Module 2: Decoding Conflicts- The Roots of Disputes

Summary

In this interview, educators from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds discuss their experiences with conflicts arising from cultural or religious differences. They emphasize the importance of education, mutual understanding, and respectful dialogue in fostering inclusivity and addressing misunderstandings. The panelists highlight the role of media and preconceived notions in creating conflicts and stress the need for active listening, humility, and self-education to promote peace and justice.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The interviewees come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, including Sri Lankan Muslim, Filipino Roman Catholic, Indian Hindu, and Turkish Muslim.
• 🏛️ Conflicts arising from cultural or religious differences have been experienced by some, such as personal racism and historical civil wars due to ethnicity.
• 🗣️ Most conflicts within the interviewees' experiences stem from miscommunication, lack of knowledge, and media portrayals rather than direct cultural or religious clashes.
• 🤝 Regular interactions with people from different cultures and religions are common and often positive, fostering curiosity and understanding.
• 👥 The importance of having a good bond and trust before discussing sensitive cultural or religious topics was highlighted.
• 🌟 Positive personal experiences, such as being accepted despite religious attire, were shared as signs of progress towards greater cultural and religious understanding.
• 😓 Barriers to communication like language, preconceived notions, and historical conflicts can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
• 📚 Education was identified as a key solution to foster understanding of different cultures and religions, as well as creating inclusive environments.
• 🌱 The value of being teachable, humble, and kind in intercultural and interreligious communication was emphasized.
• 🌍 Travel and exposure to different cultures from a young age can help develop respect and an open-minded mindset towards diversity.
• 🔑 Mutual understanding, active listening, and empathy were suggested as essential for resolving conflicts and promoting peace.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the interview?

The main theme of the interview is to decode the roots of disputes, particularly those arising from cultural or religious differences.

What is the background of the interviewee AFA midin?

AFA midin is a Sri Lankan working as a science key teacher in Sarasa School. She is a Muslim and has experienced racism due to her hijab and media portrayals of Muslims.

What is the background of the interviewee Miss Jine Kante?

Miss Jine Kante is from the Philippines, a Roman Catholic, and teaches social studies to year 11 and year 12 students.

What is the background of the interviewee Ki?

Ki is from India, a Hindu, and teaches business studies and English, including GAC and bilingual courses.

What is the background of the interviewee Kadir?

Kadir is Turkish, teaches English to year 10, 11, and 12 students, and extra English for year 12.

Have the interviewees experienced or witnessed conflicts due to cultural or religious differences?

Yes, they have experienced or witnessed conflicts, with AFA midin mentioning a civil war in Sri Lanka due to ethnic differences and personal experiences of racism, Miss Jine Kante discussing inter-denominational religious conflicts, Ki mentioning miscommunication and lack of knowledge leading to conflict, and Kadir referring to the ongoing dispute between Turkish and Kurdish people.

How often do the interviewees interact with people from different cultures or religious backgrounds?

The interviewees interact frequently with people from different cultures or religious backgrounds, especially in their professional settings as teachers in a diverse school environment.

How comfortable are the interviewees discussing their beliefs or cultures with people from different backgrounds?

The interviewees are generally comfortable discussing their beliefs or cultures, emphasizing the importance of trust, respect, and friendship before engaging in such sensitive conversations.

What do the interviewees believe are the main reasons for conflicts between people from different cultures or religions?

The interviewees suggest that language barriers, preconceived notions, historical conflicts, media influence, lack of understanding, and pride are the main reasons for such conflicts.

What solutions do the interviewees propose to resolve conflicts arising from cultural or religious differences?

The interviewees propose mutual understanding, education, creating inclusive environments, self-education, active listening, humility, and travel as ways to resolve such conflicts.

What role do the interviewees believe teachers play in fostering understanding among students from different cultural or religious backgrounds?

The interviewees believe that teachers play a crucial role in educating students about different cultures and fostering an open-minded mindset, which helps prepare future leaders for a diverse society.