Experience of a Lifetime

Appearing Adverse

It is interesting what we see when we look in the mirror.  What is the first thing that you see?  I see the clothes I wear, my body size, and blemishes, but there is a lot more in my appearance that I take for granted.  I do not analyze my skin color or the fact that I am a male.  I do not consider the features that I cannot control necessarily, but I am aware that other people do. This causes me to ask questions that some other people do not think about.  Do you feel comfortable around other people, both males and females, every moment of every day?  Do you feel comfortable in your classes working in groups with people of other social identities; may it be their sexual orientation, social class, gender identity, race, etc?  Are you a member of an underrepresented group (racial, gender, etc.)?  Now imagine yourself as a person with the opposite social identity of yourself: opposite gender, race, etc.  Try answering the same questions as above and compare them to your previous answers.  Do you take anything for granted?  I know I do.  In the end, remember to respect people from other social identities and truly and wholeheartedly treat them the way you want to be treated.

Kameron Beeks

Community Relations Facilitator

Eastside & Co ops