Islam and Diversity
One thing I related a lot to from the chapter is when the teacher seemed a bit nervous when there was backlash and vandalism against the club. She was doubting and questioning if she was making the right move to have her students "talk back". I worry sometimes that I won't know what the right move is if there is controversy in my classroom. I think the best way to tackle this is just to be knowledgeable and open. For example, if I'm unsure about something in a student's culture or background and don't want to offend anyone I should just talk to them and have them explain something to me instead of thinking I know all the answers. Educators should be always willing to learn more and not afraid to go the extra mile to truly get to know their students. I think the teacher in this chapter did a good job of believing in her students and backing them up to express themselves and their identities, instead of letting the vandalism and disrespectful actions silence them.
I personally haven't every had any of my work get vandalized. If it were to happen in my school or classroom I think I would get the administration involved because that is a form of bullying and disrespect. I would talk to all of my classes and make it a teachable moment to talk about respecting each other's artwork and ideas. I would also talk to them about how if this happened to them not to let it stop them from speaking their voice and creating more art.
It's very important to debunk any stereotypes about any culture in your classroom. Muslim culture is one that is very current in today's political and social world. We need to show students the beauty of the Islam faith and culture and teach the truths about the faith rather than believing in the myths. By expanding your big idea topics and diversifying your artist examples, you can debunk these myths throughout your curriculum.
https://mvslim.com/meet-inspiring-muslim-artist-voice-muslim-women-west/
Azzah Sultan is a contemporary Muslim artist. Her faith and culture are very important pieces of her artwork. She shows the diversity of Muslim women in her work and says "Sharing the same faith does not make Muslim women the same person, we are all completely different and complex." She is trying to show the viewer that each and every Muslim woman has her own personality and although she believes in the Islam faith, she is still a unique individual who is modern and contemporary. Her artwork also combines her faith with the American identity.
I personally haven't every had any of my work get vandalized. If it were to happen in my school or classroom I think I would get the administration involved because that is a form of bullying and disrespect. I would talk to all of my classes and make it a teachable moment to talk about respecting each other's artwork and ideas. I would also talk to them about how if this happened to them not to let it stop them from speaking their voice and creating more art.
It's very important to debunk any stereotypes about any culture in your classroom. Muslim culture is one that is very current in today's political and social world. We need to show students the beauty of the Islam faith and culture and teach the truths about the faith rather than believing in the myths. By expanding your big idea topics and diversifying your artist examples, you can debunk these myths throughout your curriculum.
https://mvslim.com/meet-inspiring-muslim-artist-voice-muslim-women-west/
Azzah Sultan is a contemporary Muslim artist. Her faith and culture are very important pieces of her artwork. She shows the diversity of Muslim women in her work and says "Sharing the same faith does not make Muslim women the same person, we are all completely different and complex." She is trying to show the viewer that each and every Muslim woman has her own personality and although she believes in the Islam faith, she is still a unique individual who is modern and contemporary. Her artwork also combines her faith with the American identity.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment about letting the student explain instead of being a teacher that always thinks they're right. I think by allowing students to share their culture with us and other aspects of their personal lives, it helps build relationships and trust. I agree that debunking stereotypes of other religions is so important (especially Islam in today's world). Many of us could end up teaching in rural Iowa schools where students either aren't exposed to other religions or have harmful stereotypes about others. I also love the artist you chose to include!
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI thought the contemporary artist, Azzah Sultan, you provided was a very important and useful resource for artworks that surround the identity big idea. Her work combats the stereotypes against Muslim women and shows how not all Muslim women are the same. Showing students this artist can help break these stereotypes and better understand the culture of other students. I look forward to seeing other works that she has!
Ross
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI agree, I'm also nervous that I would know what to do when a situation comes up. But having background knowledge and having communication with your students will be very important. I love how you explain what you would do if vandalism happened in your classroom. I would do that same. Students need to know first that vandalism is not okay. But also the other student needs to know that even if their work was destroyed that the point of making art is to get a reaction from people and that is exactly what they did.