Using the below criteria, mark the critical self-reflection on the different

reading. Include a brief explanation for the marks you give and provide some feedback.

Identification of responses to the reading, including assumptions

clearly identify some responses to the reading (these could include emotional or intellectual responses), and must note some of the assumptions they made during their experience of reading their chosen reading.

Analysis of responses, including assumptions, personal epistemological beliefs, or other relevant aspects of your approach to the reading

analyse their responses to what they read by analysing the assumptions they noted, the thinking that underlay their approach to processing the information from the reading, and other relevant aspects of their approach to the piece of reading. In so doing, students should draw explicitly on the ways of categorising assumptions.

(epistemological, socio-cultural or psychological assumption) to classify their assumptions. Students should similarly draw explicitly on the material on personal epistemological beliefs where relevant to classify the beliefs that underlay their responses.

Citation of sources to verify or challenge responses

answers should draw on relevant sources to verify or challenge their responses as part of their reflection and exploration. These could include own personal experiences or that of friends and family; media reports; information from the course materials or information from their own research, including research for other courses.

My response to this reading seemed to be divided. I agreed with the author for most part but agreed with some of the liberal arguments within the reading, at first.

It was mentioned that conservative's worldview was false and I did somewhat agree. I believe that how I was raised, taught and even influenced by movies, made me think that a conservative scholar would be narrow-minded and bias. However, upon examining this assumption, I realised that this was a sociocultural assumption and that not every conservative, or republican for that matter, are right wing extremists.

Another agreement I had initially with the liberals was the discussion around Christians. I found my reaction to be quite pig headed just because my beliefs and understanding was different to theirs. Having thought about it further and assessed my thinking, I realised that almost everyone believes in some form of higher power and because my knowledge of Christianity is minimal, or religion of any form for that matter, this was an epistemic assumption.

After critical self-reflection, it is safe to say that my first initial reactions or thoughts on the reading were uneducated and stereotypical.

This reading showed an insight to liberal bias and it made me think about political opinions and biases I have. As this reading was from the New York Times, it mentions democrats and republicans almost as if you can draw a line straight through the middle. In New Zealand, this line can be blurred especially as the moment as political campaigns and potential promises are all we see and hear in the lead up to elections.

I noticed that yes, I have a tendency to disagree with or roll my eyes at a person based on their political opinion or choice of political party, much the same as liberals who tend to discriminate against conservatives that apply for jobs at the universities in America.

Upon some reflection, the political party, government or even beliefs and opinions other people have, have no bearing on who they are as a person or their level of intelligence.

This reading made me think about what the world would be like if we all thought the same. No challenges, no new ideas or forward thinking and no diversity. I am pleased to say this reading has made me more aware of my assumptions and gives me more perspective and a more open mind when listening to or reading opinions or views of others.