Remaking Our Beds: Avoiding Blanket Statements

Remaking Our Beds: Avoiding Blanket Statements

Noah Kurzenhauser, Portland State University

Abstract

Many of us find ourselves using generalizations - or blanket statements - in ways that harm our discourse with others. By highlighting three different life scenarios that shifted his world view, Noah will demonstrate how this habit can be overcome. Noah Kurzenhauser is currently pursuing a political science B.S. degree with a minor in community development and a global studies certificate at Portland State University. He began his college tenure at the age of 15, completing a political science transfer degree at Clackamas Community College. He aims on completing a Master’s in international affairs or security policy following graduation in Spring 2021.

Noah possesses experience in non-profit work, government-community relations, facilitating virtual international student exchanges, and has participated in various student programs.

When not consumed with school and his political commitments, Noah works with the disability community to further extracurricular opportunities for youth; he currently co-runs a disability basketball league and has helped lead bike-learning clinics for the greater Portland area.

In his free time, Noah enjoys basketball, working out, playing piano, and cooking in his confined apartment kitchen.