Cappuccino Soul

Cappuccino Soul

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

In Trayvon's Name: A Teachable Moment


Cognitive Dissonance

Conflict that occurs when beliefs or assumptions are contradicted by new information. The concept was introduced by the psychologist Leon Festinger (1919–89) in the late 1950s. He and later researchers showed that, when confronted with challenging new information, most people seek to preserve their current understanding of the world by rejecting, explaining away, or avoiding the new information or by convincing themselves that no conflict really exists.

University to Offer Class on Trayvon Martin
(The National Review, July 12, 2013)

The Trayvon Martin case is already making its way into the classroom. This fall, George Mason University in Virginia will offer a sociology class called “Race and Politics, Trayvon Martin.”

According to the syllabus, the class will discuss the connection between race and politics in American history and the Martin case will be presented alongside historic cases such the Supreme Court’s Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision. Martin will also be discussed alongside African-American figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Emmett Till, and Rodney King.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

neteru alicia,

thank you so much for the message about the class being offered at george mason u. it really is a teachable moment of great importance to all. also as to the remark by zimmerman's brother that there are people who want to take the law into their own hands against zimmerman. didn't he do that when he killed trayvon?

Cappuccino Soul said...

Dear Sister,

This isn't the only course that is born out of this tragic situation. Others are springing up also -- including in Law schools. So our dear brother Trayvon died tragically, but it will not be in vain.

Regarding Zimmerman's brother's remark -- Yes! I hope others will be as perceptive as you and pick up on that.

Stay strong.

Alicia

Anonymous said...

The problem is that this course just like the others has not changed the mind set of the people that has the power to commit injustice and get away with it. GOD is in control and thank GOD that he will not let evil prevail.

MaDear

Cappuccino Soul said...

Well MaDear,

This course will be offered in the Fall and the others are planned. I have Hope that at least some will have their eyes opened. Keep Hope alive!!

alicia