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by Maria Corse
 
“This month, we’re looking to secure sponsorship placements with five prominent sites and we’ve identified your site as a potential candidate.”  This  quote was taken from a digital marketing agency email I received early Thursday morning.  As they most likely intended, my first reaction was, “wow, people are actually finding and reading the DRC blog …”, and, then, at that exact moment, my innate skepticism and common sense kicked into overdrive.
 
Even if this was an above-board, legitimate proposal, which it is not (someone who understands the ins and outs of the internet far better than me, confirmed my suspicions), DRC is not for sale.  We will not have advertisements on our website.  And, we will not change our policies, philosophy, or mission, simply, because there may be the promise of an infusion of cash into our austere bank account. 
 
For us, this is a relatively easy stand to take.  No amount of money, no matter how enticing, is worth compromising our integrity, our morals, or, for that matter, the very foundation, upon which, we are built.   
 
You can’t escape from the hyper-sensationalized, consumeristic, and profit-oriented world we live in, where TV screens spewing the “latest-breaking” news can now be found at every grocery store check-out lane, bank lobby, restaurant, airport lounge, and waiting room. While on the internet, clickbait, disguised as important articles, lead us through a never-ending stream of pop ups for additional clickbait.  All of which is presented as needed/useful “information”, when, in fact, it is nothing but propaganda – encouragement to buy something or to highlight our differences with the intention of dividing us.
 
I am determined, however, that the spaces in my care will remain commercial free: where folks are encouraged to think for themselves, where diversity, of all sorts, is honored and celebrated, and where important decisions can be made without partisan and profiteering influences. Because, our students and their families have every right to expect us to keep our promise of unbiased commitment to supporting and mentoring them through all of their ideas, endeavors, and aspirations. And, you, the readers of this blog, deserve a safe place free from commercialism – with no ads to click through or read around, no pop ups invading your space, no slick sales pitches, and absolutely no distractions from the intended message.  

​You may regard the following as a gift, or, simply, a bonus notion to contemplate as you celebrate the season.

Responses to Diversity

You are not like me, therefore I can:
 
judge you
put you down
​distrust you
bully you
disparage all you believe in
 and, hate you -
​without really knowing you

Ambivalence 

I am afraid, don't want, or, know how to respond

Or -
 
We are all human, therefore I will:
 
celebrate our differences
learn from you
honor your beliefs
defend you
and, love you -
​without reservation








May your celebration of the return of the light be merry and blessed with loving family and friends, good food, and many delights.   

Blessed Yuletide, Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, Happy belated Hanukkah and warmest wishes for a peace-filled New Year!

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