Hate Crimes On the Rise? A Teachable Moment
Years ago when I first heard the term "international mindedness" in a predominately white American school, I asked the lead administrator how it was implemented in the school.
The answer given to me was "well, we have world history in the curriculum and some international students." For some reason it did not sit right with me.
As I witness the anger associated with Black Lives Matter, the storming of the US capitol, and now the murders of Asian Americans, it is clear to me that hate crimes cannot be solved by rules alone. Laws may stop crimes, but hate... how do you stop hate? How do you teach compassion? Certainly not by angry demonstrations, guilt or shame campaigns, or righteous lectures.
This morning I am reading all the reflections from our Forum participants from 20+ countries, and the common theme was how wonderful and amazing it was to be working with students from different cultures all over the world. I am hopeful that our future leaders will be more compassionate than we are.
Let's teach compassion, inclusion and international mindedness by giving the kids a reason to work with each other, to rely on each other, to think deeply together, across ethnicity, race, gender, nationality and socioeconomic status.
If your country is not on the list, please consider this opportunity to saw inclusion and compassion in the heart of our children. The deadline is April 4: Buddies Without Borders - Access to Justice & Rule of Law - World Peace Starts with Local Harmony Online Forum.
- Spain
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- United States
- Cyprus
- Bolivia
- India
Chief Executive Director
Yihung Mohs