On Second Look

Shifting from a Perception at First Sight to a Different Point of View

Abstract

Social structures of inequality including discrimination, devaluation and racism are not only constantly reproduced by processes of social boundary making in daily life, they are also part of educational systems and teaching practices. We suggest to regard concepts of transculturality as a means to shed light on these social dynamics and to question any kind of simplistic black-and-white constructions of ‘cultural groups’, particularly if they are interwoven into the questions of who legitimately belongs and who does not. Teachers are challenged to deal with these dynamics on a daily basis. Many aspects of them have been socially established, cannot be changed easily and probably need to be humbly acknowledged. However, at the same time, teachers do have a certain scope of action in this regard. We offer a simple tool and invite to shift from a perspective ‘at first sight’ to what we call a second look, basically moving from first, judgmental and fear-driven reactions to a more trustful perspective which allows for a more appropriate and also a more professional response.