Final Course Reflection
This course has taught me a great deal about diversity. It has made me think a lot about myself and my actions and it has given me a greater understanding of diversity. I particularly liked the readings, as they gave me a different perspective on people. The one story that really stands out and changed my thinking was about two deaf women who wanted to have a child. They wanted to have a child that was deaf, so they went to some extremes to ensure that would happen. When I was reading the story, I was angry; I thought how could they want a child to be born deaf? How was this fair to the child? However, after reading their story and understanding it from their point of view, I got it. I understood why they wanted a child like them; didn't I want the same thing?
I have enjoyed this course; it has changed me as a person. I think that I look at people and view people through a different lens now. One that I hope is nonjudgmental.
Knowledge:
I gained a deeper understanding of diversity through the readings of the framework and personal essays in the book “The Meaning of difference: American construction of race, sex, and gender, social class, sexual orientation, and disability.” The group discussions also gave me a different perspective on various issues of diversity. I will expand this knowledge by continuing reading books about diversity and discussions with my partner and friends.
Strategies:
The work we did on our website has given me many resources and strategies to help me promote diversity. The website can be found at http://aimsofdiversity.weebly.com/. Many of the strategies listed in this website I would incorporate into my teaching and my everyday life.
The web is also a very good place to find information about small things you can do to help promote diversity. For example, one website say to write something on your Facebook wall. Since Facebook is one of the number one social media forums, the information can spread like wild fire.
My main take away from strategies to promote diversity is to take action. It can be the small changes I make now that will have a bigger impact on the future.
Perspective:
This class has taught me a lot about diversity. It have given me a deeper perspective on our society. Our society is made up of individuals who are unique, however we are one society. Understanding, accepting, and embracing each other’s uniqueness will create a stronger, safer, and happier society. I do see things differently now and I want to share what I have learned with others. For example, just today driving to work I was listening to a radio show. The talk show that I really enjoyed listening to I discovered was discriminatory and racist. I turned it off and I am wondering if I will listen to it again. When you can look at things from different perspectives you see the world differently and you are really opening up your world.
Vision:
My vision for myself as an advocate for diversity is to take action. That is much easier to say than to do. I have set the following goals for myself.
Personally:
· Speak up when a joke is inappropriate.
· Tell my stories about diversity and gain new ones
· Speak up when family or friends make racist comments
· Learn more about diversity and what I can do
· Listen to people’s stories
· Remember that every small thing I do will have an impact, change takes time and do not give up
As an Educator:
· Create a safe inclusive environment for all students to learn in and express themselves
· Speak up when I see or hear discrimination
· Do not be afraid to talk about difficult topics and answer students questions
· Integrate various cultures and backgrounds into my everyday classroom
· Encourage all students to share their traditions
· Collaborate with other teachers, parents, and community members to help them gain a better understanding of diversity
· Mixed up groupings regularly so students work with different students
Guiding Question: “What are the aims of Diversity?”
I think the aims of diversity is to treat every individual with respect and to embrace their differences. In doing this we will gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. When we teach students about diversity we are broadening their education and understanding of all the people in the world. When we promote the aims of diversity in a wider circle, our family and friends we are helping to change society. Taking to people can cause a ripple effect, when I talk to other people about the issues of diversity and they talk to others, we are helping the evolution of change. I know this will not happen overnight, but I think we are heading in the right direction and promoting the aims of diversity will change our world in the future.
Rosenblum, K.E., & Travis, T.C. (2012). The meaning of difference: American constructions of race, sex, and gender, social class, sexual orientation, and disability, 6th edition. McGraw-Hill.
