For the purpose of this post and enhancing my understanding the topic of ‘faith’ within inclusive practices, I decided to review two resources in order to attempt to gain perspective and knowledge. It could be suggested that my reading material was expanded here, but I wanted to focus more on deeply on fewer texts as knew that would be my best way of navigating this tricky subject. I also wanted my readings to be as close to my practices as possible so that I could benefit from the shared knowledge.
I reviewed the YouTube content ‘Challenging Race, religion and stereotypes in the classroom’ – where university professor Simran Jeet Singh, discusses current issues around race and conflict in today’s society – and how he tries to eliminate this biases and conflict within the classroom. I was particularly interested to hear his approach to trying to let everyone have a voice on faith and for different perspectives to he heard – and how we can hear these perspectives with empathy and without judgement. What was also relevant to my own classroom is the discussing around different language, codes, use of media – which is something that is very relevant to our diverse cohorts at LCF where we are discussing fashion media forms – from around the globe.
I have reflected on how these readings and these discussions how this impact or could impact my own practices and teaching. Whilst the discussion on religion and faith seems to favour openness and dialogue – I’m not sure the resources take into account today’s prolific ‘cancel culture’ and reactionary gen z classrooms. Many discussions around race and religion need to be had in the context of teaching fashion marketing (my practices) But there is an element of fear and knowing that some discussions are triggering. For example, recently I was discussing in class controversial fashion adverts. We looked at many campaigns that have been banned and discussed these. During my research, I unearthed some of the historical Benetton ads – one featuring a Jewish and Muslim man from Palestine and Israel together This was from the 1990s, but I was afraid to show it in today’s classroom. I felt It would lead into a faith discussion around conflict that I did not feel armed to have. In previous classrooms, this may have been something that professors could discuss. But there was a fear from myself of being reported or cancelled. I therefore feel that whilst faith and discussions on faith or religious material needs to be had – tutors like myself may need more guidance how to react and responds to today’s active student voice on the matter.
Lucy, you connected the readings to your practice with a really good example. Indeed, we are living in a delicate time when it comes to discussions of faith. Like you, I would not feel adequately prepared to address this topic in class. A positive and constructive conversation could take place, but it is hard to predict, as we can never be completely sure how such topics will resonate with others. I like the generational and ‘cancel culture’ aspects you brought up and wonder if you have had any experience discussing this with students and colleagues.
thank you for your comments. I have not personally been “cancelled” but I am always super conscious of this. I now add trigger warnings if showing certain content. I do have experienced of some race related debates getting quite heated amongust perhaps not fully formed y1s who maybe do not understand the different cultures our of international cohorts. We always discuss race on the context of fashion and fashion marketing. Perhaps around tokenism or the use of diverse casting in adverts. So we try to find a positive way to discuss and raise awareness of race, religion, stereoytypes.
We are living at a difficult time with a definite growth in reactionary attitudes. It seemed we were progressing as a society in our aim of being much more inclusive, with those holding more conservative (‘small-C’) or even outright prejudicial views keeping quiet. Now it feels as if it is acceptable to give voice to anti-progressive sentiments, with apologists for Trump both abroad and at home and nationalistic-protectionist ‘solutions’ to our problems.
The journalist and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika described this ‘anti-woke backlash’ effectively in a comment piece in The Standard last year: https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/anti-woke-backlash-warriors-cancel-culture-b1075184.html.
Examining attitudes to faith, in the recent London mayoral elections we saw anti-Islamic propaganda being used against Sadiq Khan, along with the ‘Londonistan’ slur. Interestingly, Khan, whilst a committed Muslim, goes against the stereotypes of his religion and takes place in Pride marches!
Perhaps we shouldn’t be too dispondent: the younger generation do tend to hold progressive values, but they just don’t shout as loudly as the anti-woke brigade. But I agree with you, Lucy, that we do need to tread carefully when addressing any issues around inclusivity as there is a genuine danger of being ‘cancelled’.