Misconceptions and Biases
I think by revealing my biases towards certain individuals it will bring bias to me. I am not interested in contributing to any further negativity that's already out there. The mere fact of mentioning this will immediately incur biases about me. I think this assignment to recognize our own personal biases have an incredible amount of validity, but in my case, I don't believe it is anyone's business. Even saying the way I feel about anyone knowing my business brings further bias upon myself. It leads to misconceptions and misunderstandings and should only be divulged in a personal one on one matter. Even to gain trust in another individual to share our personal biases there must be an understanding of how biases have developed due to the paths in life we have taken. I am increadibly supportive to self-reflecting and self-examination, but I think it should be discussed in private situations. Just by creating this post I realize that I am probably creating a biased point-of-view about me, but being honest and sharing my feelings about this assignment is also very important to me.
P.S. My original post wasn't published. Friday was a really hard day for me and I didn't realize till now that it was only saved as a draft. Sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused you for inadequate time for responses.
By nature, I'm the sort of person that shies away from controversy and negativity, so I agree with you that biases are better left unspoken in many cases, especially those where the bias is strongly negative. And I agree that self-reflection and self-examination are critical as we deal internally with our biases. It seems that many of our biases develop from our own personal experiences. Perhaps naming them (internally, that is) will show us where we need to reassess, asking, "Why do I feel that way," and "What do I need to do about it?"
ReplyDeleteThere is an appropriate way to discuss and reflect on our own biases, but I am curious to know how you will you will help students to discuss the things that they have biased opinions about? Dealing with things internally because we are afraid is not always appropriate. If we are not comfortable discussing those things that make us feel the way that we do, how will we grow as individuals? Students will come to us with issues of identity and sexuality, and we need to be able to discuss those things that make us uncomfortable in order to help our students grow into strong independent individuals.
ReplyDeleteMonika-
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for taking a stand on this issue on Bias and Misconceptions. I understand exactly where you are coming from. I was very reluctant to discuss this myself. I know this topic is an important one, and so it will come up a lot in our program at CNM. However, I have been unsettled by the undercurrent of many discussions lately that imply if one does not want to discuss this, that means that individual is guilty of racist or discriminatory thoughts. It is a very complex issue, and no level of assumption regarding this is appropriate.
As I discussed in my plog this morning (I'm finally getting caught up after my absence!) I believe that teachers should be color blind with regard to our students. I was reluctant to discuss my view, because this, according to all of our "readings", is apparently inappropriate and "racist". This is very frustrating to know that my views will be judged in this way. I firmly believe that we need to approach each student equally, regardless of the color of their skin, the amount of money their parents make, their religion, their culture, their WHATEVER. It is our responsibility as teachers to assess each individual student's needs, and adjust our methods appropriately on a case-by-case basis. To change a teaching style "just because" a student is African American, is in my mind, just as racist as ignoring the student altogether.
I want you to know that I do not have a biased point of view toward you as a result of your post. I have had many opportunities to listen to your views this semester, and I can tell you are very thoughtful, dedicated and caring teacher. I have no doubt that you are very cognizant of the issues we face out there, and how you might resolve them in your own classroom.
I appreciate your honesty and standing up for what you believe. You are truly one of the great teachers out there.
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