Bravery, Shame, and Identity in the LIS Classroom

In contrast to a “safe space” a “brave space” allows and encourages challenging discussions. In a brave space, all members of the group recognize that they may be uncomfortable. It is possible that some people will cause harm, and that that harm will be named and confronted. To best support this practice of confronting harm, the facilitator of the brave space may need to help the person who has caused harm to remember that actions and identity are separate. People often shut down when they receive criticism as a threat to their identity as a “good person.” We see examples of a facilitator being the one to gently name harm and create a teachable moment, and of a student shutting down even though they were not the one who caused harm. This aspect of the facilitation role helps further the discussion on brave spaces, and in the LIS classroom specifically.