I do my part with a "Safe Space" sign on my office door. Have you ever taken the IAT (Implicit Attitude Test)? This test was created by researchers at Harvard who wanted to measure people's unconscious and unspoken attitudes. Images and words are combined and the speed at which "good" words are matched with certain themed photos provides an indication of a subject's preference for one of two categories. Some of the paired categories are meaningless - like cats versus dogs, but others have to do with race, political preference, sexual orientation, and age. Research on the IAT is ongoing, and some feel the test is not as accurate as the authors claim. Regardless, it's interesting and thought-provoking. I've always been very proud that I had a preference for gay versus straight. (Sometimes in teaching stereotypes, I find students incredulous when I tell them stereotypes can consist of positive characteristics. This is a case for me - I attribute a number of good qualities to my gay friends and associates. Still, stereotypes, positive or negative, can be damaging, so I try to be careful.)
Despite the fact that I see myself as someone who is gay-friendly, I realize that sometimes I can be rather heteronormative. A few semesters ago, I read a tip sheet that reminded faculty not to ask students about their "mom and dad" - maybe they have two moms or two dads - instead say "parents" or "family members." Be flexible about calling roll - some transgender students may not want their legal name read aloud to the class. Let students know that GLBT topics are appropriate for assignments. Include relevant examples of GLBT issues in the curriculum. I know there are many other ideas as well, and as I come across them, I try to incorporate them in my own teaching practice. Any you want to share?
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I was really interested in reading this and found this blog entry quite insightful and valuable. I work in a field where I have to constantly challenge discriminatory behaviour, attitudes in the workplace and get people to reflect on the impact and conseuqences of their inappropriate words and actions.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read entries such as yours, I always feel that I am learning too. Thank you so much for sharing.