Polarization

As teachers, it's imperative for us to be able to recognize these barriers, not only in ourselves, but in those with whom we have stewardship, our students. They both perpetuate and are victims of these barriers. We see it every day in classroom and playground behavior, those who bully and ignore, and those who are bullied and isolated. Here is our chance to step in, engage and teach how both can bring down the barriers and improve relationships.

Polarization is the fallacy of either/or, a barrier of extremes. You either are or you are not. This is another easy barrier to default to because we only have to see other in one of two ways. Are you that shallow, that unsophisticated? Neither is anyone else. In education contexts it's so easy to polarize. we do it by good and bad, by straight or hood, by smart or dumb. It's atrocious.

In student circles, the polarization happens in cliques and peer groups. You're with us, or you're not, a huge influence in disconfirmation. 

The cure is to find middle ground and eliminate the false dichotomy. What do we have in common, especially when it comes to values? Stress and explore the commonality. It builds relationships.