For my inquiry project, I'd like to explore ways in which I can encourage my students to write about difficult / controversial subjects. The courses that I usually teach (world literature and / or cultural diversity courses) expose students to situations and realities different to theirs that can challenge (and do challenge) their belief systems. Quite often I can tell they feel uncomfortable talking about these situations and they would try to avoid any discussion under the pretense that they don't feel related to the topic. But do we need to feel related to something in order to acknowledge, in its difference, its value? How can I teach my students that critical thinking and writing becomes stronger when exposed to realities other than one's one? How can I teach them that acknowledging and considering possibilities other than one's own can be empowering?