Guest Speaker and Culture Boxes

Guest Speaker [Monday, Feb. 20th]:
The presentation of our guest speaker (LaDon Matthys) from Mart, TX was okay, I guess (considering the subject matter).  As mentioned during our in-class group activity today, she seemed a little nervous or unsure as to how far she could take the discussion.  The topic of racism is a very touchy subject for those who are directly affected by it (on one side of the coin, or the other), as well as for those who are affected because a friend/loved one is more directly affected.  In class today, there were differences of opinions regarding the pros and cons of the lecture.  Some thought that the topic should just be put to rest, while others felt that it was helpful to put our feelings out there.  I have mixed emotions since I didn't expect for there to be a continuation of Monday's class session, but it is what it is. 
Back to the speaker's presentation:  I'm sorry that LaDon had to grow up in such a negative environment, but glad that she was enough of a "rebel" to take a stand on what she believed in, even at the risk of being excommunicated from her family and community.  She was asked the question of why she didn't go back to try and help fix the problem of racism in the overall community/city.  She said that she didn't think it would make a difference.  While there are times that ONE person CAN make a difference, there are other times when self preservation (including sanity, and keeping oneself away from continued negative confrontations) overrules doing what may be in the best interest of the overall good of the many involved.  Yes, it does take courage to stand up for what's right, but it also takes courage to know when you may not be the one to take the stand at that particular time.  Once the tension in the room became too thick to bear, and tears flowed from several people, I felt that the tears were not from guilt, but from compassion.  I appreciate the small size of this class so that all voices are heard and everyone is given a chance to do well -- unlike the much larger classes that we've all endured at the beginning of our educational journeys.

Culture Boxes:
I really enjoyed the culture box presentations -- they were fun and funny.  The explanations about the symbols allowed us to have a better insight as to who we are as individuals, and allows us to make greater connections with each other as we found out about our common interests, etc.  Looks like everyone put lots of thought into the assignment.  While some of us were nervous, I appreciate that everyone was supportive of each other's efforts.  I enjoyed decorating my box, and deciding on the contents, and am so glad that we were given so much freedom to be creative, and make the boxes "our own".  And, maybe this assignment will help each of us to learn a little more about ourselves.  :-)