Think Back On The Topics We Have Covered This Term ✓ Solved

Think Back On The Topics We Have Covered This Term You

Think back on the topics we have covered this term. You might focus on the controversial ideas contained in the Discussion Boards or perhaps something from the "official" Texas government content. You could even talk about something only tangentially related to the class that's going on in the state, nation or world that you understand better or see differently because of the class. I’d like for you to reflect on something in the class that has led you to change your mind on a topic or at least change your perspective on something in a significant way. I find many times when I am challenged to think deeply about something, especially when I am forced to consider the views of others, that my views are impacted in some way. Sometimes I decide I was wrong. Sometimes I realize I was thinking too narrowly, or even being thoughtlessly prejudiced, in my views. Sometimes I decide I was basically right, but I am better able to understand and empathize with the views of others. And I'm always reminded that considering other perspectives is healthy. So, for this assignment, write a paper describing a time this term when something like that has happened to you. I really hope you can honestly say it has happened. Otherwise, I’ll feel like my assignments were failures. If you honestly don’t think anything in what you’ve read and heard this term has had a significant impact on your personal views, just write about something someone else in the class said that you found interesting or insightful. (If that’s true I’d like to respectfully suggest that you consider whether or not you are honestly willing to be open to other perspectives. Being stuck in your views is a recipe for retaining fallacious beliefs and is just boring!)

Paper For Above Instructions

The semester has been a journey of self-discovery and understanding, prompting me to reflect on various subjects we've covered throughout the course. One particular topic that has significantly altered my perspective is the discussion surrounding social justice movements and their impact on contemporary society. Initially, I held a rather conventional view, believing that these movements were often polarized and confrontational. However, through our discussions, particularly in the Discussion Boards, I began to see the complexities involved and how essential they are for societal progress.

At the onset of the term, I approached the topic of social justice with a lens clouded by skepticism. I saw movements like Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ advocacy as divisive forces, often creating an 'us versus them' mentality. This perspective was largely shaped by mainstream media portrayals and my limited engagement with opposing views. I would engage in discussions with friends who shared similar beliefs, reinforcing my view that these movements were overly aggressive and sometimes counterproductive. However, an open and honest dialogue began to shift my perspective after encountering different viewpoints and discussing controversial ideas in our class.

One moment stands out distinctly in which a classmate shared a personal narrative regarding their experience with systemic racism. They described incidents in which they were treated unfairly based solely on their race, and how these events shaped their identity and worldview. Hearing their story evoked a sense of empathy in me, as I had previously only understood these issues through abstract discussions and statistics. For the first time, I was confronted with the reality of someone else's lived experience, prompting me to reconsider my stance on social justice. This was not merely an academic topic; it was deeply personal and impactful.

As the discussions progressed, I found myself actively engaging with various perspectives, including differing opinions on police reform and community engagement. In analyzing these complex issues, I realized that social justice movements serve as critical avenues for marginalized voices in society. They challenge institutional norms that perpetuate inequality and, through advocating for change, they promote a more inclusive society. This newfound understanding led me to delve deeper into research on historical injustices and the systemic roots of current social issues.

Moreover, delving into state and national politics illuminated the implications of these movements on legislative changes. The discussion surrounding voting rights, for instance, showcased how important it is for marginalized groups to advocate for their representation in legislative processes. This transformed my perception of social justice from a dismissive stance to a recognition of its necessity for fostering a democracy that represents all voices. My engagement with course materials, the provided Texas government content, and particularly the illuminating discussions within our class, prompted me to reassess the importance of advocacy and activism.

What resonated with me most was the role of accountability in social justice. Another classmate articulated how participants in these movements often hold themselves and each other accountable, thus fostering a culture of transparency and ethical behavior. This idea shifted my prior belief that activist movements were solely chaotic and reactionary. I now see them as instrumental forces for moral accountability, pushing society towards greater ethical considerations. Such realizations challenged me to confront my biases and recognize the merits of engaging with discomforting dialogues.

Reflecting on these discussions has made me realize how easy it is to fall into echo chambers, especially when our beliefs are continuously reinforced by like-minded peers. The emphasis on understanding different viewpoints has greatly influenced my outlook. Instead of being entrenched in my beliefs, I have learned the value of curiosity and open-mindedness. While I may not always agree with every aspect of a particular movement, I am more willing to explore the underlying issues and context that shape these views.

Furthermore, I found it compelling to learn about intersectionality and how various identities can influence one's experience of oppression and advocacy. This understanding has been pivotal in reshaping my views on the importance of inclusivity within movements. It's essential to recognize that voices from various backgrounds must be heard to create a comprehensive narrative that accurately reflects our diverse society. I am now much more aware of the need for solidarity and support for all individuals fighting against injustices, not just those that align with my personal experiences.

Additionally, the course underscored the importance of compassion in dialogue. As I navigated conversations with my classmates, I found that empathy formed the backbone of productive discussions, allowing us to create a safe space for dissenting opinions. I learned that questioning one’s beliefs is not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity for growth and learning. Hence, my initial resistance to differing opinions has transformed into an eagerness to understand various viewpoints.

In conclusion, this semester has been truly enlightening, affording me the opportunity to reflect critically on my perspectives concerning social justice movements. The thought-provoking discussions with classmates, insightful narratives, and comprehensive analysis of course content have collectively challenged my existing beliefs. I have grown to appreciate the value of differing perspectives and the essential role they play in fostering empathy and understanding. While I may not have arrived at perfect conclusions, I am grateful for the ability to question and expand my understanding of complex social issues. This course has indeed propelled me toward a more nuanced and empathetic viewpoint.

References

• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.
• Delgado, R. & Stefancic, J. (2017). Critical Race Theory: An Introduction.
• Haraway, D. (1988). Situated Knowledges: The Science Studies Reader.
• Kymlicka, W. (1989). Liberalism, Community and Culture.
• Young, I. M. (1990). Justice and the Politics of Difference.
• Åkerström, M. (2019). Everyday Life and Social Justice: A Cultural Perspective.
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.
• Coates, T. (2015). Between the World and Me.
• Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.
• Graeber, D. (2013). Debt: The First 5,000 Years.