Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

As yet another course begins to wind down and slowly come to a close, we are asked to take time to reflect on the learning that has taken place throughout the past 7 weeks thus far. Reviewing information learned about anti-bias education and diversity in all shapes and sizes allows me to appreciate how far I have come in my journey of anti-bias education, while also understanding and appreciating how far I still have to go on my journey ahead. In reflecting upon such, I chose to express my learning through art in the form of photography and collage, as well as in music. 

First of all, I have posted the links to youtube videos on songs I feel truly describe my outlook, understanding, and appreciation on diversity at this point in my anti-bias journey. I feel as though these songs and lyrics truly describe my thoughts and passions about the topic. I hope and pray someday we will live in a world of peace, where every individual, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, or class will be accepted, celebrated, and treated equally and with respect. I hope and pray that someday we will live in a world where I am no longer a dreamer, but happy with the reality of how far we have come and how hard we have worked to get there. Therefore, the first and most important song, which means so much to me in so many ways, is "Imagine" by John Lennon. "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one," (Lennon, J., 1971). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUGSYDKUxU

Secondly, I think of another powerful song that means so much to me, gives me goosebumps, and tears in my eyes when thinking of the power of the message, which is "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. My favorite part is near the ending, when he sings, "I hear babies cry, I watch them grow, They'll learn much more, than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world," (Armstrong, L., 1967). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE 

The third and final song I would like to share is from my all time favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz. The song is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland. This song once again reminds me that there are better opportunities for all of us - regardless of who you are - and we need to come together to celebrate and help one another reach our dreams and goals. This song once again means so much to me on so many levels, as it reminds me of family, my best friend who I lost 10 years ago, to follow my dreams, and of diversity and my journey in anti-bias education, in it's own way. My favorite line states, "If happy little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow, why oh why can't I?" showing that we all should and could have the same opportunities in this life, we just have to push ourselves to pursue and achieve them (Garland, J., 1939). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU

Lastly, I have created three collages of important words and quotes, as well as photographs to help showcase the importance of acceptance, tolerance, understanding, and celebrating our differences as I have learned on my anti-bias education journey. 

References:

Armstrong, L. (1967). What a wonderful world lyrics. Retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/louisarmstrong/whatawonderfulworld.html. 

Garland, J. (1939). Somewhere over the rainbow lyrics. Retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/judygarland/overtherainbow.html. 

Lennon, J. (1971). Imagine lyrics. Retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnlennon/imagine.html.