Why do we avoid looking into the shadows? I believe that it is largely due to discomfort and perhaps even fear of what we think is lurking there. The unseen and/or misunderstood is often a source of anxiety and fear and so delegating it to the shadows allows us to invoke the "out of site, out of mind" approach. What is found in the spotlight is the usual- the normal if you will- and is comfortable and familiar. Erevelles points out that those in the shadows are often denied even a conversation about their being in the shadows and thus are rendered invisible.
I wonder if we could put aside our discomfort and fear and look into the shadows what we would find? I am certain we would find other human beings, more like ourselves than we think, with wonderful gifts and hearts and minds full of life and love. If we could take a critical look, as Erevelles suggests, we would find they can contribute to learning and life just as others. But to do this we have to address our own fears and invoke the courage to move the spotlight; or better yet just turn off the spotlight and turn on the overhead lights to illuminate all the shadows.
Christy
Comments (5)
I think we do avoid looking in the shadows because we are unsure how to handle what we see there. Our media gives us an image of what is suppose to be normal and in doing so works to destroy what makes each of us unique. As educators we must do more than just rearrange the seats, we must as you put it Christy turn on the overhead light and illuminate all students regardless of color, disability or gender.
Posted by Melanie | July 13, 2009 12:31 AM
Posted on July 13, 2009 00:31
I agree with you Christy. We must begin to step outside of our own comfort zone and see these students for what they really are. A wheelchair, a limp, bad scars, malformation... are all examples of things on the surface that make us uncomfortable. They do not even begin to touch the soul and intellectual ability of that that lies within.
Kim
Posted by Kim | July 14, 2009 9:13 AM
Posted on July 14, 2009 09:13
It seems that discomfort often stems from lack of understanding. Perhaps more education about disabilities and the experiences of people with disabilities would help us all get to know each other better, and in turn ease the fear and discomfort? This kind of "illumination" would hopefully lessen the discomfort of those who feel marginalized or pushed into "the shadows" by a disability, as well.
Posted by marisa | July 14, 2009 11:01 AM
Posted on July 14, 2009 11:01
Christy, your response to the Evevelles article is right on point. I agree that it is very important for us to overcome our fear by taking a look at that within the shadows.
This article has challenged me to recognize the “unrecognizable” and to give conversation to those who, in my social circle, remain “voiceless”.
My question is: Who or what is wielding the spotlight of invisibility in which causes us to ignore or not care to look at the shadows?
Posted by Johnny Smith | July 14, 2009 3:32 PM
Posted on July 14, 2009 15:32
Such powerful imagery. I really like how it turns us inward - as if the problem or deficiency is within us rather then on the other. I met a woman in Ukraine who I swear was a saint. She ran an orphanage for kids who no one else wanted. The building was filthy and the conditions horrific, but it was as if she never even saw those things. Her heart was so loving and genuinely compassionate that her eyes saw beauty and light where everyone else saw darkness and hopelessness. Truly amazing.
Posted by Danielle | July 14, 2009 9:49 PM
Posted on July 14, 2009 21:49