Week 4: Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

It is a life-changing experience to learn about microaggressions and the impact they have on diverse individuals. My neighbor Teddy, who is only 14 years old, recently had an argument with his uncle about some gloves that went missing in the house. As I am standing on my porch, I witnessed the uncle making a very nasty remark saying “GO LIVE WITH YOUR MOM….YOU FAGGOT.” This is an example of sexual microaggression that was intentionally directed at Teddy.  I was shocked that he would say something like this to his own nephew or anyone else. I wanted to believe that he was just angry and thought his nephew  had somehow stolen the pair of gloves. A few days later, Teddy was still upset and embarrassed as he spoke to me about the details of this experience.  He knew that I witnessed this incident because I was standing on my front porch.  He also wanted to know what I was thinking and I told him that I wasn’t judging him in any way. He has secretly explained to me that he has an interest in boys his age, but didn’t plan to ever reveal this to his family. It is a bit disturbing to see someone hurt because of another person’s prejudices. This experience has taught me that microaggressions are committed more often than I realize. I’ve also gained an insight to be accepting, supportive and understanding of the individual differences that people have!

Week 3 Blog Assignment: Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

When learning about culture and diversity, it is always an advantage to understand the varying perspectives and how they differ from your own. On my journey of learning about culture and diversity, I talked with 3 individuals about their definition of culture and diversity. I spoke with a Preschool Teacher, a Neighbor and a Relative.

Ms. Jennings  is a preschool teacher. She explained that Diversity is extremely important in school because it really benefits the students that attend the school. Students need to see the importance of other cultures. She went on to explain that diversity is important because it provides more than just one look at a particular issue, world or idea. Diversity helps to create the changes needed, to benefit our country and the world. Ms. Jennings also stated that Culture is a more specific form of diversity that describes the lifestyle of a group of people.

Ms. Alizonda is my neighbor who lives across the street.  She felt that Diversity is important because it promotes unity in a group or an organization. She stated that there will be lots of unique generation of ideas and use of varying skills and talents to help attain goals. Ms. Alizonda explained that she is from India and that she must be submissive to her husband. She does what her husband asks of her. I also learned that she does not use toilet paper in her culture. She stated that this rule is a part of her culture that defines her role as a woman.

Kimberly is my cousin. She explained that diversity is important because it allows people to work together with different kinds of people. It allows for a better understanding of other cultures and ideas. She wants people to understand that culture should be recognized in every country, workplace and school. They include persons of various ethnic groups and interests. She explained that she completed cultural diversity training and this helped her to dispel negative stereotypes about other people.

There was at least 1 aspect of culture and diversity that I studied in this course that is included in the answers I received. Recently, I read the article written by Janet Gonzalez-Mena (Diversity in Early Care and Education).  The article explains how early childhood professionals should be culturally responsive to diverse families.  Ms. Jennings has helped me to understand this by explaining her definition of culture and diversity.

One aspect of culture and diversity that was omitted was food and music. I really wanted more elaboration on the types of food and music that was experienced in each culture.

Hearing other people’s perspectives on diversity and culture has inspired me to do a research activity on cultures around the world. I want to explore cultures that I didn’t know existed before studying topics in this course.

(Week 2) Blog: My Family Culture

It is one of the biggest life-changing  moments for me to say goodbye to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. I have to live 1 day at a time and continue my identity formation in Mexico.  I will be taking 3 valuable items that represent my family culture. They include a photo of my immediate family: My father, mother, sister, brother and myself. This photo was taken in front of our 3 bedroom home. The other two items include a blanket that was knitted by my grandfather. This blanket has the American flag colored into the cloth material. The other item that I will carry is the Holy Bible. I have read every chapter and verse in the Bible. The Bible gives me guidance in how to make good decisions and treat others in any situation.

I would explain to the residents in Mexico that my family photo is a representation of how close and inseparable my family was before and after the catastrophic event. I would tell the Mexico residents that my blanket is a constant reminder of the freedoms and opportunities that Americans have in the United States of America. This includes the options for everyone to get an education, start a business and vote. I would explain to the Mexico residents that my Bible is my sanctuary, guide and reference to peace. The people in the Mexican culture will know that My Bible is a way for me to learn how to serve God!

If I was told that I could only  keep 1 item, I would keep my Bible because it gives me inspiration to live each day as if it were my last. When I am feeling depressed, I can always refer to my Bible  for healing and spiritual guidance. I would feel overwhelmed to have to give away the other 2 items because they shape who I am as a family member and citizen.

As a result of this exercise, I am very excited to learn the languages that Mexican residents speak, the favorite foods that we share in common and their religious practices. This journey of diversity will be life-changing, inspiring and educational!