Teaching pluralism and empathy

A wonderful and enlightening read: Conversations on Pluralism in a city of the World. Chancellor Nancy Cantor, Syracuse University. http://www.syr.edu/chancellor/speeches/faradaySpeech.pdf

The words that spoke the loudest to me, adapted from the above article:

A conversation with the world: we can not exist without others.
Appreciating ourselves is linked to appreciating others.
We must teach to engage pluralism.

In order to perceive the 'other' as human - we must cultivate our empathy of mind......the ability to see other worlds and other stories as if they were ours.

Real life example: the United Nations - the one body that houses the divided fragments of humanity....It is an idea, a symbol of an imagined and constructed community of strangers. It exists to bring about a world where fear is changed to hope...

Educated empathy: rooted in communication.

When groups are isolated from each other, it is extremely difficult - if not impossible - to enjoy and appreciate pluralism.

When we do not know each other, it is all too easy to blame the conditions of one's life on a monolithic, evil "other", dehumanized by group stereotypes.

Educational bridges are built through the deliberate dialogues and exchanges - which serve as pylons of these bridges.

One way to build the bridges: storytelling. All of a sudden, "your" story turns out to be "my" story too. This humanizes the other, as voices across a divide begin to sound a similar note.

Our freedoms are only meaningful if shared with others.

A caring, global society with the ethos that reflects the spirit of the Shona greeting:
"How are you?"
Response: "I am only well if you, too, are well."

Sigh. Beautiful.

I just wanted to say...

Are you reading this?
It's written for you.

I wanted to tell you that i believe in you
i can't even keep count of the ways

Are you paying attention?

Sometimes it's going to rain
it's been raining for a while
but i see the clouds clearing up

Can you hear me?

I'm trying to yell as loud as i can
but all i can manage is a whisper
these words echo in my mind:

I wanted to tell you that tomorrow is a new day
and as soon as the sunlight hits my face
i think of you

Oh, Walmart...

Dear Walmart,

I'm writing to tell you how drastically your "Supercentre" will change my life.

I used to think your regular Walmart store was fascinating: not only could I pick up some stationary and dvds, but also a new plasma tv, clothes for every member of the family, gold jewellery, bathroom cleaners, shoes, snack foods, and bedding needs. And I thought you were already going above and beyond the regular department store when you encouraged me to get my prescriptions filled at your Pharmacy.

But now - well my possibilities are endless! You've given me the opportunity to pick up fresh milk, fruits, vegetables and meat products! I never thought you could fit an entire grocery store in a quarter of your Supercentre.

The surprises kept coming!
Not only can I get my eyes checked and buy a new pair of glasses, I can stop by McDonalds for lunch, AND I can also get my teeth cleaned at the Dentist's office.

I like the many haircutting options you offer me: SmartStyle Hair Salon, Ultracuts Hair salon, and of course, Magicuts!
On my way out, I'll stop by to get my nails done at Regal Nails.
As I was just about half way through your store, I remembered that I need to bring my car in to your store so Mr. Lube can check for anything suspicious. If anything needs changing, I'll just pop in to your Autoparts department and get that taken care of as well.

When I need to wire some money between my different bank accounts, your Western Union will definitely come in quite handy.

I forgot to bring in my dry cleaning today, but I'll definitely bring it in to your Factory Outlet Dry Cleaner tomorow.

I'm really glad you put in a Pharmacy Drive-thru, for those times when I just want to grab my meds and drive on.

I'm thinking of taking a vacation - Thanks for putting in a Marlin Travel in your store for my convenience.

I noticed your Garden Centre a little while ago - I will buy some plants from you, this is something I've been meaning to do, anyway.

When I'm feeling lucky, I'll try my chances at your Lotto centre, after I withdraw my money from your oh-so-convenient ATM.

I'm so glad you have your own Animaland - this will be a lifesaver when I'm shopping for the young kids in my family.

My friend is getting married soon - I'll let her know that you have a Gift Registry to take care of all her wedding gift needs. They can also get their wedding pictures taken care of at your Portrait Studio! You guys really make it easy!

I'm getting a little tired from all the walking in your store...Is that a Tim Hortons I see next to the Photo Centre? Ah, perfect; I'll grab a coffee.

Love Always

"I'd love to sit for hours and catch up on all the photos I haven't seen yet...I've missed you."

"Tell me again why you can't stop thinking about him."

"Sure, of course I don't mind playing one more game of chess ...yes, even if it's 1am."

"Listen, I know you have your friends. I know you have people around you. But if you ever need anything, for whatever reason, you can always come to me. I'm serious, star. Just call me up, and I'm there. Even if it's 2 in the morning and you want to meet at Tim Hortons... I'm there."

"Let me come and be sad with you."

"I'm thinking of you. And praying for you. Always, love, always."

"This is for you. It's a reminder of how strong you are...don't you forget it, dear"

"Yes, even if I'm sleeping, just knock or call and we can talk about how much this sucks. But I will also remind you why life is so beautiful."

"You told me once that everything has purpose...has meaning...and to never stop searching. Let me now say those words back to you..."

The signs around us

The Advice of Mevlana

In generosity and helping others
be like a river

In compassion and grace
be like the sun

In concealing others' faults
be like night

In anger and fury
be like dead

In modesty and humility
be like earth

In tolerance
be like the sea

Either exist as you are...
or be as you look

[From: Governorship of Konya Publications of Culture and Tourism Directorate...RE: Seven Advice of Mevlana]