Broaden your circle- I already live in the community in which I teach. But I agree with this practice so much in that I have seen the value of it firsthand. I live in and am out and about regularly in the community. Some students see me and there is a visible shock on their faces that I am a live-in part of their community. That I am part of their circle. I make it a point to mention in class that I live here, that my kids attend school here, and to go to places where my students work. The grocery store, getting coffee at Tim Hortons…. They genuinely enjoy seeing you in their personal lives as one of them. It gives them a feeling of oneness and equal standing. They almost seem proud. I know this 100% adds to the positive and receptive environment in my classroom.
Don’t get defensive- I think this “don’t” calls out to me in that I see it very often. I see many students, co-workers, family members etc… who genuinely try and are people who embrace others in every way they can. So, when they (or even myself at times) hear something going the other way, we tend to get defensive like we are getting lumped in due to our cultural identities and it seems like we will never be viewed differently. I am often a victim of this as a white woman. Although I feel I am responsive and culturally responsible, I do get that tinge of a feeling of being judged when discussions turn to our privileges. I agree that I have privilege and I feel guilty for it immediately. I know others feel the same. Rather than get defensive or feel guilty, I need to work more on focusing my energy on continuing the conversation and my learning by listening to others and moving in a positive direction.
Don’t get defensive- I think this “don’t” calls out to me in that I see it very often. I see many students, co-workers, family members etc… who genuinely try and are people who embrace others in every way they can. So, when they (or even myself at times) hear something going the other way, we tend to get defensive like we are getting lumped in due to our cultural identities and it seems like we will never be viewed differently. I am often a victim of this as a white woman. Although I feel I am responsive and culturally responsible, I do get that tinge of a feeling of being judged when discussions turn to our privileges. I agree that I have privilege and I feel guilty for it immediately. I know others feel the same. Rather than get defensive or feel guilty, I need to work more on focusing my energy on continuing the conversation and my learning by listening to others and moving in a positive direction.