Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

 

• Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

Not to long ago, my mother and I witnessed a mother and her children were having a conversation in the store near check-out. They were speaking a language other than English and someone came up to them asking “what language is that? why are you speaking that? In America we speak English!”. The family kind of froze and probably felt embarrassed. I did hear back and forth conversation between these two people, however I am not sure they understood each other.

Although this did not happen to us, my mom and I took it personal. Honestly, I was taken back because we should have grown from this conception of not allowing to speak anything other than English. My mom was pretty upset too because she did not think it was that person’s business to belittle another person because of their language and culture.

 

• In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people

i have learned this week that some people can be opened minded, while others are not. Ironically, this time around for our procession for the passion of Christ, we did have people who made comments. I am not completely sure what they said. I have realized that neighborhoods change, people change, even cultures change. Sometimes it is because it is not part of the dominant culture, so people do want to feel excluded.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Assignment:

Call, write to, or talk to at least three friends, family members, acquaintances, and/or colleagues. Include at least one person who you believe is in some ways culturally different from you (a different gender, race, class, religion, abilities, age, etc.)

My fiance, 27 – Puerto Rican

“Culture is the collection of behavior and knowledge of a group of people. It is the manifestation of history and traditions built and held by those people to continue cultivating from generation to generation. Diversity is the recognition that a person or group of people come from a different variety and are all unique in their own way”

My friend, 28 – Female of a Muslim background

“Culture to me is a collective behavior or understanding among a group of people. It is something that includes many aspects of life that include religion, food we eat, what we wear or even the way we think. Diversity is our differences can be categorized by many things”

My friend, 26 – Female of Irish background

“Culture is tradition and beliefs of you and your family. As a person with Irish background, my family and I always celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and make Irish soda bread”

Reflection

My definition:

• culture means traditions. The ability to pass down your beliefs, stories, and knowledge to others to continue the values. It is about understanding who you are, where you come from, and not being afraid to share it with the world. Diversity is about accepting ourselves as being different from one another, and accepting others for who they are. That although we are different, people should not be subjected to unequal opportunities because of their social class, culture, race, skin color or any other matter.

After talking to my family and friends about culture and diversity,  I found our answers to be similar. This week we have spoken about “deep” culture, culture discontinuity, and culture invisibility. In everyone’s definition, culture and diversity was about togetherness yet recognizing the differences among each other.

My Family Culture

* The first item I would bring with me is my rosary. The Rosary is my belief and what I hold to faith. It represents my illogical but warranted thoughts of a higher power in me and my belief.

* My second item would be my two dollar bill. The two dollar bill is for the luck it grants me based on my family and losing it would destroy my mood and person overall.

* Lastly, I would bring a picture of my family. Bringing a picture of my family represents who I am, and where I come from. I would not want to lose my identity nor my Culture.

If I were told I can keep one item upon arrival I would be hurt. I would not be able to choose between the three of these items. Each are important to me in their own way.

I realized that we demonstrate our culture in various ways, especially through these three items chosen. It is very important to not lose myself in a world that does not accept those who are “different” from others. I would want to educate those who do not know about me, my culture, my values, and over all my differences among their culture. In finding those differences, I am sure I would be able to find some similarities.

When I Think of Research…

(EDUC 6163-wk8)

My Research Simulation: The relationship between play and a child’s learning development

• Why is your simulation important to the field of early childhood?

My research simulation is important to the field of early childhood because it helps educators and families to understand how a child can comprehend. Children are also able to show adults their comprehension skills through their play. This research information can help both educators and parents learn how to interact with children, provide appropriate activities,  build a connection, and most importantly learn how to play/explore.

• If you were to conduct your simulation proposal, who would benefit?

If I were to conduct my simulation proposal, it would benefit anyone that is around kids: guardians/parents, babysitters, educators, doctors, social workers and so forth. Each group handles children due to their profession. However, providing this information can help it cross paths between each so that everyone can be on the same page.

• What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

I have learned how to conduct better research by making sure I have specific goals in mind. As well as trying to answer my every aspect of my research topic as much as possible. I have also learned that I need to step back and evaluate myself to see how things went about and make sure that the children at their potential.

 

Thank you to my colleagues for sharing their knowledge with me about their topics and about mine. I always appreciate the support. As we all know “two heads are better than one”. May you all continue striving your best.