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January 01, 1970
January 01, 1970
Dr. Westfield, I have always viewed the notion of a declared safe space in adult classrooms as one that creates ingenuous dialogues, often occupied by several well intended individuals with guarded speech to ensure political correctness. I am all for gatherings being deemed a safe space where honest respect of all human races is exhibited and the classrooms are free of bullying of learner and teacher. In general, I have found a safe space in adult classrooms can be thought provoking, enlightening and challenging if all involved are open to share and receive.
The declaration of “safe space” has never determined what I have shared. As a matter of fact, I hear it being declared and by the time the conversation begins, I have usually forgotten that it was even stated. It’s not that I don’t feel the importance of adhering to this agreed upon notion to guard the civility of others, however, it is more about me making a personal choice about what I will and will not share. I determine what to share depending on the situation or circumstance. If I believe that what I share will help someone with clarity our understanding or even teach someone, then that is usually what determines the depth of my transparency.
It’s interesting that you say, “The declaration is usually without discussion or explanation of what “safe” means in that particular ecology.” Yes, it’s true that we come with our own understandings and I even believe we come knowing which part of that meaning is most meaningful for us: Is it the “It’s okay to be open, vulnerable, deeply entrusting” part or is it the “please respect the value of others and do not disclosures the sensitive details of their lives.” part? For me, it is usually the second part that is most meaningful.
Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Westfield, This is such a gift to read your words on communication in the classroom and to what degree do we and students alike have the freedom to speak our minds. Really to speak our mind and values reveals a part of who we are. And the fact is true that revelation for one individual could feel like an intrusion to another of a different culture or perspective and so the question you ask and the concerns are real. How do we do this without sacrificing a part of our soul that becomes compromised? Is speaking a truth a serious issue or necessary as Bel Hooks invites her own students to do? I have a student who shared a truth but went too far and a week later the rest of the students were upset over what they identified as crossing boundaries. This week I spoke to the student about this and addressed the idea of boundaries and to what degree do we address issues as they relate to the syllabus and our lives. Yes, you have raised a point that is meaningful.
Thank you.
Safe space sounds like therapy support group, where you could share your story and nobody is allowed to say anything out of the room. I heard so many people around my experience they like to enjoy support groups, but you never seeing them being part of a small bible study group. Do we do the confidentiality at our churches? Or the people don’t feel they could be real in the church. I can see for how long the church space is a privileged space for saints no for real people who want to be who they are. As speaker or teacher, I’m included in the judgement position “as minister” trying to reach numbers to be Christians not interested in people who need love through my “power of empathy” (Pink, 165). My empathy could reach more people than any word and safe space because create the space with ourselves to all people.