#realityoflife

Diversity as a topic for school?

Yes! Why not?

These times diversity is an absolutely present topic. Also, diversity is a topic that is inevitably connected with strong emotions, so that the task to “teach”/talk about it is seen as impossible. A lot of teachers would say that they can’t teach it correctly, because they are missing the theoretical basis. But do you benefit this much from theoretical knowledge in this matter? In my opinion, it is good if you are familiar with the theoretical framework, but it’s not this necessary. Diversity is a very individual topic, so it’s not possible to lump it all together. Empathy and common sense should work as well. No one should reproach teachers for not being an expert at everything they have to come up with in school (except their classes).

Today I am 25 years old and in my school time (2002-2012) I’ve never seen any diversity throughout my classes. Every Workbook uses Max, Eva, and John. Three “normal” kids. Neither Max, Eva nor John stand out. They weren’t a person of color or part of the LGBTQ+ Community or anything else. This could be the first step to spotlight diversity. Why don’t we depict our multifaceted world in the present world for our youngsters? This way, pupils can see that it is normal to be a person of color, to be gay, to be lesbian, to be non-binary, and be proud of who they are. All these topics were taboo for too long.

I am part of the LGBTQ+ Community and I think the process to accept oneself as who you are would have been much easier, if these topics would have been present.

To talk about diversity should serve the purpose of clarification, normalizing, tolerance, acceptance, and respect for others. Of course, your classroom has to be a super safe space if you want to give your pupils the chance to talk about their inner feeling. But it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

So first we should have more diverse material, to show that not only the traditional family is the “good one” and create a feeling of belonging this way. Maybe diversity should be a topic in sexual education as well and should also be integrated into the curriculum.

To sum it all up in one sentence: We need to depict our real world with all its diversity in the learning environment of our children, to give them a correct view of our present world and give everyone a feeling of belonging.