Progressive Ponderings: Teaching Tolerance
by Joe Mayer
Think of the above as five steps on a "ladder of prejudice." A Middle School teacher placed this on the bulletin board while the class studied a unit on the Holocaust. This graphic depiction of prejudice and discrimination encouraged students to place other biased behaviors at appropriate rungs on the ladder.
"Teaching Tolerance" is the name of an educational magazine. The Fall 2007 issue was given to me by a longtime peace activist from Fairmont, Minn. Under "Activity Exchange" appeared an article and this "Ladder of Prejudice." I hadn't heard of this magazine before, but what an encouragement – schools addressing issues of diversity, bullying, and community building in a multiple and graphic style.
Sometimes it seems that we Americans live on the first rung of the ladder, if not higher. Prejudicial speech drips from us as we judge our fellow human beings. Perceived flaws include gender, race, culture, nationality, country of origin, religion, sexual preference, legal status, political preferences, loyalties, activities, an endless stream that afflicts others.
Bigger problems arise from bias bashing. Incessant odious speech determines our attitudes and actions, and justifies our avoidance of people and issues. A lack of knowledge and understanding caused by avoidance is a foundation for discrimination. The third rung, discrimination, is just a small step. Once the targeted persons are discriminated against, especially by leaders, some bigots find pretext for attack, for violence. It is just a few steps from violence to Holocaust.
What a teaching tool! Where am I? Where is America on the ladder regarding other religions, cultures, nations, gays, immigrants, protestors? Can I be on any of the top three rungs regarding any issue and still claim tolerance? Does being on rung three with bias toward one group of human beings make it easier to step up regarding other groups? What do biases do to me? To America?
Yes, I like the activities and the lesson. But still I'm troubled. Why does a nation in which the majority claims to be Christian need to teach tolerance? Wouldn't tolerance be the minimum expected from a life of Christian compassion?
We're missing opportunities. Sameness is boring, homogenizing. Diversity among humans offers an experience of the multi-faceted face of the Divine. The expansive nature of this earthly dwelling opens unlimited possibilities for growth and development. Tolerance is the prelude to acceptance, affirmation, hospitality, delight, celebration…
The same article started with a quote from Margaret Meade: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
EXTERMINATION
ATTACK
DISCRIMINATION
AVOIDANCE
SPEECH
ATTACK
DISCRIMINATION
AVOIDANCE
SPEECH
Think of the above as five steps on a "ladder of prejudice." A Middle School teacher placed this on the bulletin board while the class studied a unit on the Holocaust. This graphic depiction of prejudice and discrimination encouraged students to place other biased behaviors at appropriate rungs on the ladder.
"Teaching Tolerance" is the name of an educational magazine. The Fall 2007 issue was given to me by a longtime peace activist from Fairmont, Minn. Under "Activity Exchange" appeared an article and this "Ladder of Prejudice." I hadn't heard of this magazine before, but what an encouragement – schools addressing issues of diversity, bullying, and community building in a multiple and graphic style.
Sometimes it seems that we Americans live on the first rung of the ladder, if not higher. Prejudicial speech drips from us as we judge our fellow human beings. Perceived flaws include gender, race, culture, nationality, country of origin, religion, sexual preference, legal status, political preferences, loyalties, activities, an endless stream that afflicts others.
Bigger problems arise from bias bashing. Incessant odious speech determines our attitudes and actions, and justifies our avoidance of people and issues. A lack of knowledge and understanding caused by avoidance is a foundation for discrimination. The third rung, discrimination, is just a small step. Once the targeted persons are discriminated against, especially by leaders, some bigots find pretext for attack, for violence. It is just a few steps from violence to Holocaust.
What a teaching tool! Where am I? Where is America on the ladder regarding other religions, cultures, nations, gays, immigrants, protestors? Can I be on any of the top three rungs regarding any issue and still claim tolerance? Does being on rung three with bias toward one group of human beings make it easier to step up regarding other groups? What do biases do to me? To America?
Yes, I like the activities and the lesson. But still I'm troubled. Why does a nation in which the majority claims to be Christian need to teach tolerance? Wouldn't tolerance be the minimum expected from a life of Christian compassion?
We're missing opportunities. Sameness is boring, homogenizing. Diversity among humans offers an experience of the multi-faceted face of the Divine. The expansive nature of this earthly dwelling opens unlimited possibilities for growth and development. Tolerance is the prelude to acceptance, affirmation, hospitality, delight, celebration…
The same article started with a quote from Margaret Meade: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
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