2008 Woodie Awards
Letter: Social justice begins with tiny steps
Issue date: 11/17/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
To the editor:
When Michael asked for a unity t-shirt, his mother and I thought deeply about the ways we actually contribute to his understanding of social justice. At twenty months, our son's journey is in its infancy and our responsibilities have changed in ways we never imagined. How will his mother and I teach him to value all members of his community? And how will we let him know that we value him? Given my son Michael's tender age, these questions may seem a bit premature. But modeling begins early, and I have witnessed with wonder his curious nature and the way he engages others. From the most heart-felt "pease" to the simplest "tank you," Michael's etiquette reminds me that humility begins with respect. I suppose it seems peculiar to respect a toddler. But in some super-toddler way, he reminds me of the essential values others bring to our family.
His babysitters, Jen and Katie, have taught him sounds and words and dances, skills that have less to do with imitating seals and so much more to do with engaging him in the learning process. They graciously share knowledge with him, and their contributions equal the contributions of Michael's father and mother. Without Jen and Katie, caring parents would certainly shape Michael's worldview but potentially limit the imaginative thinking that only comes from a shared life.
Although Michael is years away from formal education, he shares a common passion with all his caregivers. He is curious and interested in engaging his world with a certain rigor that any Jesuit would admire. The role of caregiver means so much more than preaching and has so much more to do with practicing values that allows others to live a full life with dignity and respect. The nature of social justice begins with an appreciation of every member of the community and the community's mission, and a true sense of social justice is emerging in young Michael's life because so many have come together to deepen a lived tradition. So often, our practice of social justice begins with tiny steps that unite us all.
Sean Kullman, Ph.D
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
With special thanks to
Craft of Language Sections 126, 151, and 152 for their editing work
When Michael asked for a unity t-shirt, his mother and I thought deeply about the ways we actually contribute to his understanding of social justice. At twenty months, our son's journey is in its infancy and our responsibilities have changed in ways we never imagined. How will his mother and I teach him to value all members of his community? And how will we let him know that we value him? Given my son Michael's tender age, these questions may seem a bit premature. But modeling begins early, and I have witnessed with wonder his curious nature and the way he engages others. From the most heart-felt "pease" to the simplest "tank you," Michael's etiquette reminds me that humility begins with respect. I suppose it seems peculiar to respect a toddler. But in some super-toddler way, he reminds me of the essential values others bring to our family.
His babysitters, Jen and Katie, have taught him sounds and words and dances, skills that have less to do with imitating seals and so much more to do with engaging him in the learning process. They graciously share knowledge with him, and their contributions equal the contributions of Michael's father and mother. Without Jen and Katie, caring parents would certainly shape Michael's worldview but potentially limit the imaginative thinking that only comes from a shared life.
Although Michael is years away from formal education, he shares a common passion with all his caregivers. He is curious and interested in engaging his world with a certain rigor that any Jesuit would admire. The role of caregiver means so much more than preaching and has so much more to do with practicing values that allows others to live a full life with dignity and respect. The nature of social justice begins with an appreciation of every member of the community and the community's mission, and a true sense of social justice is emerging in young Michael's life because so many have come together to deepen a lived tradition. So often, our practice of social justice begins with tiny steps that unite us all.
Sean Kullman, Ph.D
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
With special thanks to
Craft of Language Sections 126, 151, and 152 for their editing work
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