understanding the influence of race

Submitted by rvandoren on 3 September 2009 - 1:51pm

There are no discussions? Did I miss something?
Let me start off with how I want to perceive people. I want to see a person's expression of beliefs or values, something that shows curiosity or passion. I want to see an expression of self-awareness, someone moving or expressing dignity. if I can, i want to set that example. I meet people from different cultures often (I live in Calgary, Canada) - not as often and varied as i might in Toronto or New York, but a variety. All different shapes and colors and manners of expression and it's wonderful! ...pondering ... I think what I want to model is appreciation. Perhaps a popular way is "In what ways can I see myself in this 'other'". Another is my language, do I see someone who IS 'strange or bizarre' or do I see someone expressing differently? 
On the genetic side (HGP, Human Genome Project) ... (there are no simple answers) so we're all clones? Yes, we're mostly the same physiologically, but isn't it wonderful that we are so good at seeing our differences? Once we see those differences, what do we do with that information? Do we cast doubt or empower? can we find a happy medium?
When we meet someone, do we want to start by noticing our differences, or our similarities? That has been a question of debate by some here. 
Are you a teacher? a principal? staff? assistant? a student perhaps? see the difference? or do you prefer similarities? Do you appreciate the uniqueness of 'your' students? Yes, there are diverse perceptions, but do we teach that? We have the common goal or learning, but do we all learn the same way? should we? 
well, that's not all i have to say, but perhaps now there will be some discussion

Comments

Differences and similarities...

Submitted by johno on 8 September 2009 - 12:38pm.

rvandoren: thanks for getting things started.  I wanted to pick up on your pondering, "When we meet someone, do we want to start by noticing our differences, or our similarities?" I am not sure that this question hits the mark, though I understand the intent behind the question.  Maybe the place to start is this: "What do we notice when we notice someone? And how have we been programmed to notice?  How have these socially constructed ways of seeing and signifying evolved in each of us? To what degree are we each responsible for recognizing how we are seeing and signifying others?  What cultural conditions enable each of us to reflect on and potentially interrupt and redirect our habitual responses to those who we signify as other? 
Scratch each person and below the surface we are individuals, tied together and set apart by our lived, cultural experiences moreso than the genes we inherited.  We have for too long tried to understand our differences and similarities through the fog of group identity rather than doing the harder work of listening for a person's voice and mining their lived experiences.  
 

Differences or similiarities?

Submitted by jirvine on 9 September 2009 - 10:17am.

When we meet someone, do we want to start by noticing our differences,
or our similarities?
 
When people first meet they often focus on the differences, make quick and often erroneonous assumptions about lack of similarities, and miss opportunities to develop meaningful relationships. The discovery of mutual interests and similarities is hard work and requires prolonged discussion, shared experiences, debate, and a willingness to  be vulnerable.
 
I hghly recommend Tatum's book, Why Are the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria.

Great book

Submitted by alli d on 22 July 2010 - 12:52pm.

I don't think we get a whole lot of "want" in the process. Our brains have developed that categorization of differences and similarities - and it just happens within us naturally. I don't think we should be afraid to admitt we categorize either.
Regardless of noting similarities or differences first, we have the ability to comprehend our brain is categorizing because it has helped us survive and we can recategorize anytime we want. George doesn't have to stay in "male" or "white" he can go right into "musician" if you want him to. How does a person that is blind categorize?

I am a student who sticks out

Submitted by mallen12 on 23 September 2010 - 1:52pm.

I am a student who sticks out in my community I am of Italian, african american, native american, polish decent, and the first thing I recognize from my view point is the sameness in EVERYONE. When I was younger I thought it was cool, and I thought I wanted to marry the type of girls around my area, but now that im 23, I'm sick of seeing the same people all the time. I'm from PA outside of Philadelphia. I feel myself wanted to branch out after grad school to see what else is out there. So while some students who are diverse want to blend in, there are those who love to be exactly who they are.