“Learn to listen deeply to others, expecting to learn something about them and about yourself."
In February, Dr. Mishy Lesser visited the BB&N Middle School to teach us about genocide and othering, and shine a spotlight on the Wabanaki in Maine and their suffering from the government’s removal of their children, sometimes by force. Curious to learn more about Mishy’s experience as an educator and the impact of Upstander Project on her life, I interviewed this thoughtful, caring and knowing woman who has brought a remarkable amount of awareness and pursuit for change into society.
Mishy: We are a small team--an educator and a couple of filmmakers--that creates compelling documentary films and materials for teachers about ignored social issues. We focus on genocide and human rights to help more people transform from bystanders into upstanders.
Mishy: After creating Coexist, about post-genocide Rwanda, we wanted to make a film closer to home. We heard an NPR broadcast about forced removal of Native American children in Maine and the truth and reconciliation commission created there to uncover how it happened. Upstander Project was fortunate to document the work of the TRC for over 2 years. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12) we released a short film, First Light, to introduce viewers to the themes of forced assimilation and cultural genocide. Next year we will release a longer film, Dawnland, about these issues.
Ava: How has the Upstander Project affected your life?
Mishy: It allows me to align my work to my values, and interact with students and their teachers, which fills me with inspiration and opportunities for lifelong learning. I am grateful to collaborate with documentary filmmaker, Adam Mazo. Most importantly, we both care deeply about our mission. Upstander Project reminds me to stand up and speak out to interrupt bigoted, harmful speech and behavior.
Ava: What inspired you to start this project? Was there any personal experience?
Mishy: I was a social studies nerd starting in the 6th grade. When in high school, girls weren’t allowed to wear pants, we organized a pants strike and became active in the student movement to end the war in Vietnam. After high school I yearned to understand my place in the world and went to a Quaker college that allowed me to travel and pursue my interests. That took me to Latin America for 12 years. More recently, I have been disturbed by how poorly we as a society deal with our differences. In this political climate when some see it as acceptable to foster fear, anger, and othering, I am proud to be part of the Upstander Project.
Ava: How has your family influenced your thoughts on ethnic equality?
Mishy: Being Jewish has certainly shaped my perspective on how family history shapes who we are. After the horrors of World War II, my parents tried to protect me from the truth. But I wanted to know and thus began my passion for learning about human rights and genocide.
Ava: Through your studies, how has othering affected kids in their educational careers? Any impacts emotionally/socially? Any statistics?
Mishy: The question to ask is: How does othering show up in your community? While teaching in southern California near the Mexican border, a teacher shared that she overheard a staff member say, “Our Mexican students are the sons and daughters of seasonal workers and will never go to college.” So in that particular school, Mexican students were at risk and some struggled because of how they were labelled. Members of the LGBTQ community also said they felt targeted.
Ava: Specifically, what ethnic group/race do you feel is “dominant” and others are being stereotyped?
Mishy: Clearly white men still have most of the power and wealth in the U.S., though there are many who feel disenfranchised and are making their voices heard in this electoral season. In relation to who gets stereotyped, right now Muslims are most vulnerable to stereotyping and othering. Since colonial times, indigenous people have been marginalized and remain invisible to most of the mainstream population or at best, are seen as “relics of the past.”
Ava: If you could give one tip to middle schoolers on creating a safer, more diverse and welcoming community, what would it be?
Mishy: Go out and listen to people who aren’t like you. For centuries social distance has divided us. Cultivate genuine interest in their stories and reality. When we finally begin to interact, we will not only understand someone else better, but we will understand ourselves better. And learn about history and how forces from the past continue to influence us today. Study who Christopher Columbus was, what he did, how he never set foot in the U.S., and ask if you want to celebrate that holiday. Get impassioned, get involved.
Ava: In the future, what do you hope the Upstander Project will accomplish?
Mishy: I hope the Upstander Project can raise awareness about the perils of othering and importance of upstanders, and be a catalyst to make the world more inclusive. We can thrive together instead of rip each other apart.
For further information about Upstander Project and other upcoming films, visit this link:
http://upstanderproject.org/
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