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Tag: respecting others

  • Understanding and Respecting the LGBTQ Community

    Understanding and Respecting the LGBTQ Community

    Understanding sexuality and LGBTQ rights are important in order to accept those who may have a different sexuality from you. It may seem like there’s a lot to learn and while it’s true that there are a few definitions to learn, it’s important to remember that they’re all part of helping people live in peace. Respecting others is something we must learn to do whether it is in the workplace, home or at school.

    First and foremost: what does LGBTQ mean? It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. In case you don’t know what all of these things mean, don’t worry! I’m here to define them for you. A lesbian is a woman who is romantically interested in women. Gay can refer to men who are romantically interested in men but can also refer to lesbians. Someone who is bisexual refers to a man or woman who romantically likes both men and women. Transgender and Queer seem to be the definitions that are the trickier ones to understand so I’ll do my best to help.

    Transgender refers to someone who identifies as a gender different from the one they were classified as at birth. Queer can actually be defined in several different ways. The term can be defined as someone who is romantically interested in people of many different genders and can also relate to someone who sees themselves as going against society’s norms.

    There are a few terms out there that I haven’t mentioned here but are just as important in accepting others and understanding that, just like you, they’re people who deserve respect. A boy who has a boyfriend is just as much a person as a boy who has a girlfriend. One of the best things you can do for yourself and other people is to respect their lifestyles. Simply, it is their life and we are all different.

    The great news is that the world is slowly but surely moving towards accepting anyone who fits into the above categories. An animated short film titled In a Heartbeat follows the story of a young boy whose heart leaps out of his chest because of the overwhelming feelings that he feels for another boy. You can watch this film to get a little more information into the LGBTQ world and also see why being gay or a lesbian or transgender really isn’t a big deal.

    As children we all know what it feels like to be teased. Being made fun of is terrible and it often hurts our feelings. You probably know what it feels like to be made fun of, which is why you should never do it to someone else. If someone isn’t bothering you, it’s important to let them live their lives but it’s just as important to educate yourself on these terms so you can be more accepting. Remember the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated. The world will be a better place for it!

    Sources:

    http://www.liberateyourself.co.uk/lgbtq/what-is-lgbtq/

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=transgender

    http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/identity/queer

     

     

  • How Do I Respect Other People’s Differences?

    How Do I Respect Other People’s Differences?

    Growing up as a Canadian student, you have probably noticed kids in your class who may be very different from you. From different skin tones, to languages, to the kinds of food someone brings for lunch, you may be exposed to a variety of different ethnic backgrounds every day! This is one of the most exciting parts of being a Canadian! As Canadians, we are offered the very unique opportunity to learn and appreciate different cultures from all over the world, right here at home! That’s pretty cool!

    However, sometimes it can be hard to accept or even understand someone that is different from us, and we might unintentionally come across as being disrespectful. Of course, no one deserves to feel disrespected or excluded because they are different from you, so it’s important to understand how to respect each other’s differences. Our Prime Minster Justin Trudeau said it best when he told us, “Canada was formed not in spite of our differences, but because of them.”

    Let’s talk about how to respect each other’s differences, and why it’s important.

    The easiest way to respect other people’s differences is to remember, we’re all human.  Everyone needs food and water, shelter, love and friendship, the same way you do. Just because someone meets their human needs in a different way than you does not mean they are doing it the wrong way, it is just simply another way! Think about it this way, what if every channel on TV only played the exact same episode of the exact same show? There was no variety in the shows you watched, they were all identical. You would get bored pretty fast! The same is true with people! It would be a very boring world to live in if we were all exactly the same. Thankfully, we all have unique differences that we can share and celebrate! The important thing to remember is just because something is different, doesn’t mean it’s bad. Let’s explore some examples of ways you can talk about other people’s differences in a respectful way.

    Today, your friend has invited you over to his house to have dinner with his family. When you get there, you see they are serving a meal that is quite different from the food you are used to having for dinner at home. Instead of saying “no” to the food, or thinking it is “not normal”, try saying something along the lines of “I’ve never had this before! But I’m willing to give it a try!” Trying new things is a great way to both respect other people’s differences, and introduce yourself to all kinds of new, exciting things you may love. (Remember, if you have a food allergy always check first to make sure the food is safe before accepting it. If you are unsure if the food is safe, do not accept it.)    

    A new student has joined your class. Her family has just moved to Canada from a different country, and she is wearing clothing that looks different from the clothing you and your friends are wearing.  Instead of asking, “why are you dressed differently?” try saying something like, “what a beautiful dress you are wearing! I really love that colour on you.” Making others feel welcome and at home shows that you respect and appreciate the cultural beauty their differences bring.

    By now, you may be thinking about all the other differences you and your friends share. Maybe you’re great at science, but your best friend excels more in art. Perhaps your neighbour is a terrific basketball player, but you prefer to spend your time reading. Are these the kind of differences you should respect, as well? The answer is yes, absolutely! A good rule of thumb is to keep an open mind about other people’s differences, and remember you wouldn’t like feeling excluded because of your differences, don’t do it to others. Our differences is what allows us to be unique and keep our world interesting and colourful, so let’s respect and celebrate them!

  • How to Be Inclusive of Others

    How to Be Inclusive of Others

    We live in a world full of people of different genders, cultures, religions and economic backgrounds. Because of this, we all have a responsibility to make sure that any individual, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is included into everyday life.

    What does it mean to be inclusive?

    Sometimes, inclusivity takes the form of certain rights, which are granted to individuals who may not have those rights to begin with. For example, students who practice a religion (regardless of what religion it might be) can be given the right to take religious holidays off of school without penalty. Though it may seem like common sense to grant rights like these to others, the reality is that not everyone has access to them all the time.

    That being said, sometimes inclusivity means allowing for special circumstances in order to even the playing field. Individuals who belong to disadvantaged groups—groups that, throughout history, have been less privileged and continually oppressed compared to others—may receive extra attention because of their disadvantaged positions in society. For example, First Nations students may have special scholarships available to them, because they are statistically less likely to attend post-secondary education.

    Finally, inclusivity can mean a sense of fundamental respect for others. In other words, others are not judged by certain unchangeable traits, like their race or their gender. Instead, they are treated with respect because they are human beings. For example, students who were born in different countries can set their differences aside to work together within the classroom.

    Here are some ways you can be inclusive of others:

    • Don’t make assumptions. Assumptions about an individual based on things like their religion or gender are a form of prejudice, and they often result in that individual being treated unfairly.
    • Ask questions. Individuals who are different than you will probably have different perspectives and opinions about the world. Ask them not only about what they think, but about how they would like to be treated.
    • Embrace your differences. You don’t have to agree with everyone all the time, but you can often learn from others who are different than you. Try to be open-minded: your differences don’t have to lead to conflict.
    • Consider yourself. How are you different from those around you, and what makes you special? Are you proud of your heritage? Is religion important to you? Knowing the answers to these questions will familiarize you with your own values, and help others treat you with respect.