McDaniel discussion series more than fills in the gaps

      I believe that nothing speaks with more certainty or conviction than ignorance, so , given the opportunity to sit in on the Great Decisions lectures at McDaniel College, I was heartened to hear the very first speaker say that many of the topics we would discuss might seem to present questions without answers.
     The series invites local residents to visit the campus for about eight weeks to hear learned speakers talk about foreign policy issues of the day, and it has been going on now for about 10 years.
     The course laid out this year by the Foreign Policy Association provides each participant with a thick magazine containing in-depth articles about Middle East realignment, Mexico and immigration issues, cybersecurity, exit strategies from Afghanistan and Iraq, and four other issues.
     Much of what I am reading is familiar, but the talks by McDaniel faculty members provides the mortar between the bricks of knowledge and opinion that I can get elsewhere. When we look at a wall, we are quick to see the bricks, but too often, we under appreciate the strength added by the mortar.
     The personal experiences and observations of people who have studied cultures, and lived and traveled Mexico or Morocco add the human touch that elevates the knowledge of facts and opinion to the experience of living history and sociology.
     Professor Amy McNichols, speaking of her experiences living with families in Mexico, struck a chord with me because of my own experiences in The Philippines. The images we see on the evening news simply do not capture the generosity, humanity, and courage of the people who strive to rise above sometimes desperate circumstances. We can be overwhelmed with stories and pictures of poverty, crime and misery and never get to learn about the accomplishments, advances, culture, history and potential of a nation.
     For example, in response to a question about how do her friends in Mexico feel about the stereotypes Americans have about Mexicans in general and immigrants in particular, McNichols was careful to avoid a political answer. She could only relate a story about her experience in a home in Mexico, where she was a guest.
     The woman asked her, "Why do they think we are dirty? My family is clean, we keep a clean house.''
     Family is of paramount importance in Mexican culture. Faith is a way of life, and their sense of hospitality is such that they will move four children out of a bedroom so a guest can have a room to themselves. But enough generalizing; these discussions are all about avoiding generalizations and stereotypes.
     There is no proselytizing here; just informed, educated people in the McDaniel community sharing their knowledge with those in the community who are willing to listen, and perhaps even participate in a give and take discussion after each lecture.
     My formal education is wanting, so all my adult life I have compensated by embracing the concept and practices of continuing education. I always felt that as a professional in the the world of journalism, I had at least a window to the ever changing curriculum of life.
     I'm glad McDaniel offers these open opportunities to find out that we may not know as much as we think we do.