How do we talk about the issues that matter? I think if you asked a group of people this question they would answer it in many different ways. However all of their answers would align with the idea that we need to listen to others. It is primitive as a society that when we talk about issues that matter we listen to each other. Often people will have great passion behind their beliefs when discussing issues that matter. When people are discussing issues that matter perspectives can often be biased or one sided. When reading the article "a letter to the students of colour who were in my History classes" by Dylan Wray he discussed how his unconscious biases led conversations over issues that matter were one sided and often harmful. Dylan in this article said "And I am sorry that, as your reacher, when you needed a voice than your own, I didn't amplify yours" (Wray). I found it so valuable how Dylan pointed out that when discussing issues that matter often our role in conversation is to uplift voices that are often overlooked. I also think it is important when talking about issues that matter we actively acknowledge our own biases towards the matter. Dylan stated that "We all have these unconscious biases against others, and these biases impact the way we treat each other" (Wray). I think it is important that when having conversations we work become aware of and actively try to get rid of the unconscious biases we may have towards the people we are having conversations with. When we engage in conversation we must talk to people without judgement. In the article "After Eric Garner: One School's Courageous Conversation" Dr. Steven Becton stated that he has "the responsibility to listen to others without judging" (Becton). I thought it was notable that Becton chose the word " responsibility" when explaining why listening to people without judging them is so important. When we choose to take part in conversations over issues that matter it is our duty to listen to people and show them compassion. While it is very important that we listen to others I liked how in the article "Foster Civil Discourse" they pointed out that people should not be "...prioritizing politeness or comfort over getting to the heart of the matter". I think this important because when speaking about issues that matter we should not dance around the issue however really diving in to the matter. When listening to others in conversations and not judging them that does not mean we should avoid voicing our opinions. When talking about issues that matter we should strive to have welcoming and productive conversations. This is very important because a teachers we will have many conversations in our classes. We will also have a great effect on how our students learn to communicate.
Hi Zehra! I want to first comment about the thought and effort you put into this blog post. Talking about topics that matter with students can be extremely delicate and also profound to the student, so it is crucial that teachers handle these situations with great care. I can tell by your post that you also share this view. I also found the article "A Letter to the Students of Colour Who Were in My History Classes" to be incredibly helpful when learning about biases within a classroom. The writer of this article shares his own shortcomings when handling important issues in the classroom, and although this can be challenging, I believe that it is essential for teachers to evaluate their own biases before talking about issues that matter. I also liked how you assumed that delicate topics would be present within your future classroom, and are planning on how you will navigate these topics.
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