OtherWise

ConclusionHow to Be OtherWise

Everybody is somebody’s Other. But it is amazing how many of us are “OtherDumb” or “OtherDim.” Whether it stems from fear, anger, or sheer laziness, whether the product of our upbringing, our schooling, or our experience, whether reflecting our religious, political, or social beliefs, or simply the vestige of some evolutionary adaptation that lost its usefulness long ago, few people would argue that we Americans are OtherWise.

We are widely known for knowing little about the rest of the world geographically, politically, culturally, religiously, or historically. When times get tough, our inclination is to close the blinds, lock the doors, and blame our troubles on all the foreigners—here and abroad—who are stealing ...