Response to LIS curriculum article

Racism. It is a difficult topic to discuss because there are those who keep it alive through misunderstanding or hatred and there are those who do not recognize the signs. Battling the taint of racism is useless without first making the attempt to be consciously aware of any undertones of racism evident in the community, academics, and the professional world. Starting with education, "to achieve clarity, LIS educators need to recognize the roots of our racialized thinking and the ways in which these are still discernable in the LIS curriculum" (Pawley 5). Recognition is the first step towards approaching this ethical dilemma but this step is not solely up to the educators. At a bare minimum the student must also make an effort to remain open minded and tolerant when interacting with others and representing the student body of their institution. Every individual has the right to their own personal beliefs, but every individual also has the right to tolerance. Without some level of decorum and respect, the integrity of the organization or field of study is put into question.