The tenets of criticality are embedded in epistemology – the theories of knowledge pertaining to methods establishing scope and validity. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes and separates justified belief and credibility from casual opinion, truncated talking points, misinformation, conformation bias and contrived untruths. The MRI lenses used in epistemology are critical thinking, critical skills and critical pedagogy for the purpose of pursuing the truth. Criticality becomes significant when examining the ethos and essence of the doctrines and principles of democracy, social justice, equity, meritocracy, rule of law, opportunities of worth, citizenship and the pursuit of a quality of life for all human beings.

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
“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
“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
“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
“. . . 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 – Part I of II
Are White people the ones who don’t need the color description? Ergo, does Whiteness gain social currency and capital by going unnoticed – normalized as the social default – with everyone else being branded – “pigmentized?”