When it comes to the topic of diversity it can honestly go in so many directions. What I would say about Daralyse Lyons’ new book Demystifying Diversity: Embracing our Shared Humanity is that she strives to break it down to more than a US against THEM and see the why.
Through the interviews and her own personal observations we see how being singled out or labeled as impacted others. It also does something I wasn’t expecting. It turns the tables repeatedly on the reader, forcing us to ask what would we do or who would we be. In horrific events in history would be the one who was the oppressed or would we be the oppressor? Would we stand up for what is right or will be stay by? These questions are difficult but necessary if we are going to see things really move forward in a positive (and productive) way.
There’s another thing that Daralyse discusses in the book that is sure to step on some toes. I know it did mine. That being the words we use to categorize things, like being “good” for eating a salad or “bad” for not. The impact of what we say as well as what we do can impact the way people see themselves and feel about themselves.
Bottom line is we’re ALL a work in progress. This book challenges us to identify the work we ALL have to do and get about doing it.
Kim Larkins
Kim Larkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. For the past thirty years, Kim has dedicated her career working with children and families in the mental health and human services field. Most recently, Kim has worked in educational settings focused on the development of mindfulness skills in the classroom. Research shows that mindfulness in education improves attention, emotional regulation, compassion for self and others, and overall well-being for both students and teachers. Emma Lou the Yorkie Poo: Breathing in the Calm will introduce parents, therapists, educators and children to some of the many benefits of a mindfulness practice.
Kim has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maine. She is also licensed in Maine where she works and lives. Kim has two adult children, Sarah and Theron and two grandchildren, Guyer and Giavanna. She enjoys travel, music, quilting, and the serenity and pleasures found in nature. You can contact her by email at kimlarkinslcsw@gmail.com or on Facebook @kim.larkins.author.
