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Differing Perspectives-Gaige W

This document contains a student's responses to four questions about a scenario involving a student named Nikhil who wants to wear a Hindu swastika pendant at school. In the first response, the student agrees that Nikhil should be allowed to wear the pendant for religious reasons, while acknowledging the negative symbolism of the swastika for some. The second response suggests how the teacher, Mr. Ortiz, could briefly address the issue in class and conduct further discussion at lunch to help students understand the different meanings of the swastika symbol. The third response argues that educators should teach students about the history of the Hindu swastika to allow Nikhil to continue wearing the pendant without issues. The final response notes how discussing this complex scenario could facilitate complex thinking among students

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375 views3 pages

Differing Perspectives-Gaige W

This document contains a student's responses to four questions about a scenario involving a student named Nikhil who wants to wear a Hindu swastika pendant at school. In the first response, the student agrees that Nikhil should be allowed to wear the pendant for religious reasons, while acknowledging the negative symbolism of the swastika for some. The second response suggests how the teacher, Mr. Ortiz, could briefly address the issue in class and conduct further discussion at lunch to help students understand the different meanings of the swastika symbol. The third response argues that educators should teach students about the history of the Hindu swastika to allow Nikhil to continue wearing the pendant without issues. The final response notes how discussing this complex scenario could facilitate complex thinking among students

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Gaige Wood

Prof. Reinard

PSC-220

4/10/22

1. Nikhil believes it is unjust to allow other students to display religious symbols while

he is not allowed to do the same. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Nikhil made a valid statement; everyone is allowed to express their own beliefs and to take

that away from a student is unjust. On the other hand, the scenario is a bit risky on both sides,

although the pendant is part of the Hindu religion, it is also a symbol that was used by the Nazi’s,

which displayed a form of hatred. I understand that the pendant came from Nikhil’s grandmother

and he wants to wear it with honor, but it doesn’t change the fact that the swastika was used as a

hate symbol as well. On top of that, Nazism is still a thing that is occurring, neo-Nazi’s,

Skinheads, etc., which use the swastika as their main symbol. However, in this scenario the

symbolism of the swastika is peace and tranquility in Hinduism, which is why Nikhil was

wearing the pendant for religious reasons. From that point alone, he should be able to wear it

because nobody can infringe upon another’s religious beliefs, it’s their right as a U.S. citizen.

2. It appears as though Mr. Ortiz is concerned about the lack of time he has to address

the issue in class. If you were Mr. Ortiz, how would you address the situation given

the time limitations?


Given the short period of time to discuss such an in-depth topic Mr. Ortiz could have

addressed the situation for a few minutes by saying that there is in fact different meanings behind

the swastika which are peaceful and religious and that each person has to respect the other

persons religious beliefs. Then, while the students are at lunch I would do some research on the

swastika regarding Hinduism, and once they came back from lunch, I would arrange the seats in

a circle, and allow Nikhil to talk about the history of what the swastika means in the Hindu

religion and why it has nothing to do with Nazism or hate, and then follow up with any other

information/facts that I researched as well, so students get a better understanding/respect for

others religious beliefs. This would encourage critical thinking, in the sense that the students can

add in their own understandings of what the swastika means from their perspective, while also

encountering a differing perspective that may be able to change their minds.

3. Should Mr. Ortiz and other educators at this school educate its student body about

the history of this religious symbol so that Nikhil can continue wearing the

necklace? How might the religious identities of people in the school and broader

communities influence your response?

Yes, absolutely. Nikhil is not wearing the symbol for an ill intent purpose; he is wearing it

because it is a symbol of the Hindu religion. As Nikhil stated, it’s no different than someone else

wearing a cross on their necklace as a symbolization of religion. So, Mr. Ortiz and the other

educators should get together and educate the student body because it’s best to get this situation

under control in the beginning before it progresses. By doing so, all the students can have an

understanding of why the Nazi swastika and the Hindu swastika are two completely different

things. The religious communities should get behind this idea because religious people want to

be able to express themselves as well and will have an understanding as to why Nikhil wants to
wear his Hindu swastika. As for the broader communities, it can be hard to say because even

though the information will be presented, some people will still only believe that the swastika is

a hate symbol, but I believe that if the information is presented well enough there shouldn’t be an

issue and Nikhil should be able to go on to wear his pendant without any more issues.

4. Per the chapter you are reading this week, how might this situation lend itself to

facilitating complex thinking for the students engaged in this case?

The students will absolutely be involved in complex thinking during this situation because

each student is able to use their own understanding of what the swastika means from their

perspective. Also, their understanding will be challenged by Nikhil’s differing perspective,

which will make each student think about the differences between what they knew and what they

know now. This will lead to challenging and complex conversations that all of the students can

be a part of regarding whether or not it is okay to wear a pendant that symbolizes both peace and

hatred to different people.

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