I realize the puzzle pieces imply something’s missing, but that’s exactly what I don’t get. There’s a big assumption that because we struggle to understand or even do not understand, then there is clearly something wrong with the “other.” There’s just too many things we do not understand for that assumption to make sense to me. Also, I’m deeply troubled by the thought of an adult (a parent especially, but anyone entrusted with the child’s care) seeing a child as an “other.” I try to understand, because it would improve the discourse I’m capable of, but that’s one thing I just don’t get. Wanting to “fix” a child I get — I don’t agree with it, but I do understand it. Seeing a child as something foreign is something I really don’t get.

I’ve read a bit by Sinclair, but Lawson doesn’t trigger any memories for me. I’ll take a closer look at both of them, thank you!

No, foreign is not unwelcome. Foreign is challenging because it requires one to push outside their own comfort-zones, but some of my most cherished “lessons” have been learned through exploring ideas, cultures, and people that initially seemed foreign to me. Even things that initially seem offensive are welcome, because if you do not explore what offends you, then you cannot understand it. Sometimes that understanding leads to appreciation, sometimes it doesn’t, but either way I believe in respecting differences.

“Ignorance leading to implicit approval is worrying. This means it remains at the subconscious level, inaccessible to change.”

Do you mean that my description is worrying or the event itself? In regards to the event itself, it is worrying, and it is subconscious, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is inaccessible to change. Most anything that is subconscious can be brought to the attention of the conscious mind. In regards to this topic, mostly it requires exposure. Exposure to people, exposure to ideas, and exposure to the culture both the people and the ideas create. People really can do awaken from their sleep!

I never saw the puzzle pieces either. People used to think it used to mean something missing out of the brain/child.

Jim Sinclair and Wendy Lawson, among others, have really communicated the bridge concept.

And foreign is not always unwelcome, according to your third purpose.

Ignorance leading to implicit approval is worrying. This means it remains at the subconscious level, inaccessible to change.

I’m glad that you are able to see through and past your own emotions, while using them as a guide.