Who decided to call being aware, empathetic, respectful is merely political and correct? By calling it ‘political correctness,’ we diminish the ideal of deep connection with people across differences.
It is so much more than politics. It is about how we live in the world and treat our fellow beings. Rebecca Carroll wrote a powerful analysis of the fear and assumptions that lie at the heart of opposition to this ideal.
Can we re-name, reframe this way of seeing and being so that stepping outside of our skin and seeing the value and values of others is about being human and open to a world where we connect rather than compete? Where we get to know those who are different and find our world enriched rather than threatened?
Working in school buildings has provided a daily opportunity to practice seeing and being with and perhaps even understanding of those who have different lived experiences and backgrounds than I do. Different ways of learning, making sense of and expressing life, interacting, feeling safe, taking risks….I have been able to step back, see and appreciate the endless ways of human beings.
I think it is human appreciation or maybe, in my ideal world, it is truly human being. We can nurture that stance in ourselves and in the children in our school buildings.