This week proved to me that there is always something new to learn each day and I am always not cultured enough. I experienced and learned so many life lessons that I can and will apply to my life.
First, I want to mention my introduction to more stereotypes related to African Americans. Through my conversations with my fellow friends in the CBRP program, I learned that watermelon is a stereotype related to Blacks. I was so surprised and intrigued that watermelons can be a stereotype that I was in disbelief when my friends told me. I have always thought watermelon is a popular summer fruit that refreshes everyone; I have never thought that it can be negatively associated with Blacks. However, this conversation showed how naive I was. It reminded me that I barely know anything about racism me, and it reaffirmed to me the power of dialogue. Though dialogues, my friends and I were able to effectively communicate our stories and background, which bridged the gaps of our knowledge about racism and about each other together. This conversation brought my friends and I closer, and it further motivated me to try harder at being familiar with more stereotypes.
I am also extremely grateful for my participation in the Chiwara’s intensive (taught lessons about permaculture principles and ethics). At the intensive, I was able to learn with many passionate scholars about the values of working with nature instead of against it, as well as many other permaculture principles that are life-applicable. I was able to chat with the participants about nature, feminism, life, and actions against social injustice. All of the participants were all extremely passionate about social justice and were bold in their purpose to improve the infrastructure of our agricultural systems and living standards. I enjoyed my conversations with them and I am so glad that I was able to see their passions during the intensive. My meeting and interactions with them refueled my energy to advocate for social justice and my interest in permaculture. I cannot wait for the upcoming weeks to learn more about permaculture, social justice, life, and about myself.
Thats great to hear that you are building bonds through dialogues and learning about different backgrounds. WIth everyone learning about different culture, “eventually” racism and social bias will become extinct.
New experiences everyday – Fun! I am thankful for our CBRP friends as well :). Related to Chiwara, I had the same feeling this week about meeting professionals who are passionate about their work.