as well.  In response to these feelings I take a very active approach to relating personally to my students.  Sharing with them stories about how I was raised and never showing judgement of their circumstances.  Make them feel comfortable and safe is always my bottom line. 
Do you consider the integration of diverse historical perspective best practice or divisive politics?  This question innately stuck out to me as a Social Studies teacher.  I do NOT consider integrating perspectives as divisive.  I consider it a duty/responsibility that should be seriously approached.  I do this constantly in my Global classes.  White Man’s Burden vs. Black Man’s burden… Sepoy Rebellion vs. Mutiny, Invasion of Nanjing vs. Rape of Nanjing…. The list goes on and on.  This to me should never be divisive.  This to me is a necessity to building more morally responsive, understanding, and empathetic humans.  Developing understanding is the first step to stopping hate and this is an obligation for teachers, nit something that should be seen as threatening.

How Often do you use Generalizations? I am happy I am pretty aware at this. I do generally like grouping people by types as we are all different. “My 6th period class is awful” is a statement where you grouped 20-25 students together because maybe 4 or 5 students are making it challenging for the instructor. That is not “the 6th period class.” We need to make sure that we are not creating a group bias based on something a small percentage of a group is doing.     


How much cross-cultural literature, TV, and movies do you consume? I recently watched the Disney Show “Ms. Marvel” and I loved how encompassing the show was for Arab and Muslim communities, something I do not have a lot of experience with. Sometimes a show just has characters and if they are not part of your family dynamic you might not fully observe it and might not take it in. Seeing Kamala Khan at a wedding that brings “Bollywood” front and center. When I was done watching this episode, I thought “I don’t remember seeing this much representation in other shows I watch”. I think I had a “type” or a show that was my comfort because I related more to the characters. I was definitely missing out on the many other stories outside of my personal experience.

How often do you use generalizations? From Chimamanda Adichie's The Danger of a Single Story: "I recently spoke at a university where a student told me that it was such a shame that Nigerian men were physical abusers like the father character in my novel. I told him that I had just read a novel called "American Psycho" -- and that it was such a shame that young Americans were serial murderers." I love playing this TED Talk for my students to remind them that one person's experience is not everyone's experience. It's a good reminder for me too. There's an assumption that ELLs are unlikely to have an English speaking parent at home. Assuming an insurmountable language barrier may deter a teacher form calling home. Checking and challenging this bias is important for all students to have teacher-parent connections.

How much cross-cultural literature, TV, and movies do you consume? As an English teacher, I'm not only trying to broaden by understanding of human experiences through stories, I want to bring that knowledge to my students as well. I think it's important to read things that don't always align to one's own viewpoints as well. When we seek to understand the views of others, we give ourselves a chance to develop empathy for their situations.