Month: August 2011

Poem: Diversity

Diversity

I believe,
that diversity is a part of the natural order of things
-as natural as the trillion shapes and shades of the flowers of spring
or the leaves of autumn.

I believe,
that diversity brings new solutions to an ever-changing environment,
and that sameness is not only uninteresting but limiting.

To deny diversity is to deny life.
With all its richness and manifold opportunities.
Thus I affirm my citizenship in a world of diversity,
and with it the responsibility to…

Be tolerant. Live and let live.
Understand that those who cause no harm should not be feared,
ridiculed, or harmed – even if they are different.

Look for the best in others.

Be just in my dealings,
with poor and rich, weak and strong,
And whenever possible to defend the young, the old,
the frail, the defenseless.

Be kind,
remembering how fragile the human spirit is.

Live the examined life,
subjecting my motives and actions to the scrutiny of mind and heart
so to rise above prejudice and hatred.

Care.

– Gene Griessman

Poem: Are you greater than the sun

“Are you greater than the sun that shines on everyone? Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White the sun does not discriminate”. Sara Ting ©

(i saw this addition to Sara Ting’s poem that I thought was also good) 

“Does the rain not wet your hair the same? Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist or Jew, the skies have washed your ancestors without prejudice.

Can you stop the winds better than any other? Russian, Saudi, Spaniard, Vietnamese, and Nigerian, The winds show no bias towards your borders.

Will you extend your time in this physical form? Tall, Short, Bulky, Skinny, Blind and Deaf, the hands of time wait for no human.” BT Slader ©

Definition: Prejudice

Prejudice

A very simple defintion that I use with children is to pre-judge.

Here’s a more technical definition provided by the Institute for Democratic Renewal and Project Change Anti-Racism Initiative:

A pre-judgment or unjustifiable, and usually negative, attitude of one type of individual or groups toward another group and its members. Such negative  attitudes are typically based on unsupported generalizations (or stereotypes) that deny the right of individual members of certain groups to be recognized and treated as individuals with individual characteristics.

Video: Through Their Eyes – Pt. 8 Final Interview NKU on Race Relations

Through Their Eyes – A Documentary From the Perspective of NKU College Students (8 part series)

I found this series very interesting and valuable. NKU college takes four groups of students and separates them by ethnicity and interviews them on campus to discuss their views on racial issues. The interviews were conducted by the Interracial Communications class. The 8 part series includes: Stereotypes, Racism Growing Up, Dating & Marriage, Uncomfortable Talking About Race, Diversified Race Organizations, Socializing with Other Groups, Race & Racism on Campus and Final Interview (students see and reflect on how other groups respond).

Your thoughts?

Video: Through Their Eyes – Pt. 7 Race and Racism on Campus

Through Their Eyes – A Documentary From the Perspective of NKU College Students (8 part series)

I found this series very interesting and valuable. NKU college takes four groups of students and separates them by ethnicity and interviews them on campus to discuss their views on racial issues. The interviews were conducted by the Interracial Communications class. The 8 part series includes: Stereotypes, Racism Growing Up, Dating & Marriage, Uncomfortable Talking About Race, Diversified Race Organizations, Socializing with Other Groups, Race & Racism on Campus and Final Interview (students see and reflect on how other groups respond).

Your thoughts?

Video: Through Their Eyes – Pt. 6 Socializing with Other Racial Groups

Through Their Eyes – A Documentary From the Perspective of NKU College Students (8 part series)

I found this series very interesting and valuable. NKU college takes four groups of students and separates them by ethnicity and interviews them on campus to discuss their views on racial issues. The interviews were conducted by the Interracial Communications class. The 8 part series includes: Stereotypes, Racism Growing Up, Dating & Marriage, Uncomfortable Talking About Race, Diversified Race Organizations, Socializing with Other Groups, Race & Racism on Campus and Final Interview (students see and reflect on how other groups respond).

Your thoughts?

Photo: Multiracial Family Spotlight

I’m drawn to multiracial families–they make my heart smile! I love the contrast in looks and the unspoken strength that each one of them holds. I’m going to start by “spotlighting” my friends. But, if you would like to see your family in the spotlight, email your pictures to mixedfamily at cox dot net.

About them: I met this precious family at church. They are not only beautiful people on the outside, but beautiful people on the inside! I’m blessed to call them friends! Check out Vernon’s site, he’s a very talented entrepreneur!

Video: Through Their Eyes – Pt. 5 Diversified Race Organizations

Through Their Eyes – A Documentary From the Perspective of NKU College Students (8 part series)

I found this series very interesting and valuable. NKU college takes four groups of students and separates them by ethnicity and interviews them on campus to discuss their views on racial issues. The interviews were conducted by the Interracial Communications class. The 8 part series includes: Stereotypes, Racism Growing Up, Dating & Marriage, Uncomfortable Talking About Race, Diversified Race Organizations, Socializing with Other Groups, Race & Racism on Campus and Final Interview (students see and reflect on how other groups respond).

Your thoughts?

Video: Through Their Eyes – Pt. 4 Uncomfortable Talking About Race

Through Their Eyes – A Documentary From the Perspective of NKU College Students (8 part series)

I found this series very interesting and valuable. NKU college takes four groups of students and separates them by ethnicity and interviews them on campus to discuss their views on racial issues. The interviews were conducted by the Interracial Communications class. The 8 part series includes: Stereotypes, Racism Growing Up, Dating & Marriage, Uncomfortable Talking About Race, Diversified Race Organizations, Socializing with Other Groups, Race & Racism on Campus and Final Interview (students see and reflect on how other groups respond).

Your thoughts?

Video: Through Their Eyes – Pt. 3 Dating and Marriage

Through Their Eyes – A Documentary From the Perspective of NKU College Students (8 part series)

I found this series very interesting and valuable. NKU college takes four groups of students and separates them by ethnicity and interviews them on campus to discuss their views on racial issues. The interviews were conducted by the Interracial Communications class. The 8 part series includes: Stereotypes, Racism Growing Up, Dating & Marriage, Uncomfortable Talking About Race, Diversified Race Organizations, Socializing with Other Groups, Race & Racism on Campus and Final Interview (students see and reflect on how other groups respond).

Your thoughts?