Microaggressions Wk 4

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?

During a parent conference my first year of school, I had a parent make the comment to me that “you don’t have children, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand”. I replied by simply saying that she was correct, however I am learning and trying my best to understand and help any way that I can. This to me was an intentional comment meant to hurt my self-esteem and confidence. I have also had other young mothers my age tell me “you don’t have children, you’ll find out what I mean when you do” and other comments along those same lines. These comments I feel were not meant as a jab at me, however I took them that way. In my mind I was thinking, “I have a degree in early childhood, I’ve taught in a school for 2 years, or 3 years, I’ve handled classrooms full of children, but yet you’re telling me I don’t understand or that I will understand once I have children? That’s absurd!” Most of these comments came about in conversations about young children and parenting. Unfortunately, I feel that until I have children, I will continue to be the target of these comments. What bothers me the most is that people think that just because you have children, means you know so much, or you know more about kids than anyone, but I have to disagree. There are many people out there who have children and have absolutely no motivation to understand them, they just see it as “having kids”. Just because you have kids, does not make you a better person or a better parent. Your parenting choices influence that.

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

Through readings and discussions I have learned that as an educator, it is extremely important not to make presumptions about a child or the child’s family. Stereotypes can be harmful and detrimental to anyone, and we need to be aware of the ways in which we speak to and of other people. Instead, we need to get to know their culture and differences, and try not to pass judgment based on what we think we know or assume about them. 

Perspectives on Culture and Diversity

My definition of culture: Everything that makes up who a person is, how they interact with others, their behaviors, beliefs, customs, ideas, characteristics… This includes their race, religion, ethnicity, class, language, appearance, dress, customs, traditions, daily life style, choices, and perceptions about the world around them.

 

My definition of diversity: All of which encompasses who we are as an individual, and directly relates to our individual culture. In my opinion, diversity and culture go hand in hand, because our culture is who we are as diverse individuals.

 

ELL Teacher at my school (title one and “inner city”) -

“I'd say that culture is the specific thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, taboos, norms, dress/appearance, and important symbolism that constitute a group of individuals collectively.
Diversity is the variety seen with ethnicity, gender, SES, background and other factors in a group.”

 

Walden Colleague -

“Culture- being human, embracing family traditions, acknowledging differences, individuality, religion, race, language, how we dress, behavior, hierarchy. 

Diversity- culture, tradition, differences, how we perceive each other, behavior, embracing individuality.”

 

Sister in-law and fellow Kindergarten teacher at a “country school” –

“I would say that diversity is including all different types of people and ideas, etc.

Culture is the beliefs and customs in a community.”

 

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

 The terms tradition, differences, perception, behavior, religion, ethnicity, race, are all commonalities in the definitions.

 

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

I believe that gender, socio-economic status, sexual-orientation have been omitted in these definitions.

 

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

I think that this is assignment is a perfect example of how we each individually think, perceive, process, and communicate differently; all of which relate to our culture and diversity as a person.

Week 2

If I had to pick up and move to a new country I would take with me my wedding rings, my cross ring, and my bible. The wedding rings are a symbol of my marriage and relationship with my husband. I value our marriage and the strength and faith it has been built upon. The cross ring and bible would be a reminder for me of my faith and give me hope, reminding me to stay strong and trust in the lord.

If upon arrival I was told that I could only keep one personal item I would keep the bible, because I would want to be able to read it and remain strong in my faith and beliefs as well as share the Lord's word with others. I truly believe that the bible would help me through this experience, and trusting in the lord as well.

I have never actually thought about this scenario, and when I originally read this assignment, I thought to myself "what in the world would I keep? shampoo? a piece of jewelry? a book? my pets?" As I began typing this evening, I still wasn't sure, but as I typed those three things just came to me, and in my mind it's because I truly believe that even in difficult circumstances God will be there, even when everything else it gone.