Weekly Essay: Bridging Differences

Reflect on the readings for Workshop Four out of “The Meaning of Difference” framework essay 4, and write a three-to four-page essay in which you compare and contrast the author’s positions on bridging differences (and possibly others you have read on your own or in previous classes) and also express your own opinion on the subject.
As we have moved throughout this course, we have explored how we construct categories of difference, experience difference, and assign meaning to difference. Knowing what we know now from our readings and discussions, this essay is aimed at helping you articulate your answer to this question, “What now?” Given what you’ve learned to this point, what can you do to make a difference in your circles of influence when it comes to race, sex, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and disability? What are some practical steps you can take to perhaps live more sensitively and reach out to those around you?  Also, what can be done more globally to start bridging differences among different groups of people we’ve addressed in this course?  
Below is a suggested format that you may follow for your essays:
Thesis Statement (It is possible that the entire introductory paragraph will consist of nothing but the thesis statement if it is more than one sentence.)
Summary of what you read for this week. (This could possibly be two paragraphs.)
Summary of what you believe is the stronger position (the one you will argue is the best choice).
Arguments in support of your position. (The portions of your paper in which you attempt to convince the reader through evidence that you have made the correct decision.)
Discuss and minimize the anticipated objections to your opinion.
Conclusion
Textbook: The Meaning of Difference: American Constructions of Race, Sex and Gender, Social Class, Sexual Orientation, and Disability