Your Words - A catalyst for Change - Embracing Our Differences

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES 2011

FRANK HERBERT
“
”
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE
For more than seven years, audiences
have enjoyed the “larger than life” outdoor
art exhibit on downtown Sarasota’s
bayfront: Embracing Our Differences.
The colorful billboard-sized art panels featuring various interpretations
of the exhibit’s mission – promoting the value of
diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the
active rejection of hatred and prejudice – stimulate thoughtful
conversation and change attitudes about the subject matter.
But ideas can be inspired by more than one medium. That’s
why the creators of Embracing Our Differences complement
each piece of art with written quotes and phrases. The expressions
are essential to the evocative power of each year’s
display. While guests can spot the images from afar as they
approach the exhibit, the energy and interplay between the
words and the artwork enhance the experience for each guest
in tangible and meaningful ways. It is interesting to note that
the accompanying quotes are selected independently from
the artwork. In fact, there are separate juries that select the
quotes and the art.
Community values such as acceptance, inclusion and
diversity, respecting differences and peaceful coexistence
deserve an outlet for expression that provides rich opportunity
for interaction on multiple levels. The poetry and power of the
written word elevate the experience for exhibit guests and
enrich it in measurable ways. Teachers, students and other
guests have reported that the exhibit becomes much more personal
as a result of the feelings and emotions conveyed by the
quotations. For those who want to contribute in making their
community more inclusive, respectful and diverse, Embracing
Our Differences offers a variety of platforms to express those
ideals. Whether your gifts and talents lend themselves to art
or words, we need you to become an active participant in this
year’s vibrant community display.
MICHAEL SHELTON, Executive Director
Embracing Our Differences®
www.embracingourdifferences.org
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUBMITTING
QUOTATIONS OR ARTWORK FOR
CONSIDERATION, GO TO PAGE 12 OR VISIT
WWW.EMBRACINGOURDIFFERENCES.ORG
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication

How are the art and quote
submissions paired?
The art and the quotes are each selected separetely. Once
the art is judged and the quotes are selected by a committee
they are submitted to the graphic artists who puts the exhibit
together. The draft is given the to board of Embracing
Our Differences and the final version is placed in the park.
THEN&NOW
“PEOPLE ARE LIKE TREES”
by Deborah Herbert’s 4th Grade Art Class, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus
- CHANTEL DIXON, 8TH GRADE, BOOKER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Let’s take a look at some art pieces/or quotes from past exhibits
and hear from the artist/quoter about their submission now ….
FROM THE ARTIST: “This
artwork was inspired by a lesson
that compared emotions and mood
qualities invoked by color and nature ... The conversation
went on to a comparison of people and trees. The
students helped write the short poem in the center of the
assemblage of their work. Each of the student’s trees was
painted using ink and their fingerprints, a metaphor for
the individuality and uniqueness of each child.”
The process for creating a work of art for the EOD
Exhibition begins with brainstorming ideas that generate
from a universal theme. Universal themes are
ideas that everyone can identify with personally in
some way. Thinking about the Universal Theme that
people are very much alike on the inside is the first
step. Another theme to brainstorm is the big idea
that our differences are what make us interesting!
Students discuss these ideas in small groups. The
teacher incorporates the state standards in the activity
as the art lesson for the EOD Exhibition is a
part of the regular instruction. As students create
their own works of art they check for the effectiveness
of their ability to communicate the Universal
theme. It’s fun to share the artwork with others to
see if they understand the message or main idea.
Works that are easy to “read’ are very effective!
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Go to www.embracingourdifferences.org and click on exhibits. Look at the images from past years
and pick a favorite image or an image that speaks to you. Go back to your journal (on pgs. 6 & 7) and write down how you feel.
Use many adjectives (descriptive words) to describe how you are feeling, what you are seeing, and what your are hearing.
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

FREDERICK DOUGLASS
Since I’ve become an adult, I’m always caught off
guard when I see someone who is disabled and see
people stop and stare, not taking into consideration
that person’s feelings. When we were kids,
we just played and had fun. We were all equal and
we teased and played with all my brothers, Brian
included. He has never been different, but equal, in
every sense of the word. As an adult, I am troubled
that people treat others differently. I hope that my
quote helps people understand that being “disabled”
does not reflect who they are, rather how strong
they are as they overcome their adversity.
“HANDS OF PEACE”
by Todd Wennberg, 10th Grade, Bayshore High
School, Teacher: Kathy Cocciolone
“
LINDA ELLERBEE
”
Examine the famous quotes that are through
out this tabloid. Explore the writer and
circumstances in which the quotes were
written. Can you find their inspiration?
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication

BARBARA J. LORRY, PH.D.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA
FROM THE QUOTER:
About 3 years ago I had arranged to meet
a friend of more than 30 years for dinner.
Our families knew each other, we even took
trips together. I arrived about half an hour
late (I did call to say that I was running behind)
but what we would have to do was cut
our dinner short because of my lateness.
Seven weeks later I sent my friend an email
because I hadn’t heard from her since that
fateful night. She wrote back that she had
removed me from her email list because I
had offended her. I was in shock.
We then had a protracted (long) email exchange
that, in effect, ended this 30+ year relationship.
I sent a Christmas gift and received a
brief perfunctory (dutiful) thank you note.
Then I wrote expressing my sadness and
my feeling that “Life is too short to waste it
hating” and I went on with life. We missed
many of our family life events that we had
always shared, birthdays, anniversaries,
and the holidays. Indeed this was a significant
loss for everyone. But keeping in mind
my quote, I gradually stopped thinking
about her and the loss of the relationship.
Then -- in March we both attended a Memorial
service for one of our mutual friends
who was a treasured friend for me and
FROM THE ARTIST: Leaving yoga class one day, I remembered
what my instructor said during a relaxation exercise:
“Remember, we are all in the same boat!” I was struck by the
image of every living thing I know, all floating peacefully in a
boat together. I see our world as one living body and wanted
to depict this notion by including everything in the world. The
earth, sun, moon and stars are included in the boat, along with
mammals, bugs, birds and fish – all coexisting with human kind.
It is important to remember that no one entity takes precedence
over the other. Together we float, in one boat together, with
every entity playing its role in perfect harmony.
“IN ONE BOAT TOGETHER”
by Bernadette McCormack, Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
perhaps for her as well. Before the service
she approached me and asked to make-up
-- to repair our relationship. I welcomed
this offer with joy and we sat together during
the service.
Then, despite an overture on my part, I did
not hear from her again --- until early October
when she invited us to her husband’s
75th birthday party. We could not attend,
but we are going to meet for dinner in early
December and you can be sure that we will
be ON TIME!!
MAYA ANGELOU
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

MOHANDAS GANDHI
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE
Below is a word line, that starts with words that hurt or are about hate.
As you follow the word line you will find that by the end of the line are
words that help and heal. There are many words in between hurt and help,
hate and heal. As you think about words, where do they fit on this line?
Place your words on the line.
HATE
The mission of Embracing Our Differences® is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness
and promoting, throughout our community, the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion
and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice.
What is the meaning of the words in blue found in the mission of embracing our differences? What feelings do these
words evoke? What words have similar meanings? Opposite? Record these words in your journal.
Here’s some inspiration ...
HEALING
THOMAS MERTON

RUDYARD KIPLING
FROM THE ARTIST: I am a symbolic figure painter and much
of my current work is about transitions – whether it’s a mid-life juncture
or coming of age. My challenge is to visually represent intangible
things, and to capture small nuances in relationships, life, death
and love. These are universal human subjects that I find endlessly
fascinating. Embracing our differences, whether it’s differences in
gender or race, is a reason for celebration and the inspiration for this
painting, part of a series I call “The Harmony Works.”
“AGAPE”
by Terry Strickland,
Pelham, Ala.
FROM THE QUOTER:
Pick a story
from the Herald-
Tribune that
talks about
diversity or
human rights in
a negative way.
What words come
to mind when you
read the story?
What questions
arise when you
are reading?
Write these down
in your journal
and keep them
handy to help inspire
your quote.
After being assigned this in school, I thought about what diversity means
to me. As I pondered this I thought about all the friends I have realizing
they all come from diverse backgrounds. I realized that the thought
never occurred to me that we were different. We were all friends and
what’s on the outside didn’t really matter, that it’s all about what‘s on
the inside. Finding out that my quote was accepted into this contest was
a surprise to me. I have used this experience on my job resume.
BRIAN GAYNOR, SARASOTA, FLA.,
8TH GRADE, SARASOTA MIDDLE SCHOOL,
TEACHER: DAPHNE BAZENAS
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication

AMY MACDONALD
Amy MacDonald is an internationally known children’s author. She is also a teaching
artist with the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Amy’s “learn by
doing” motto was demonstrated at a recent workshop in Sarasota where she worked
with teachers to help support students as they wrote their own quotes for Embracing
Our Differences exhibition. The following are some of Amy’s helpful ideas and writing
starters to help you begin to develop your own quote.
WWW.AMYMACDONALD.COM
AMYMAC@MAINE.RR.COM
PART I
Step 1. Define it.
CONTENT: What is diversity?
BRAINSTORM: What kinds of differences are there?
Step 2. Write about it through Free Writing
What does “Embracing our Differences” mean to me? Write for up to 10 minutes
without pausing. Here are some prompts to help you get started:
• What does embracing our differences or diversity mean to you?
• Think about a time in your life when you were picked on or shunned for being
different. What do you imagine it feels like to be bullied, discriminated against
or shunned for being different?
• What would you like to say to the bully/discriminator?
• What would a perfect world look like to you?
• What would the world be like if everything and everyone were the same?
Essential Language: Free writing is done just for yourself, not for others. It is not
structured. The only rule is to KEEP YOUR PENCIL MOVING.
Step 3. Vocabulary
We need a “vocabulary” for talking
about this issue. Brainstorm words
with friends or partners.
Synonyms for embrace
Synonyms for differences
Words meaning the opposites
of embrace
Words meaning the opposites
of different
MOHANDAS GANDHI
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

MOTHER TERESA
WRIGLEY
PART II
TECHNIQUE: Condensing Ideas
Step 1. Let’s look at things that work:
POETRY
– SHAKESPEARE (OTHELLO)
– POPE
– BIBLE
Rewrite ad as “diversity ads.” Pretend you are “selling
diversity and differences” instead of deodorant or potato
chips. The “diversity” ad should recognizable as an adaptation
of the old product ad. (Amy MacDonald)
Step 3. Look at ads.
PAST E.O.D. WINNERS
Step 2. Find the common
techniques in Poetry and
E.O.D. Winners (above)
1. Small group activity: Discuss what these
aphorisms have in common, in terms of technique.
What are they?
WHAT IS AN APHORISM??? A succinct statement
expressing an opinion or a general truth
(Encarta Dictionary)
WHAT IS SUCCINCT??? Brief and to the point
Ads are basically aphorisms designed to sell, not an idea but a product.
Look at the following famous ad slogans:
A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.
A little dab’ll do ya.
Small group activity Find the technique or
When it rains it pours.
techniques (sometimes more than one) from list
It takes a tough man to make
below that have been used to write these ads.
a tender chicken.
Write the number of the technique in the blank.
Intel inside
1. PARALLEL STRUCTURE
Get N or get out. (Nintendo)
2. PLAYING WITH REPEATING SOUNDS
Double your pleasure.® Double your fun. 3. PLAYING WITH WORDS
Be all that you can be.
4. PLAYING WITH OPPOSITES
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication

Step 4. Find the common techniques in ads
2. Small group activity The following ads use two different
techniques. What are they?
ANSWER AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
GROUP 1
There are a million and one excuses for not
wearing a safety belt. Some are real killers.
We bring good things to life.®
Where’s the beef?®
GROUP 2
Do you ... Yahoo!
Once you pop, you can’t stop.
Plop, plop; fizz, fizz; oh, what a relief it is!
Nothin’ says lovin’ like somethin’ from the oven.
We will sell no wine before its time.
America runs on Dunkin’
No battery is stronger longer.
It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Step 5. A final technique: Playing on Expectations
Never let your schooling interfere with your education
I can resist anything but temptation.
SUMMARY
• PARALLEL STRUCTURE
• PLAYING WITH REPEATING
SOUNDS
• PLAYING WITH WORDS
• PLAYING WITH OPPOSITES
• PUNS
• RHYMES
• PLAYING WITH EXPECTATIONS
• SHORT, CATCHY PHRASE
Step 6. The final category
for ad techniques:
Just do it
Let your fingers do the walking.
All you add is love.
We do chicken right.
A diamond is forever.
Betcha can’t eat just one.
When it absolutely, positively has to
be there overnight.
Nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee.
The pause that refreshes.
We try harder.®
You’ve come a long way, baby.®
Reach out and touch someone.®
Yo quiero Taco Bell.
Good to the last drop.
Aren’t you glad you use Dial? Don’t
you wish everybody did?
You deserve a break today.®
You’re in good hands with Allstate.®
Snap, Crackle, Pop!
PABLO PICASSO
ANSWER: PUNS AND RHYMES
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

CALL FOR
QUOTATIONS
Entries should be no more than 30 words.
A $1000 cash award will be presented to
the best original quotation submitted.
Below are some ideas to help stimulate
thinking about the subject of embracing
our differences:
• What does embracing our differences
mean to you?
• What does diversity mean to you?
• Have you ever been bullied? What did
it feel like?
• Have you ever witnessed someone else
being bullied? What did it feel like?
• What are you looking for in a best
friend?
• What would a perfect world look like
to you?
• If you could change the world, what
would you do to make it better?
Signing below with your submission indicates your irrevocable agreement if selected, to permit, without restriction,
Embracing Our Differences® to use your quotation in reproduction for catalogs, posters, advertising, as well as other
educational and promotional materials. Embracing Our Differences® reserves the right to modify or alter your submission
as necessary. Your submission MUST be an original work.
Signature:
Print Name:
Name on signage (include Title):
For Students: Age: Grade: Teacher:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Telephone*: ( ) *Required for valid entry so we may contact you.
Email:
In 30 words or less, share your thoughts on Embracing Our Differences.
School:
City:
Date:
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES 2011
The Herald-Tribune Media Group and
Embracing Our Differences® have
collaborated to bring this program to
Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte County
classrooms. We believe we can create an
all-inclusive society that will foster
a positive future for generations.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
REGARDING THE HERALD-TRIBUNE’S
NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION PROGRAM,
PLEASE CONTACT MARY CHARLAND,
NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION MANAGER
AT (941) 361-4545
OR E-MAIL MARY.CHARLAND@
HERALDTRIBUNE.COM
WWW.HERALDTRIBUNE.COM/NIE
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication