AADVENT - The Level Playing Field

One of the exercises we did yesterday was "The Level Playing Field"   Many of the participants had done this exercise with other ethnic groups in other places.   The rules of the game are that everyone starts on the same line, holding hands.   The leader gives instructions, like "Simon says"  For instance, The question:  If your parents have had a high school education take a step forward, College education another step forward.   If you have ever been followed around in a store for no reason, take a step back.   Stopped by a policeman because of your color, take a step back.    You get the drift.

Many questions later, we had to let go of hands and found ourselves separated.    Interestingly enough all those in the front were young and those in the back older.  Except for a couple whose family were in internment camps (that sets one back in the exercise).   I was in the back and my son, Kevin was in the front.

It was comforting me as I stood in the back, that my son has had the opportunities to move forward in this exercise.   The one question that he could move forward and I couldn't, "Step forward if your parents graduated for high school."  My dad had an 8th grade education.   Both my parents didn't attend college and they immigrated here. Kevin's parents graduated from college and didn't immigrate here. 

The exercise was a reminder to all the participants in the conference to be aware of the different perspectives, conditions, and their opportunities to build bridges in the places that separate us. 
I am praying for those who build the bridges!

Comments

[Bruce Reyes-Chow]

So was a it forward or backwards if you are related to a Moderator?

[Merissa]

Well, I know where I would be standing in the Level Playing Field...but what's really on my mind is WHO are the people that are building the bridges? What are they doing? How are they doing it?