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.
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.