"In the 21st century, the ability to communicate and work with people from different racial and ethnic groups will be as essential as computer skills. The United States is already one of the most diverse societies in the world. Our children will inherit an even more diverse society. We need to help them learn to live and work closely with people whose race, religion, or culture may be different from their own."
My mind has been preoccupied this week with the release of the movie Fruitvale Station (which was released on Friday). The movie was written by Ryan Coogler (his first feature film) and is about Oscar Grant, a young man who was killed by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer in Oakland, California. It chronicles the last day of his life. It is a tragic story of racism, emotion, and a culture of violence. It is also a moving tribute to the life of Oscar Grant and those who love him. The film won awards at both the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. It is showing in my area at both Tallahassee movie theaters (yes, all two of them!)
My question is this: how will we (or future generations) ever be able to experience all of the wondrous capabilities of sharing and collaborating online (or otherwise) if we limit those with whom we will communicate?
It is a tragedy that in America there is still so much prejudice. The recent Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman trial is another sad example and indicator that we have a long way to go in teaching our children tolerance.
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