(image credit: dullhunk)
One of the purposes of school, in my opinion, is for students to find themselves, and discover other people who think similarly to them, and have similar interests. It is also equally important that kids discover that the world contains a wide range of opinions and diversity. Understanding these opinions, and why people have such different opinions is a critical component of an educated person.
Note, that I’m not in favour of students applying labels to themselves, and to other people. Labels, despite the usefulness of the diagram above, are limiting the discourse about what it means to be human to a small range of possible answers, when in reality, we are all different.
Sheila Stewart says:
Hi David. The use of the venn diagram is useful! Will share with my teens! I think all ages can feel like they are in the middle area of a number of Venn diagrams 🙂 but others perceptions/actions may paint only one label. Open, inclusive dialogue, through whatever platform, is so important to this understanding of diversity and where peoples opinions come from. I hope these opportunities are created at the high school level especially!
May 4, 2011 — 11:44 am
Bernie Soong says:
David,
I can see this as a very useful activity for kids to fill in their own diagrams and personalize them. It could be one of the many ways that kids can be promoted to look at who they are and/or how they see themselves. I also appreciate your last bit about labels. From my experience, kids all eventually find out that we are all different. But until they do and embrace their own individuality (and that of others), they still need guidance and conversations to help them come to the realization.
Simple and to the point entry. Thanks!
Bernie
May 4, 2011 — 2:07 pm