Start Seeing Diversity: Creating Art

This week we were challenged to create a piece of art that illustrates what we have learned over these past weeks and throughout this program. I chose to write a poem:

As I Start to See Diversity

From the moment we are conceived

We are influenced by the outside and what those around us believe

While we are learning to sit, stand and walk

We are hearing the voices around us talk.

From others’ thoughts, actions and words

Discomforts and biases are taught and heard

We then start school and learn how to read and write our name

But we also learn about others-who is different and who is the same.

We begin watch TV and read books

We may start to see people give us looks

And through this our identities are formed

We learn what is “right” and what is the “norm.”

We may hear that we are worthless or that we are a star

These messages and experiences help shape who we are

We don’t often stop to question what we’ve “known” since birth

Not realizing our internalized oppressions, privileges, and sense of self-worth.

If we don’t take the time to stop, think, and reflect

We don't leave our comfort zone, we are only passing on the messages we unknowingly select

But if we learn to be open and think critically

Then we can learn to value and embrace ourselves and diversity.

The journey we have started is not easy and it is long

But we can find our places and help others belong

We can liberate ourselves and teach our children about diversity, respect, value, and caring

And hopefully one day these will be the messages the whole world is sharing.