I remember having so many thoughts and responses to the discussion in class yesterday regarding race and representation. Ultimately I think it boils down to feeling like some of us are missing the point of having these discussions and doing the reading in the first place.
I don't think we are reading these books to develop defenses and justify the way things are. I don't think we are reading them to become bitter towards the ideals and thoughts of the authors. I think the whole point is just to step outside of our own little box and try to gain some insight into the minds of these people. Not to necessarily agree with them, but to wonder how we would have dealt with situations of race if we were black, or what our views would be towards feminism had we grown up in the baby boomer generation.
We just need to be a little more open minded! I'm as conservative politically and morally as they come, but that doesn't mean I can't be subjected to diversity in all aspects or that it demeans my current value system in any way. We can learn to appreciate the views and opinions of others. We absolutely do not have to agree with them, but if we can learn to understand why they are the way they are, we can begin to work towards a more progressive outcome with full knowledge. This really is the only way to get anything accomplished successfully. I wish more people would understand that- not just our classmates :)
I'm not saying it's easy- I just think we should chill out a little and try to look through different eyes.
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Thanks for that post! I completely agree with you. Just because you don't understand how other people can feel a certain way or act certain way does not mean that it isn't a reality. Maybe it's not a reality for you, but obviously it exists. Being aware of other possibilities and other people's realities are whats important, not justifying your own perspective or making perspectives other that yours insignificant or uneducated.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Bailey. I agree completely. It is so important to be open-minded. Especially around here, when people hear the words open-minded, they immediately jump to the conclusion that you are trying to tell them to be more liberal. Open-mindedness has nothing to do with whether you are conservative or liberal. Open-mindedness has to do with the willingness to hear other perspectives and see things "through different eyes." Open-mindedness is all about gaining more knowledge so we can become more well-rounded individuals.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I agree that EVERYONE needs to take a step back and look outside the box. It'd be great, and I think it'd solve a lot of race issues, if everyone more inviting to others beliefs.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to see how seperated society is just because of being uneducated about ones race and lifestyle.
Hopefully, we can move past this issue and be mindefull of people and their lifestyle.
Keeping an open mind will help us to get rid of racism. I think the best way that we can help others outside of our class is by living a good example. We can talk all we want but nothing is going to happen until we take action. And I suppose you're right in saying that these books are just there to inform us on what has or what is happening. I think these people are telling us what they had to deal with and what we could still be dealing with. Cause we are still dealing with feminism and racism. We are still having to break through those boundary's, and I think we are doing a pretty descent job. We are not perfect by any means and there is still a lot for us to accomplish. Like you open-mindedness is the key.
ReplyDeleteI agree, a lot of these problems would be easily solved by being open minded. The problem is that everyone is in their own box made up of their own beliefs. It isn't even the belief that scares them it getting outside of their box and venturing outside of their comfort zone. These books are a good chance to become familiar with the unfamiliar. We get to read about women who struggled even if we aren't in that category and we get to hear about race in society ever if we don't struggle with it. Hopefully, more people can have a chance to have their eyes opened.
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