The class has been divided into groups of 6 or 7. Each group has chosen an ethnic population to "study" and report on at the end of the semester. We must research health concerns, culture, family structure, and other elements of life. My group is researching Haiti, and as I delve deeper into their sociopolitical climate, I'm amazed at how little the average American knows about Haiti and the struggles its people face. One member of my group actually asked, "Where is Haiti again?" What an eye-opener to the ignorance of we Americans (me included). U.S. immigration policy for Haitians is of particular interest to me. I wish I could speak to Haitians who could give me firsthand information on the atrocities they or family and friends have faced.
This group project is meant for us to examine our biases towards others, biases we didn't even know we had. It's meant for us to be aware of how to professionally communicate with people of other countries without unknowingly offending them. It's meant to break us from our cozy American molds.
No comments:
Post a Comment