CO NNEC T I O N S Q UA R TE RLY S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
WELCOME
Dialogues Across Difference
T
he original intent of this issue was to explore Dialogues
Across Difference. The focus on “dialogue” was to highlight it
as a tool to create bridges across growing divides—so that
our students are not trained that allegiance to a group, idea, or position means total
opposition to anything else.
The original intent was also to remind people that “difference” is seen differently. Some-
times we can mistakenly assume that the way my generation or culture sees difference
is the only way that difference exists. An “older” generation may see difference in the
classic polarities of race, sexual orientation, or gender. A “younger” generation may not
focus on those classic differences but rather put their attention on differences such as
political beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
Our writers were given this direction and most submitted their articles before CO-
VID-19 grabbed all of our attention. One cannot think of this pandemic and not be
reminded of how we’ve historically viewed difference during crises. In a national or
global crisis, we’ve often seen two circumstances emerge. First, a group that was dif-
ferent was used as a “scapegoat” and the fear of the situation at hand became anger
directed at them. More optimistically, the second circumstance we’ve seen in the face
of crisis was that differences that did matter no longer do, and a sense of “we are all in
this together” emerges. During this crisis, as educators, it seems vital to point to his-
tory to sharpen our students’ eyes—to see and avoid the former scenario of dividing
and pointing fingers, and to deepen the latter example of connection and teamwork.
It can be difficult for students to understand the current structural inequalities, and
the necessity of social justice work. It is imperative for us to shine a bright light on
the national and global inequalities this pandemic has unveiled. In doing so, may we
inspire students who work to reduce these disturbing inequalities and build a future
centered on “we are all in this together.“ l
Bob Mattingly, Executive Director of CSEE
CSEE Connections
Summer 2020 Page 1