RECAP

Well, Spring Break is upon us and boy is it well-timed.  Class on Wednesday was interesting as we delved into the topic on reliogion.  I'm just glad that it didn't feel as anyone was pushing any one idea onto anyone and that everyone seemed comfortable with speaking on the topic.  I also was impressed with how people were able to be honest and speak on what they believe.  Religion is a touchy subject and to feel like you're not getting preached to or at is a wonderful thing.

I feel that a recap of our prior conversations and topics in class is a good way to end the first part of this semester.  I began blogging for the first time as the class assignment for Social Justice but what I've come to realize is that it also allows me to speak in a voice I didn't realize I even had.  Don't get me wrong, I know I'm a little wordy in class, but the ability to address the information learned in class and from the readings through blogging instead of test-taking has been real rewarding.   I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first, but it is not so bad really.  It makes me have to work at getting the information instead having the information handed to me on a million pages of paper that I will probably throw out at the end of the semester.  Besides, it also saves trees.:) 

The conversations on racism, religion, intersectionality, and classism have all challenged me to ask myself, "In what ways do I perpetuate these "isms"?  Do I believe that I have no biases towards those who I deem different or can I be honest and say, "Hey, I am affected by that?"  It what ways do I practice openmindedness and in what ways do I practice discrimination and prejudice?  Am I teaching my children what I learned as a child or do I strive to make a difference in their lives?  How many time a day do I refer to others as "white", "black", or "mexican"?  Do I see people who are unable to provide for themselves as lazy and worthless?  How many times do I roll down my window and give a homeless person a dollar no matter what I think they are going to do with the money?  Am I so busy looking for differences that I miss the similarities?  These are the questions that I have asked myself throughout this semester and if I'm honest, I have probably done one or more of these each day.  Social Justice requires that I look past the barriers that keep us separate and build bridges to draw us closer.  It is a must that I fight to eradicate the very things that keeps society unequal whether through race, class, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or age.  Do I really believe in social justice?  If I do, what am I doing to end social inequality?  Why do I have to keep saying, "I'll do it once I'm a social worker?"  If I haven't learned anything else this semester, one thing I have learned is that I don't have to wait and that yes, even one can make a difference. 

I guess all I had was questions this week...  Oh well, Professor G. always says that if we knew everything we wouldn't be in school.  Have a great break!!!

Until next time.....