I defintely agree that diversity is important for people to learn more about what the world has to offer because there are so many people in the world that bring a lot of differing perspectives that we are able to learn from.

Thanks for the post. Yes, inclusion and diversity subjects are not directly related subjects to some class structures, but professors or TAs can provide that atmosphere to students in every department. Sometimes they can discuss this topic in the class, or sometimes they can create “brave spaces” and students would feel that in the classroom. Because this subject is a part of teaching and should be included in our method somehow.

Thanks for the post, Heather.
As you said, “We must first be able to discuss our own privilege and biases before we can expect others to do the same”. Because correcting somebody else’s fault is easier than our own ones. And if we can face with ours, then we can start to right communication with other people to make changes. First, we should realize and face our own situation.

I love the way you break down some of the difficult to talk about parts of the conversation on race. I espevially love this point—“Because I’m brown that doesn’t make me a diversity expert or an expert on race.” Have you ever read a book called, This Bridge Called My Back editted by feminist anthology edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa? Its all about—‘don’t make me your bridge to understanding’ from perspectives of women of color. I think its a really powerful text.

Thanks for the great post! I have never thought about that distinction before. As you said, brave space gives us more opportunity to say something laud more, while safe places allow us to say or discuss something only when we feel “safe” to say.

Just the term itself is so much more approachable. There is a lot of stigma about “safe spaces,” a lot of jokes thrown. But brave spaces…I would gladly be a part of one of those. And to outsiders, it has a much more noble ring to it.

As always, I appreciate what and how you voice your story. It would be easy for someone to get caught up in the negative situations that he or she experienced. If you do not already feel empowered by what you have accomplished then you should. I agree that the only way to dismantle racism is to work your way, rather force your way, into the ivory tower. Do not stop speaking your truth!

Good analogy…everyone loves a cute dog/duckling matchup. Like you said, we can learn from animals in this way. Animals from different species can’t communicate with each other, so what are their implicit biases then? Do they have any, other than knowing what is predator and what is prey?

On the other hand, I work with cows. While most cows will accept and nurture their own young, some will reject and even try to kill their own calf right after it is born. Gruesome. So, I’m not sure what the analogy is there. Nature is complicated.

Thanks for the post. When I read your experiences, I found a lot from my own experiences. I am in the U.S. since 2012 but did not realize that subject before starting to take Grad courses this year. I lived in different communities in the U.S. and sometimes I was included, while sometimes I was not. But never thought about it and did not really care much I think. But now, inclusion is a big and important thing in my

I like your post, and the reference to colorblindness. During my first exposure to any sort of diversity training, my worldview was completely shifted when the instructors talked about this topic. Growing up you were supposed to say, “I don’t see color,” to mean that you treated people of different races and cultures equally. However, saying this means you actually DO see color, and are maybe even afraid to embrace it. What’s more important is the opposite – acknowledging color and what it means in our society. This is much more progressive than trying to ignore that it’s there.