While pursuing my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, diversity studies helped me build my character and changed my perspective on the world in many ways. Senior year, I enrolled myself in a course focused on public policy in relation to racism in the United States. While taking this course I faced an experience that taught me several lessons. My class was discussing the disparities that exist within the Child Welfare System. My professor split the classroom into two halves. One side of the classroom was asked to argue that more African American children end up in the foster care system due to a racially biased system. The other side of the classroom had to argue that more African American children end up in the foster care system due to poor parenting.
I was asked to argue for the poor parenting side in this debate. My first thought, “Yeah right! Absolutely no way am I even pretending that this is a valid point to believe, let alone argue!” Being someone with strong values who is completely unbiased when it comes to race I was tempted to stand up and tell my teacher that I refused to argue for such an ignorant, invalid point of view. However, I took a step back, realized that my teacher comes from a good place in her work, and that there had to be some justification behind this. That’s when I chose to take on this challenging task and proceed with the assignment how she asked. I was frustrated, uncomfortable, challenged, and had to remove myself from everything I stood for. This was extremely difficult when in reality I hold a cultural understanding of these groups, am completely unbiased, and in my heart defend the other side of this argument.
This experience challenged me to take on the perspectives of other people and consider differing opinions in relation to my own. This experience helped me appreciate others who have the same view points as me because it provides opportunity to discuss issues and topics such as these on a real level with true statistics and research behind our reasoning and ideas. It also helped me understand how to listen and respectfully respond when perspectives and viewpoints clash with my own. Understanding other perspectives helped open my eyes to problems and ways in which I can work towards combating these.
Taking part in this debate and keeping an open mind made me uncomfortable but also allowed me to make even more connections within the system of inequity. Analyzing a viewpoint opposite of my own helped me understand where some misconceptions may begin and where people form ignorant ideals around serious issues like the Child Welfare System.
Not only was I able to listen and respect a message directed towards me, I was able to show care in my responses. I used active listening skills to make the speaker feel heard and I also responded in response to what they had to say. When necessary I had them clarify their point and asked if I had interpreted it properly.
I practiced writing during this experience by taking several points and ideas, meshing them together, and forming a strong argument from the information I had. I was able to write down a claim that I did not necessarily believe in but one that made the opposing team think deeply and engage in my ideas. I was able to be convincing through my language and brought up ideas that they had not considered.
I used my facilitation skills during this class activity by helping to lead my side of the argument. I helped divide our group into smaller pairs and then delegate specific areas of research to look into in relation to our argument. I facilitated by also being an encouraging member and supporting my classmates when they would speak up.
Since this experience was so challenging and uncomfortable I felt that follow up was necessary in order to discuss and understand the purpose behind this exercise. I spoke with my professor and a couple other classmates in order to come to an understanding of the shared purpose of this assignment. After reflecting and debriefing, it was reassuring to see our class come together in an empowering way to discuss these issues even further and combat some of the hurtful, ignorant, and racist claims made during the debate. In all, it developed our groups respect for each other and the solidarity we had together in order to discuss these issues further.
This exercise forced me to think outside the box and to generate ideas and thoughts that I otherwise would not have. Since my argument was so out of my comfort zone, I had to be creative, think about a situation from a different angle, and take on a new perspective. This allowed me to exercise my ability to be creative in my thought processes.
In this position I was challenged to maintain a positive attitude. I did so by maintaining an asset-based lens and challenging myself to focus on the positive outcomes that would come from this challenging exercise.
By being a part of this experience I was reminded that some of society thinks about specific topics differently than I do. Not only did I have the opportunity to step into the shoes of someone else, I had the opportunity to feel what it is like to drop my entire agency. It was extremely difficult for me to pretend I supported the side I was assigned to. In retrospect, this reassured me that I am someone with a willingness to step forward and speak up about disparities when I notice them. I am not afraid to start a conversation around inequity, in fact it is more uncomfortable for me to sit back and not speak up about them. I am also unwavering in my values and determination to combat issues which was highlighted throughout this exercise. Moving into my future, I plan to use my privilege as a white individual and the agency I hold of having a cultural understanding around these topics to begin combating the struggles that minorities face day in and day out.
Stories that inspire me to create change within the lives of at risk youth. Children in the Foster Care system specifically lack the assistance and tools they need to prosper.