This I Believe. a writing center manifesto

How do we treat differences

between writers? •Ignoring difference is harmful, but

so is using it to define writers

•avoiding the “us” vs. “them” mentality

The temptation to ignore

•We want equality, but one ubiquitous style of tutoring is not possible

•Instances when we are not aware of cultural differences, writers with experiences beyond our own etc.

•We can never know every person’s situation, but we should keep this ignorance in mind

Differences creating barriers

•Lessons learned from my I Search- the tendency to classify

•International students, “English people” vs. “Science People,” “ESLP” vs. “Native speakers,”

Differences do exist, but in the

end

We are all writers.