A recent assignment required an examination of two role plays; investigating different viewpoints, considering the concept of freedom of speech, then selecting a respondent and writing a letter to the editor from this point of view. The role play topics were controversial, and I encountered ambivalence when selecting the response roles. In retrospect, I realise this was probably because I had preconceived views on the role play subject matters. However, when looking at the bigger picture: the right for free speech, and the right to live without fear of being traumatised by others, the assignment was more approachable.
It surprised me to see patterns forming even though the two cases were very different. Now, when contemplating both cases …show more content…
I had not thought of assimilation before outside the context of an ethnic group. Nevertheless, I found the second role play reinforced the importance of this notion for all individuals, and that assimilation exceeds the boundaries of ethnicity. As a result, I felt empathetic to ideas that I previously was more inclined to criticise. Having said this I still find myself conflicted on some levels, as I agree with the principle of individuals being accepted and respected in society, but struggle with the out of the box situations that appear to inevitably impede at least one person’s equality or level of respect. To illustrate I refer to Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner, controversially awarded the 2015 ‘Woman of the Year’. At the time, and as a woman, I found this a difficult outcome to be satisfied with, and agreed with James Smith’s comments reported by Noelle Nicholas, “Was there no woman in America, or the rest of the world, more deserving than this man?” (Inquisitrcom, 2016). Yet, I concede that Caitlyn Jenner now identifies as a woman and do not take issue with her choice. I also concede her gender change would undoubtedly have been a difficult decision and process to undertake, and by accepting the award she was advocating for all those like
It surprised me to see patterns forming even though the two cases were very different. Now, when contemplating both cases …show more content…
I had not thought of assimilation before outside the context of an ethnic group. Nevertheless, I found the second role play reinforced the importance of this notion for all individuals, and that assimilation exceeds the boundaries of ethnicity. As a result, I felt empathetic to ideas that I previously was more inclined to criticise. Having said this I still find myself conflicted on some levels, as I agree with the principle of individuals being accepted and respected in society, but struggle with the out of the box situations that appear to inevitably impede at least one person’s equality or level of respect. To illustrate I refer to Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner, controversially awarded the 2015 ‘Woman of the Year’. At the time, and as a woman, I found this a difficult outcome to be satisfied with, and agreed with James Smith’s comments reported by Noelle Nicholas, “Was there no woman in America, or the rest of the world, more deserving than this man?” (Inquisitrcom, 2016). Yet, I concede that Caitlyn Jenner now identifies as a woman and do not take issue with her choice. I also concede her gender change would undoubtedly have been a difficult decision and process to undertake, and by accepting the award she was advocating for all those like