Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

An example of microaggression that I seen this week was when I went out with a group of family and friends on a girl’s night out.  While out we were in restaurant lounge setting and we were all setting along the bar.  The place was rather grounded and it was hard to grab the attention of a bartender.  While we were setting there an Asian man was behind getting angry because the Asian bartender would not serve him.  He insisted that she was being racist, and continued to call her all these derogatory names.  From this week’s readings I realized that he was initially insulting her about her race because he was not getting his way.  It was amazing she was the same ethnicity as he was and he did not care how much he was hurting her feelings. 

My observation this week was really astonishing, comments are made daily and you never pay attention to them until it is brought to your attention.  I now see the effects of statements made that can do harm to someone unintentionally.  Dr. Sue presentation was very informative it has showed me how to watch what I say and how it can effect others.  In the early childhood field statements made to children can have a big effect on them that is why it is important to lead by example and speak properly to them. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

First, I asked my mom and her definition of culture was something that is inbreed in you or automatically associated with how you will react to something.  It can affect how you eat and live.  Her definition of diversity is how you deal with people of different culture. 

Second, I choose a co-worker her definition of culture is the traditions, practices, and standards of a large group of people who share several things in common that unites them.  Her definition of diversity is things that make common things different.  For example people come in different sizes, skin color, temperaments, behaviors, etc. 

Third, I asked a close friend of mine her definition of culture she thinks of tradition, ways of living that is passed down from generation to generation. 

Her definition of diversity she thinks of unique or differences within in culture.  Various cultures have similarities but are also diverse and unique.

Many of the examples given were similar or just like what we have studied so far.  Many of the examples given needed to be described a little more in depth.  But I believe people interpret it that way because they believe the meanings of these words are a known and don’t put much thought into it.  I don’t feel like anything was omitted I believe each of them covered every aspect of these words.  My close friend who I asked comes from the Haitian culture it was amazing to hear about her culture and how they did things.  Now I can see how culture and the traditions in culture are important in families and why we should keep them alive.  They really make you the person you are. 

My Family Culture

The three items I would I take are:

1.      Bible

2.      Family photos

3.      Ipad

While doing this assignment I did it at a family gathering it was amazing to see the different things that people would take with them.  It was a good activity during family time. 

I would take the Bible because with God in your life everything is possible.  If you run into tough times you can get yourself through by reading God’s word.  It can also help you with your faith during these trying times.

I would take family photos to remind of all the good times I had.  To also keep the legacy and the culture of my family going.  So if I was to one day to have children I would be able to show them the family they never met.

The IPad to try to keep some modern technology with me so if some type of Wi Fi connection would come thru I can try to communicate with others. 

I wouldn’t want to give up anything because I was already taken away from everything I had.  Since I have to make a decision about one thing to keep it would be the Bible with some of my favorite portraits inside so I am able to have faith and family all in one.  I gained many insights of my family’s thoughts and how they would and what they would take with them.  This topic opened up a big conversation piece for are family gathering.  It was a great conversation piece; especially have my grandmother talk about what she would bring.