Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions...(Week 4)

     As an African-American woman, I’ve always had to prove myself as an educated person. When I first moved for New Jersey to South Carolina I learn that people still judge you on their own biases and stereotypes. First I was judged for being from the North; southerner would say comments jokingly, but it wasn’t funny to me. A most recent example of microaggression is in my current profession. I’m Program Specialist for an early childhood program where I’m surrounded with colleagues of the dominant culture. Our program serves a variety of families, but the majority is American-American families. I was developing a newsletter on summer safety for children where I was addressing the need for sunscreen outsides. As the program director (Caucasian woman) reviewed the newsletter she comments, “Black people do not use sunscreen.” As African American woman, I was appalled! I immediately corrected her in an intelligent and proper matter. She felt assume and embarrassed, and I felt disrespected and offended. I looked at her differently for that point. This experience taught me that many people are judged on their own biases and stereotypes.   I’ve vowed to treat everyone the same regardless of whom they were.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture....(Week 3)

                                    Indian Store Owner…..

(Culture) My belief is that culture starts at home with family. Such praying and the way we dress in our Sari.

(Diversity) People that has different beliefs.

                                            My Sister….

(Culture) The way we are taught to do something. For example, cook certain food item and our beliefs.

(Diversity) Different type of thinking and beliefs from our own.

                   Caucasian Co-Worker (Early Childhood Professional)

(Culture) Culture starts at home where a variety things goes into developing cultural views. It is not what you see; it is what you we do.

(Diversity)  This is difference that can be embraced as a teachable moment for everyone.

Reflection…..

I like my co-worker explanation of diversity and culture. Her explanation reminded me of looking beyond the surface to culture. For example, it is not what we see, but what is deeper. Some professionals look at culture as what they see and taste. It was surprising to hear a deeper understanding.

One aspect that has been omitted is social identities that can be developed from the culture. Our cultural identity also influences how we live our other social identities (Derman and Edward, 2010).

Listening to other people definition of culture and diversity influenced me to learn more about culture and diversity to an effective early childhood professional. I think everyone needs to look at culture and diversity as a positive aspect in our society.

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

My Family Culture….. (Week 2)

(This is my Aunt Cassandra’s Painting-“Baby Quilt”.  http://www.cassandragillens.com/index.html)

Quilt…..

My grandma has always sewed quilts as a part of her culture. The handmade quilts are a symbol of individualization and strength that our family is bonded together. For instance, a quilt is a gift my grandma gives as a wedding gift to family. The quilt will give me conform as a reminder of my family culture is still a priority in my life.

Grandma’s Holy Bible…..

My grandma’s bible has a lot of family history in it. Not only is there great knowledge of our religion, but there is a lot of my family members’ date of birth and date of death.  This is important because it is a history of my ancestors. It will remind me of my foundation and my religion.

Childhood Photo Album…..

My childhood family album means a lot to me. The pictures are family birthday parties, church events, and family gathering. Looking at the pictures would give a connection to my roots. It will remind me how important it is to be close to my family.

 

• Overall, these items give me a sense of a connection to my family culture and know important it is for me to remember how I was raise, values, and beliefs. If I had to give up 2 of my items, I would feel a little lost and broken. I would feel like I’m leaving a piece of myself behind. I would try to remain strong, but I would be hurt inside.

• As a result of this exercise, I was able to reflect on what really matters to me. It is not about money or materialistic items.  It is about items that have richer meaning, such as representing my culture and family values.