Over the past month I have spent a lot of time thinking (and writing) about my opinions regarding education issues in Philadelphia and the country. It has been a very interesting time of reflection on my own beliefs as well as the concept of activism. My brief 3 minutes in front of the School Reform Commission last Thursday was a fascinating experience that I hope to take part in again.
But all of this has been wondering: are we listening to each other anymore?
In my three minutes in the "hot seat" there were a number of times where people in the audience cheered and I felt truly part of something larger than myself. But, as I think about it more, I wonder if the people behind the big tables were actually listening and will take to heart anything I (or anyone else who spoke) had to say. I know the current SRC members have portrayed themselves as a transparent group willing to accept feedback and criticism, but I wonder how true that is.
In fact, I wonder how true that is of anyone these days.
My Google Reader is currently set up to give me updates on news and blogs I subscribe to; I attend meetings with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the same issues I am; and I rarely interact with those who disagree with my opinion. More and more often people on one side of an issue are only paying attention to themselves, without regard to those on the other side of the aisle/fence/whatever you call it.
Especially with what is happening in Wisconsin right now I hope we can all keep in mind that these beliefs may be the core of who we are, but others have contrasting ones that are similarly as ingrained. It is important to keep this in mind so as not to totally disregard someone else's feelings.
But all of this has been wondering: are we listening to each other anymore?
In my three minutes in the "hot seat" there were a number of times where people in the audience cheered and I felt truly part of something larger than myself. But, as I think about it more, I wonder if the people behind the big tables were actually listening and will take to heart anything I (or anyone else who spoke) had to say. I know the current SRC members have portrayed themselves as a transparent group willing to accept feedback and criticism, but I wonder how true that is.
In fact, I wonder how true that is of anyone these days.
My Google Reader is currently set up to give me updates on news and blogs I subscribe to; I attend meetings with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the same issues I am; and I rarely interact with those who disagree with my opinion. More and more often people on one side of an issue are only paying attention to themselves, without regard to those on the other side of the aisle/fence/whatever you call it.
Especially with what is happening in Wisconsin right now I hope we can all keep in mind that these beliefs may be the core of who we are, but others have contrasting ones that are similarly as ingrained. It is important to keep this in mind so as not to totally disregard someone else's feelings.
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