Diversity - Embracing Our Differences

BUILDING BRIDGES
T
hroughout history, there are
hundreds of examples of nations
battling their neighbors over land,
beliefs, or even life style. Research
the turmoil in one of the following
countries in your school media center
or local library: Ireland South Africa, Israel, Iraq,
Vietnam, United States of America, Sierra Leone,
Bosnia-Serbia, Yugoslavia, Iran, Korea, Germany,
Rwanda, Somalia, Lebanon, Ukraine, Guatemala,
Chile, El Salvador, Uganda, Nicaragua, Cambodia,
Kosovo, Tibet, East Timor, Republic of the Congo,
and Poland.
Israel has adopted several educational programs
promoting coexistence. Although there are many
differences between neighbors, in order to promote
coexistence, one must embrace the similarities and
celebrate the differences in culture. Here are some
“rules of the road” when building bridges and developing
programs to foster coexistence.
• Recognize the importance of language:
Language is at the base of one’s national identity.
Just as language creates bridges and ties between
people, it can be an obstacle to contact. Language
differences must be taken into account. On the other
hand, the study of language can be used as a bridge
for coexistence.
• Coexistence can be an unstated goal: The
premise behind the experiential programs is to
engage parties in joint activities that everyone
enjoys. The close proximity will, over time,
promote coexistence.
• Teachers and administrators must support
projects run in their schools: The principal must
demonstrate a clear interest in the program to insure
it is viewed as an important component of the curriculum.
Similarly, teachers’ support is vital to encouraging
student participation and supporting the changes
resulting from the program.
• Parents should be involved: The support and
cooperation of parents are essential. Projects should
be viewed as an opportunity to spread the message
of coexistence beyond the classroom and into homes
and communities. Joint activities that involve the
communities and parents foster mutual tolerance.
• Preparation is needed prior to interactions:
Before engaging in any joint activities, it is important
to spend time preparing for the meetings. Students
and teachers should be intimately involved in planning
the interactions. Sessions to examine stereotyped
thinking, generalizations and prejudice are
important to prepare groups for encounters. The
establishment in advance of clear rules also makes
meetings work more harmoniously.
• Promoting coexistence is facilitated by government
support: The Israeli Ministry of Education
provides an example of how a governmental body
can play an important role in introducing coexistence
projects into the schools.
• Careful student selection enhances prospects
for success: Highly motivated students will influence
their peers.
• It is important for projects to be consistent
and ongoing: Ongoing multiyear programs reinforce
a consistent commitment to improving crosscultural
relations.
– Source: The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise
at www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org
Activity
Talk Is Cheap
ABOUT THE ARTWORK:
“Awesome” by Sarah Carr, 12th Grade, Port Charlotte High School, Port Charlotte,
Florida , Teacher: Tiffany Coffey
ARTIST STATEMENT: “A lot of people walk around thinking they are totally separate
from each other. I believe we are all together and there to help one another. I explored
the idea of six people handcuffed to each other, forced to be together - in hopes they
will discover they are more alike than they imagine.”
06
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
How do we talk about people when
they are not around?
Write down how you think
or talk about the following:
My School
My Class
My Neighborhood
With My Friends
In the World
How can you change the way you talk about these
areas to foster acceptance of diversity?
A Question of Unity. Just because I’m a different race, why do you hate me? Just because I’m young, why do you
not trust me? Just because I’m a little bit overweight, why do you taunt me? Just because I am different.
– Derrek Gunnells, 8th Grade, Booker Middle School, Sarasota, Florida
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper-in-Education Publication