(1)

Intellectually, I have moved from seeing identity as a simple list of traits to understanding it as a complex, intersectional construct.

The Danger of Single Story: This video taught me that “power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person”. It helped me realize how reducing people to a single narrative is a primary tool of “othering”.

Intersectionality: Learning about intersectionality intellectually shifted my perspective on equity. I now understand that a person’s experience of oppression isn’t just about one identity, but how multiple identities (like race, class, and gender) overlap

Algorithms of oppression: This was a crucial link between our intercultural and digital literacy units. It taught me that bias isn’t just human, it is built into our digital infrastructure.

The Problem of Othering: This reading provided a structural definition of “othering” as a systemic process used to deny belonging. It helped me differentiate between personal prejudice and the broad societal systems that marginalize certain groups and interestingly enough I read it outside coursework before and used Barack Obama and his wife as an example.

(2)

So far, I have learned that my view of the world is shaped by the specific cultural “lenses” I carry, though I am still discovering how these affect my interactions. I still have questions about how I present myself to the world; because I have no idea what to expect from Soliya, I am currently assuming it will be somewhat similar to the experience we had on the trip, which leaves me unsure of my exact approach. I would try to see myself through other people’s eyes rather than my own.

(3)

Regarding interactions with people different from myself, I have learned that curiosity over certainty is essential for meaningful dialogue. I have learned to prioritize listening to understand the single stories others carry rather than just waiting for my turn to speak. But, I would want as a global citizen to have me humanized rather than keeping world biases.

(4)

I would most likely try to shift the conversation away from current news headlines and try to use current global effects that are being done by that war whether it be economical, environmental, or even political.what I would expect though from Soliya facilitators is to make sure the conversation keeps on going even with disagreement but maintain all composure while avoiding toxicity.