Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model ~ Do We Dare to Look Through the Lens?

Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model ~ Do We Dare to Look Through the Lens?

Conversations about Diversity can be uncomfortable and exasperating.
It is easier to not engage, frustrated by what we don’t know that we don’t know about Diversity.
Unfortunately, ‘Diversity’ has been politicized and weaponized leading to fear, confusion and reluctance to civilly and openly discuss Diversity and its threads.
The Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model provides language, knowledge-bases, and context that can provide opportunities for discourse through introspection, personal growth and change.

Discourse with Mutual Respect, Dignity and Integrity ~ Humanizing Norms When Discussing Diversity

Discourse with Mutual Respect, Dignity and Integrity ~ Humanizing Norms When Discussing Diversity

“When you want wisdom and insight as badly as you want to breathe, it is then you shall have it. There is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse. To express oneself badly is not only faulty as far as the language goes but does some harm to the soul.”
Attributed to Socratic Philosophy

Deconstructing the Golden Rule ~ Treat Others as They Wish to be Treated

Deconstructing the Golden Rule ~ Treat Others as They Wish to be Treated

“Do unto others . . . ” you know the rest.
It was always preached – right?!
So easy to say – maybe too easy, and for a reason.
Is it all about “me, myself and I” with casually mentioning the “others”?
How about –
“Do unto others as they wish to have done unto them.”
Let’s see which one passes the test of recognition, authenticity and validation . . . in the 21st Century.

Game of Thrones and Throngs ~ When Fantasy Mirrors Reality

Game of Thrones and Throngs ~ When Fantasy Mirrors Reality

“Littlefingers and White Walkers”
One a human misogynistic, narcissist, charlatan always lying creating chaos.
Then the White Walkers scaring Ice and Fire out of us!
Both were extremists, fear mongering, bent on leaving ashes behind.
They were a threat to man, woman and child.
But only a fantasy in George R. R. Martin’s mind.
Exhale – It’s 2023 and we live in the real world of the 21st Century – right?
No need to fear political charlatans and extreme Domestic White Walkers – right?

Trenzas ~ Weaving a Tapestry of Diasporic LatinX Self-Affirmation

Trenzas ~ Weaving a Tapestry of Diasporic LatinX Self-Affirmation

“. . . we owe some of the more iconic works of LatinX literature to pioneering emplumados and emplumadas who transformed these oral traditions into written narratives. As Ethnic and Cultural Studies scholars have rightfully observed, much of their literary production can be read as autobiography or as cultural ethnographies.”
– Jorge Chinea
Artistry by: Arlette Lucero – Latina-artist

What It Means to be White ~ Inclusive Programming Part II of II

What It Means to be White ~ Inclusive Programming Part II of II

It wasn’t until recently that I became fully aware of the scope of disparity in race and gender that encompasses the music composition world.
I’m now in my fifth year of teaching high school band and, up to this point, it was never really something I had considered. I would go online, to Everyone’s Favorite Music Distributor & Son, Inc.*, and peruse their lists – listening to recordings of titles that I found interesting (because, let’s be honest, we all judge a book by its cover when we’re limited on time). I used to think: “Wow, if I ever get into writing music, I should always title my piece ‘Aardvark Adventures’, or ‘Aaron’s Lofty Dreams’ so that I can make sure my titles are on the first page.” Adam Collins