Job Discussion Forums

johnslat · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 6:22 pm Post subject:

Dear nickelgoat,

I'd say you handled it well. But (and you knew there was a "but" coming, didn't you?) even though you didn't introduce the topic (the students did), I'd say the best course would have been to shut it down ASAP.

It's a minefield, and though you seem to have traversed that one safely. such may not always be the case.

Regards,
John

JustinC · Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 9:22 am Post subject:

That's good it worked out. If it came up again (religion, Americans' views of Islam etc) I'd say "You know my feelings, let's move on". Don't be tempted to extrapolate or reinforce their good behavior with your 'understanding' of their lives, which could be interpreted as condescending.

However, the bit about how the media distorts perceptions could be a good, ongoing topic. Focusing on commercialism, people's perceived need for cheaper consumer goods at the expense of their own livelihoods, the disruption to the environment for the sake of a better mousetrap etc. etc. could easily be discussed as the issues are mostly cross-cultural.