What is “Beyond-isms?”

In this community, an “ism” refers to a system of ideas and beliefs that prejudices an individual against another individual or group. This prejudice is either supported, sanctioned, legitimized or reinforced by institutions. “-Isms” include but are not limited to racism, sexism, ableism, classism, anti-Semitism, heterosexism.

“Beyond” suggests that this blog should enable, encourage, facilitate, and challenge this community of readers and those in the conversation to push beyond the “‘-isms” in the spirit of seeing what we really can do when all of us are allowed to be, think, and live authentically. What would our world be like? How would it feel to not be strapped in by an “ism” regardless of who you are? No matter how you slice the pie, we are all a part of privileged groups and non-privileged groups, some to more varying degrees that certainly impact the way we live, think and exist.

This blog is about how the “isms” impact our daily lives and our personal stories. There won’t be much theory. I’ll include some of my favorite blogs who cover all of that very well. But, here–this is about you and me. This is about our children. This is about our family and our communities.  It’s about our co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, and friends.

You belong here if:

• You are a parent who really wants to raise a child free from bias. 
• You are an educator who believes that cultural competency is important in how effective you are in helping all children learn. 
• You are someone who dares to change the world by starting with themselves first.

I’d love for you to subscribe and be a part of this community. Your voice belongs here. I’d miss you otherwise!