In my previous blog post, I discussed reframing education in general. From the humane educator’s perspective, almost all the myths of society require reframing. Consider these:

• If we don’t buy lots of non-essential things, the economy will collapse.
• You’re either with us or against us.
• Economic globalization is the greatest hope for developing countries.
• Economic globalization is empire-building colonization at its worst.
• Milk is good for your bones.

The list is endless. Each of these statements, even those that represent opposite viewpoints, like the two about economic globalization, is, on its own, false. If we reframe these assumptions into meaningful questions, however, we may find positive answers to solve persistent challenges. For example:

• How can we maintain a healthy economy and promote sustainable, life-enhancing, environmentally regenerative living?
• What are the many different perspectives on a specific issue, and how can we learn from and resolve conflicts in a peaceful, healthy, safe way?
• How can we promote the life-enhancing, progressive, and positive aspects of economic globalization while making sure that we are not causing destruction, pollution, or suffering?
• What are the healthiest ways to ensure strong bones as people live longer?

Try reframing every assumption or myth or opinion masquerading as fact into a meaningful question. Then seek to answer it. And please post any thoughts on these or other false assumptions!

~ Zoe