The third discussion of the get-educated discussion series was held on the 28th of June, 2020. Two TEDx videos - The Cost of Code-Switching by Changra Arthur at TEDxOrlando and Everyday Struggle: Switching Codes for Survival by Harold Wallace at TEDxPittsburgh - were the main focus of this week’s conversation. The discussion sparked thoughts about igniting a new perspective for the attendees.
The session started with understanding what it means to leave true to your true self. From the TEDx videos, both the speakers felt the need to code-switch in order to fit in. As a child, Chandra had to become two different people at home and at school. Harold had to learn how to behave in the classroom and out on the streets in his neighborhood. These experiences prompted the attendees to reflect on their personal situations wherein they have needed to code-switch, or be true to themselves.
The conversation progressed towards understanding how surroundings played a part in their behavior. From the videos, Chandra and Harold had mentioned that with code-switching, they need to be aware of their surroundings and how they present themselves to others. There was a mutual agreement in the belief that when the people you are surrounded by are true to themself, it’s easier to be true to yourself. While on the other hand, code-switching is necessary at times, especially in the workplace, to maintain professionalism.
The group then talked about the L.I.E method - The Learn. Implement. Embrace method which was introduced by Harold in his talk. L.I.E. is a method to understand people from different backgrounds and promote compassion and inclusivity. This method equipped the attendees with the ability to have open conversations with people of different beliefs, and also with the ability to become aware of assumptions about people such as gender pronouns.
The sessions finally touched upon John Elliot’s salad analogy, which stated “We don’t need a melting pot in this country, folks. We need a salad bowl, you put in the different things. You want the vegetables, the lettuce, the cucumbers, the onions, the green pepper - to maintain their identity. You appreciate the differences.” In a college setting, we see this analogy in practice when upperclassmen reach out to underclassmen to offer insight about college.
The hour-long conversation brought greater awareness to code-switching among attendees as they brainstormed ways to continue emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in SWE Illinois and beyond.
Presentation, Cost of Code Switching Talk, Switching Codes Talk
