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.
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.