Mel Rainey MAC 2010051 Becky Lamborn Comment Post

When reading the Art of Possibility, the first thing that came to my attention and started my head swirling about the world of possibilities in our lives was the idea of varied perceptions and how some things can be important to one person but not to another. The example in Zander’s book pointed out the Me’en people of Ethiopia who viewed a photograph and did not know what it was or that there was an image of something depicted on this piece of paper reminds one to be conscience of differences in people and cultures. NOt everyone views things with the same weight or measure of importance. While others may not agree, the above video shows an African culture that sees the expansion of lips as a beautiful thing,.

Becky's post:
With the shrinking of our world we are bringing more cultures together that are different in many ways, and it is important to respect those differences. And now in this developing age of open source writings and knowledge building fueled by Internet communications and connections, sharing with others becomes a central theme. From the time we are little toddlers we are taught to share and play nicely with others, and now as adults the toys we must share consist of information, knowledge, and communications. Whether that sharing is done “freely” or not is still evolving, but the community mindset that is evolving is encouraging.

Exercising and activating the mind through the sharing and building of ideas, makes for a rich and stimulating life. Setting up a mindset that looks beyond assumptions and perceptions and embraces differences, while including values such as respect, compassion for others, and sharing, may be the common values that bring this big world of differences together.

Mel's Response:
MEL RAINEY
@ Becky

It has become a large theme to share. Imagine, is this not what we are taught from a very young age, to share!! We do need to be able to think and look outside the box. Setting students on this road of changing their mindsets is difficult to do. When it seems everything they do is wrong. I had a student tell me just last week, "What different does it make its going to be torn down anyways." We were talking about our old school and the memories and people that have past through its halls. I hope one day humans will be able to embrace the world of differences that are positioned all around us!! I am with you Becky!!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010 - 09:23 PM