Why do we cling to bigotry? Because bigotry, plainly, is convenient. It is a near-effortless way to both elevate one's stature and make a pity grab in this culture of victims that we have become.
John RidleyRead
For children, diversity needs to be real and not merely relegated to learning the names of the usual suspects during Black History Month or enjoying south-of-the-border cuisine on Cinco de Mayo. It means talking to and spending time with kids not like them so that they may discover those kids are in fact just like them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Diversity should be experienced authentically, not just celebrated superficially.
John Ridley's quote emphasizes that true diversity in education goes beyond symbolic gestures and cultural events. It advocates for meaningful interactions between children of different backgrounds to foster understanding and recognize commonalities among them, ultimately enriching their perspectives and experiences.
Themes
DiversityChildrenEducationUnderstandingInclusion
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion on cultural awareness, this quote can highlight the importance of genuine interactions in appreciating diversity.
More from John Ridley
All quotes →Being of color in America by no means amounts to a constant barrage of negativity. However, unlike being white, being of color means one's race is a constant issue.
John RidleyRead
Slavery was not a bad day on the job. It was not your boss yelling at you. It was not hard work for little pay. This was a full system of human subjugation.
John RidleyRead
People of color grow up steeped in 'white' culture. The reverse is not true. And, no, listening to hip-hop on the way to work does not count as immersion.
John RidleyRead
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