Shifting Perspectives: Growing up many of us fell into what my friend & guest Robert Johnson calls the “Main Character Syndrome.” This is where everyone is like me, believes what I believe, goes to the same school, church, circle of friends etc. It is not until we leave this environment, (college, the military) where we face that first big “culture shock.”
Then the questions start. Will I fit it? Am I good enough? Will this be a lasting/positive experience? We are all different, yet we all want the same things – to be accepted, to have an opportunity, and to make a difference. Where do we start?
Thankfully, there are people like my guest Robert Johnson. Robert is the Executive Director Of Multicultural Affairs at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield Ct. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology.
Meet the Guest: Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is an experienced higher education professional with a passion for educating and enlightening underrepresented students. His current work consists of establishing programming for underrepresented student populations, advocating for underserved student groups, and educating all members of his community on intercultural competency.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Johnson emphasizes the importance of intentional actions and behaviors that support diversity and inclusion in education and society.
- Shifting Perspectives: He believes that shifting perspectives can lead to greater understanding and acceptance of others.
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Johnson highlights the value of creating an environment that attracts and retains diversity.
- Acknowledging Marginalized Groups: He stresses the importance of acknowledging and valuing the experiences of marginalized groups.
- Gradual Progress: Johnson believes in gradual, incremental progress towards achieving major success.
- Staying Focused: He encourages listeners to stay rooted in their purpose and keep their work simple and focused on supporting all students.
💡 Discussion Points
- Personal Experiences: Johnson's personal experiences growing up and attending college, and how these shaped his perspective and work promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Cultural Shock: Insights into cultural shock and its impact on individuals.
- Self-Advocacy: The importance of self-advocacy, especially for underrepresented groups.
- Dealing with Different Groups: Johnson's approach in dealing with different groups of people: those who are open-minded, resistant, and impartial.
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Strategies for creating an environment that attracts diversity and challenges of retaining diversity without such an environment.
- Valuing Marginalized Groups: The importance of valuing the experiences of marginalized groups and the dangers of excluding them.
- Incremental Progress: Belief in gradual, incremental progress and focusing on small wins leading to monumental success.
- Staying Rooted in Purpose: Importance of staying rooted in one's purpose and keeping work focused on supporting all students.
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