Nohemi Perea Task2/LCT1 8/01/2012 An individual labeled as the Other is different and does not fit in. The Other is “perceived as lacking essential characteristics possessed by the group, the Other is almost always seen as lesser or inferior being and is treated accordingly” (The Other, 2009). A group sets guidelines and if a person does not meet them they will not be accepted as “normal”. Otherness to a group represents awkwardness. Although each person does have its own unique characteristics to prevent from being labeled as the Other you must possess common characteristics within a group. I read “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona” written by Sherman Alexie. It is about a boy named Victor who lives on an Indian Reservation
Talking to my students and encouraging them to tell me what it would be like to experience Otherness could make them aware that no one should be rejected in any way. To assist those experiencing otherness I will always engage my students to learn in groups. This will enable them to feel comfortable with each other and become friends. I will choose their partners and make sure my student experiencing Otherness gets a passionate, friendly, and helpful student. I will always monitor their actions and discussions. This will help me assist any unacceptable behavior toward that student experiencing otherness. I will take advantage of any teacher parent conference to speak to the parents about why they think their child is experiencing otherness. They might be able to help me understand and come up with a way I could assist him or her. The best practice to prevent and assist otherness in my classroom is to make my students feel comfortable and always have an open line of communication.

References The Other., (2009). Retrieved from http://academic.brookly.cuny.edu/english/melani/cs6/other.html

Alexie, Sherman. (1994). This is what it means to say Phoenix, Arizona. Retrieved on 8/01/2012 from