Hypocrisy

Think about something you care about, or an aspect of your identity that you value but do not live by. This week, do three things that materially demonstrate your commitment to those values. Did this make you reconsider your values or did it reinforce those values for you? Reflect on this experience with reference to Dover. 

Evidence: Print photos or screenshots of the three times that you walked the walk.  

Give three people permission to tell you something about yourself that they would normally hesitate to say. You can frame the request like this: 

"For this class I'm doing a project. For the next few days, you have complete amnesty. If there's something about me you've wanted to criticize, point out, or suggest I change—but you've held back because you didn't want to hurt my feelings—I want to hear it. I promise not to argue or get defensive. I'll just listen."

And

"What is something about me that you think I don't fully see about myself?"

Then, listen to them without arguing or returning criticism in any way. Ask clarifying questions, but do not defend yourself, explain your behavior, or try to convince the other person they are wrong.

In your reflection, discuss the kinds of criticism you heard, why you think people otherwise hesitated to say it, and whether knowing about the way your behavior appears to other people was a surprise. Do you think honesty is a gift? Do you actually want to know if you are walking your talk?

Think about all the things you care about, but which do not really affect your actual life. Post about it on social media anyhow! Post three things about politics, religion, or ethics, that communicate your values to the people who follow you. Reflect on Dover’s arguments about moral education and consider whether these posts had pedagogical or dialogical value. 

Evidence: Screenshots of your grandstanding and people’s engagement with it. 

Type a letter to your fellow students, telling them what you wish you’d known sooner. In your reflection explain how this advice relates to any reading from this semester, and why you think this is the advice they need to hear. Then discuss the ways that you still are not living by that advice. What is holding you back? Spend at least a day living in accordance with the advice you sent to younger students. 

Evidence: Include the typed letter—your professor might post it on her door!