Dr. Ruth Van Reken shares why she resonates with Mike's book title .. Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World? She also talks about SPAN (Safe Passage Across Networks). She talks of the commonalities, not the difference that give TCK's an edge in a diverse world (1:30). She talks of the world's toxic comfort in a 'negative identity' .. defining ourselves of who we are not (5:00). Mike of course brings up his book that comes out later this year, 'Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World?' (5:50). Ruth answers with her own background growing up 'Among Worlds' that spanned cuultuures and socio economic boundaries (7:35). Ruth talks about the power of listening and understanding, knowing that people we are talking to didn't grow up the way we did (9:10). Mike says that people CAN change and adapt to others. He points to his parents as models (10:00). They talk about privilege and how that creates a gap between us and others, as well meaning and broad as our experiences, we often don't get treated the same. Some of us simply had more (11:30). 'We aren't as global as we think we are.' (13:40) She talks about a valuable experience of suddenly being the odd one out (15:00), as others around her were 'having a ball' (16:27) in a language she didn't know. Mike rounds this discussion out (18:00) mentioning the education he has received from the love of his life, and how important that has been to see the gap between them on socio-economic terms. Ruth adds that it is abouut 'seeing others as human (20:00) because of proximity. TCK's often bring that valuable experience tothe world. Finally, Mike asks Ruth to talk about SPAN (22:00), an organization started by Doug Ota. SPAN helps children transition across networks because of their familys' highly transient lives. It provides support for 'leavers' and 'stayers' alike. Dr. Ruth Van Reken loves watching people add to the work she has done (29:00), and how it is changing lives. You can discover more from Dr. Ruth Van Reken on her website here: https://www.crossculturalkid.org/ You can find Doug Ota's work here: https://www.spanschools.org/ Aaaand if you'd like to track down the host of this podcast, Mike Sullivan for any reason, please find him here: https://sullyworks.com/

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related