World In Conversation Project

Voices from the Classroom

Sam Richards — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:14:24 +0000

Voices from the Classroom

Sam Richards — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:13:35 +0000

Voices from the Classroom

Sam Richards — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:13:06 +0000

Voices from the Classroom

Sam Richards — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:10:28 +0000

Voices From The Classroom

Lana Taylor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:12:04 +0000

Voices From The Classroom

Lana Taylor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:05:47 +0000

THIS WEEK @ WinC

Laurie Mulvey — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:35:07 +0000

In the many years I have been listening to people talk about their views of the world, the one thing I hear over and over is, “That’s your truth and this is my truth.” Or some version of that statement. Whatever it is, the statement implies that we can all live in harmony not by questioning ourselves or “unpacking” our views, but by maintaining the belief that there are multiple truths that can easily co-exist. It reminds me of the “celebrate diversity” mindset that leads to little more than continued segregation without the outright meanness.

This week, as Joe Paterno’s death brought the Sandusky scandal back into the center of our discussions, I noticed that this “your truth and my truth” phenomenon doesn’t seem to work too well when it really matters–as I think it does now.

Taking a one-sided position and refusing to consider the other side is not unique to post-Paterno Penn State. It is the most common formula for what makes an argument. And the remedy is the same whether it’s a fight about cleaning the bathroom or the entrenched conflict of a war: Consider the other side. For a moment. Just consider it. Imagine what it might be that would lead someone to continue to feel affection and praise for Joe Paterno–even in light of the belief that his inaction may have led to or supported abusive situations. Use your imagination. Or even better, ask someone who feels that way. And on the other side, what might make it impossible for another person to feel that way? Or, what might lead someone to feel resentment and bitterness toward anyone who would feel affection for Joe Paterno or Penn State? Listen to what they have to say.

I know this sounds simple. But it is. What makes it difficult is our widespread failure to learn that “truth” is less likely to exist in either my way or your way, but in some difficult blend of both. And I say “difficult” because when we consider another position, when we really consider it, the process usually leads to some shift in ourselves. And that means we usually can’t hold on to our righteous positions. That’s difficult.

I’m NOT suggesting that there are not complicated issues to explore and to wrestle with. But I am suggesting that drawing battle lines and moral high grounds instead of allowing ourselves to listen is more likely to be self-righteous and self-indulgent than a step toward justice, understanding and constructive critique.

Voices From The Classroom

Lana Taylor — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:09:22 +0000

“I’ll eat a taco.” Thanks, pal.

Sam Richards — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:25:09 +0000

We’ve been talking in class about immigration and I was making the point the other day about how immigrants are so often viewed not simply second class people, but just as often as not fully human. I regularly read comments to articles on web sites in which people reference Mexican immigrants by using words such as “scum” and “animals.” It doesn’t take much empathy for any of us to see people who migrate as simply trying to build a better life for themselves, much like the immigrant ancestors of the people making the bigoted comments. And even if we want to “send them all back home,” why words such as “scum”? But people often follow their leaders and here is a story of one leader that doesn’t seem to be setting a very positive example for his constituents and employees. While I don’t know the entire story, and so far be it from me to weigh in on this very heavily as though I do, it does seem as though he’s not really interested in the livelihoods and well-being of the Latinos in his community.

Check out the article: “Connecticut mayor apologizes for ‘taco’ comment”

Post from Staffer Brenton Joo Mitchell

Brenton Mitchell — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:33:31 +0000

The Pensyltucky Korean’s Korner: “Send them back to Mexico!”

There’s a quote that hangs in the lounge of our office and it reads “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better” ~Abraham Lincoln. I came across this video last night. After watching it, I wonder how can I, someone who thinks very differently and holds a different understanding of the role migrant workers play in America, try to understand this? I think about the people in my life I struggle to “like” or befriend and I shudder at the thought of offering that kind of energy to them. Yet, if my ultimate goal is to bring peace to that relationship, or peace to that part of our world, how can I not offer that energy?

What keeps me from understanding that person more?

What keeps you from understanding that person(s) more?

How could I “steer into that curve?”

How could you “steer into that curve?”

For me, what are the benefits of understanding vs. not understanding?

For you, what are the benefits of understanding vs. not understanding?

With understanding,

Onwards & Sideways