Course Reflection

I cannot begin to describe how this course has changed my life for the better as well as my outlook on life. I primarily took this course to satisfy an elective credit and because I adore Dr. Slater. I did not expect to enjoy this course as much as I did. I am quite saddened that it is coming to an end. I wish I could that it forever! I have learned so much about the world in which we live in, the good and the bad because nothing is perfect. I did not realize the power of who gets to tell a story and the consequences that come with it. Usually these people have pure and good intentions, but the story can be twisted if the person writing it did not live it. For instance, Dawes wrote a metaphor in his book – a man hiding behind a wall during the Rwandan genocide can hear the horrors that go on but his story is completely different from a story of someone who saw the horrors – meaning don’t rely on one narrative (They will never be a moment when we do not quote Adichie’s Danger of a Single Story).

Also, one aspect of the course that I enjoyed was the various guest speakers. I really liked Christina because I had no idea that bias in algorithms existed. Of course, computers aren’t biased but their programmers are and that makes total sense now, and thankfully we are closer to unbiased algorithms. I also liked Dr. Igloria’s use of poetry as a weapon for peaceful dissent. Her poetry is raw and emotional and it moves the reader and that is what I like to see in poetry, although I am not much a poetry reader.

I am excited to see what comes about in the next few years in regard to human rights. I expect it to grow exponentially as people are becoming frustrated with the way minorities are being treated. Personally, I would like to see more indigenous’ rights in this country as well as other countries around the world. Specifically, better indigenous land rights that allow Native Americans to control their own land and what goes on it, but that will not happen under this current administration nor will it happen with oil companies having hands in the pockets of Congresspeople (CONSPIRACY!). The only thing we can do is have hope, right?

Lastly, a personal thank you to Dr. Slater. Thank you for opening up my eyes to the world around me, to the atrocities as well as the compassion and humanity of others. If I hadn’t chose this class, I would be blind to the things that I have now learned – modern slavery, human storytelling, hate video games, Gold Fever, the UDHR, etc. You are an inspiration to us all and I am glad there are people like you in this world. You help me reestablish my faith in humanity.

J’espère que vous enseignerez ce cours encore le semestre prochain. Je vous manquerai pendant mon étudier à l’étranger. Je resterai en contact avec vous, spécialement quand j’ai besoin d’aider avec mes devoirs français. Merci beaucoup Madame!