Co u r ag e o u s Co n v e r s at i o n s
Promoting Harmony and Dissolving Prejudices
through Sedona’s Human Library™ Event!
By m a r g a r et j o y we a v e r
C
an a community become
aware of and begin to
dissolve hidden or even
blatant judgements, preju-
dices and stereotypes that create
division, breed discord, contribute
to misunderstanding, and erode com-
munity spirit among its people?
Is it possible to engage in dia-
logue with those we tend to dismiss,
discard, accuse or argue against, and
come to an understanding or appre-
ciation of each other’s viewpoint?
Can we actually foster a culture of
peace through courageous conversa-
tions with people we have previously
closed out of our lives, relate to them
civilly, and possibly become a valu-
able resource for each other?
We saw this begin to happen in
Sedona, Arizona, during its first Hu-
man Library tm event in 2017. The Hu-
man Library is an international social
movement that began in Denmark
in 2000. Its mission is to create safe
spaces for difficult dialogues to take
place with the intention of generating
greater empathy and social harmony
by challenging beliefs around “ste-
reotypes, stigma and prejudice. The
books are people, reading is a conver-
sation, and difficult questions are ex-
pected, appreciated, and encouraged.”
Sedona International City of
Peace partnered with the Rotary Club
of Sedona, the Sedona Public Library,
and the Verde Valley School to host
300 readers and 35 “human books”
for an unprecedented community
evening of heart opening dialogues.
Take a moment to look at the people
in the group photo below—all Sedona man who managed who came out in
his 60s, to a Sikh woman practicing
her religion’s ancient traditions, to a
former Catholic nun, these are people
from all walks of life who volun-
teered to open up about the difficul-
residents—who volunteered to be
the human books. At first glance, we
might not register the stereotyping
they have experienced that caused
challenges, wounds, or required extra
efforts by these people to address be-
ing dismissed, bullied, wronged, made
fun of, silenced, excluded, or thrown
out of their home, their country, their
families, or social circle.
From a mentally ill woman
sentenced to 15 years in prison, to a
former Phoenix police chief sharing
his insight on immigration, to a gay ties they have faced. One thing they
all had in common was the courage
to look within and share their hearts
with a group of up to ten strangers,
during four separate sessions, tell
their story and answer questions
about living under the mantle of a
stereotype.
As thinking people, we like to
believe we are open, tolerant and
accepting of others. But it probably
isn’t hard to recall incidents when
we have gossiped about others,
pushed them away, or even verbally
IMAGINE
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