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That conversations are a critical part of learning at university. Especially when trying to understand different perspectives.

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That conversations are a critical part of learning at university. Especially when trying to understand different perspectives.

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I found the week about intersectionality very interesting. I had always been interested with the concept but always associated it with race and feminism. Meekosha's reading gave me a new outlook- intersectionality including people with a disability. I found her reading quite thought provoking.

Idea 2

I found the week on critical race and whiteness studies quite challenging as it forced me to question my own attitudes and behaviours, and see how my white privilege contributes to issues of systematic racism. Although challenging, I found it beneficial and again quite thought provoking.

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(from tut2): Discrimination against indigenous people in society, and some social movements, this view and phenomenon are issues that I have not been exposed to before and topics that do not exist in my life.  Through the study of the course, I have a greater sense of identification with the relationship between people, and let me feel the society and the world more intuitively.

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Before learning about this subject, I didn’t know that one of the challenges that prevent multiculturalism is racial discriminations between minorities that are stemmed from minorities wanting to assimilate, then actively assuming of a subordinated position in society. This concept is difficult to understand because it challenges our traditional beliefs that racial discrimination are solely initiated by the dominate race.

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(from Demi): Accessibility and Public Spaces

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(from Demi): Accessibility and Public Spaces

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I became more thoughtful about how public spaces can be considered hostile and the negative ramifications this has on the public, in particular homeless people. Learning about how public architecture can be consciously designed to keep homeless people away was really eye opening. The concept of othering was also very interesting especially as it pertained to Indigenous people in Australia and gaining knowledge about this concept was really impactful because it was something I was aware of but did not know the correct term for.

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Intersectionality and deconstructing problematic discourses 

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Intersectionality and deconstructing problematic discourses 

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While I was aware of intersectionality and changing discourses it was not a notion I extensively thought about. I did not quiet realise the impact of coming from different backgrounds despite being in the same community.

I also developed a deeper understanding of discourses and the complexity behind what it entails. It is not just about sparking conversations on controversial topics but challenging them in a way to induce active change.

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(from Jack sent via email): Whilst I had heard of post colonization throughout school, I had never heard or considered it in the way we have studied it throughout this subject. At first I found it difficult to discern the topics true meaning, however after finishing the readings, the key concepts became clear and I became more interested and invested in the study of post colonization. I have been enabled to challenge the concepts that have been institutionalized in our ‘colonised’ society, reflecting on the essence of our colony being built upon dispossession. This as further allowed me to understand the modern world as we know it, accepting that post colonization caused horrific problems for the Indigenous people of this country.  

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(from Jack sent via email): Whilst I had heard of post colonization throughout school, I had never heard or considered it in the way we have studied it throughout this subject. At first I found it difficult to discern the topics true meaning, however after finishing the readings, the key concepts became clear and I became more interested and invested in the study of post colonization. I have been enabled to challenge the concepts that have been institutionalized in our ‘colonised’ society, reflecting on the essence of our colony being built upon dispossession. This as further allowed me to understand the modern world as we know it, accepting that post colonization caused horrific problems for the Indigenous people of this country.  

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I learnt that a lot of these concepts come in layers. Where one applies, so does the other. These issues are multi-faceted. Humans are complex and unique and so should our approaches to these issues. There is no one solution. We have to look at it through a multi-disciplinary approach. The solution is a string of ideas put together by all stakeholders in a combined and informed approach.

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I still find this concept a very confronting and illuminating one to consider in light of the Australian context. To understand that colonialism continues makes me realise that the past never quite leaves us but can continue to scar, trouble and rage into the present/future.

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I found the queering difference and sameness topic illuminating as it extended my understanding of queer theory to include ideas of homonormativity and dominant discourses around gender, sex and sexuality.

I have realised that queer theory is much more broad than I previously imagined and is a lens with which we can view many parts of society. It is not limited only to the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, but shines a light on dominant discourses surrounding other social issues.

I will definitely continue to explore this area of CommDiff into the future and use the teachings from intersectionality to increase the depth of my analysis.

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Whiteness studies and Critical Race Theory 

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Whiteness studies and Critical Race Theory 

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I learnt more about different identities and how possession of land is connected to the dominant identity of a country - particularly in colonialist nations. I learnt that identities are multi-faceted and complex. It was quite eye-opening to delve into concepts that I knew on the surface but didn't quite understand on a deeper level. Before this, I just knew that certain countries were invaded by colonisers but I didn't know the full narrative behind it all and the effects of post colonising.

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Although I knew about intersectionality before, I hadn't engaged with it at the same level I did in the subject. It was challenging to reframe established perspectives but overall made a lot of sense to me as it aligned with my lived experience.

I have been able to connect it with my own life as I fit into two different intersections and can see how my experiences in the professional workplace especially can be viewed through an intersectional lens. It has helped give a name to a phenomenon I already encountered.

I am able to empathise with people who belong to different intersections than myself and how that impacts them.