Discussion 4 MAIN POST
Link (Links to an external site.)Watch Video – I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here’s why I left
What were the four key concepts presented in this video cross-cultural dialogue, and engagement. Do you believe these are effective tools for promoting cultural competence, social change why or why not?
First Post Due – October 13
1) Students need to post at least one thoughtful response with references to this video by Tuesday.
2) Students need to post one thoughtful question. In formulating the question, it should advance the discussion of the topic that is the focus of the particular Discussion Forum and/or present ancillary, critical relevant information by Tuesday.
THIS IS THE RESPOND TO THE MAIN POST
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Megan Phelps-Roper discusses being five years old, growing up in Kansas and being a part of the Westboro Baptist Church community (Phelps-Roper, 2017). Her and her family would often protest individuals with picket signs that they considered outsiders, wondering ‘How had the other [person] come to such outrageous conclusions about the world?’ (Phelps-Roper, 2017). The individuals and groups that they protested were gay, Jewish, or had other opposing views to those at Westboro Baptist Church (Phelps-Roper, 2017). By interacting with others that were different from her on Twitter, Phelps-Roper realized that just because people are different from you, that doesn’t make them evil or living wrong. This open conversation on social media also provoked the exploration of Westboro Baptist morals, exposing some of the inconsistencies within the religious community (Phelps-Roper, 2017). This opened Phelps-Roper’s eyes to the fact that all humans are flawed humans, and that being part of the Westboro Baptist Church community didn’t make her any more righteous or better than anybody else (Phelps-Roper, 2017). She and her younger sister later left the church together in 2012 (Phelps-Roper, 2017).
There are some key concepts in this video which can be used as effective tools for building cultural competence. It is important to talk with and listen to people we disagree with (Phelps-Roper, 2017). A major concept is not to assume bad intent, assume good or neutral intent (Phelps-Roper, 2017). Another concept is to ask questions to map the disconnect between individuals, which can lead to the mirroring of positive behaviors (Phelps-Roper, 2017). Staying calm is the third concept which can help make communication flow smoothly (Phelps-Roper, 2017). The fourth and final concept provided by Phelps-Roper is to make the argument (Phelps-Roper, 2017). Our beliefs reflect our experiences, which is why the need to educate others sincerely is necessary, as well as the need to understand others with compassion (Phelps-Roper, 2017). Each of these concepts can be used to promote the development of cultural competence because they can help individuals gain a more humanistic perspective of others, whether we view them as the same or different. With a more positive view of communication with others, it breaks down some of the barriers that are often seen between groups.
My question this week is what might be some of the internal struggles that Phelps-Roper deals with now, after leaving the church? It must have been difficult, since she grew up in the church. Has anyone in our class grew up in a similar situation, being part of a group with somewhat extreme beliefs? How did you handle it? How are you handling it now?
Reference
Phelps-Roper, M. (2017). I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here’s why I left . Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/megan_phelps_roper_i_grew_up_in_the_westboro_baptist_church_here_s_why_i_left