Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week I have been practicing awareness of microaggression.  I was at the local grocery store and I was waiting in line to check-out.  There was a young child about five or six years old and her mother in the next aisle to me, also waiting to check-out.  In front of the child and her mother there was an individual in a wheelchair.  The child began staring at the individual and asking questions that were loud enough for the targeted individual to hear.  The young child asked "Mommy, what's wrong with that man?" "Why does he need that wheelchair?" "I don't need one." "You don't need one?"  The child's mother ignored the comments her child was making.  I feel that the mother of the child should of explained to her child that it is okay to need a wheelchair.  If this situation would have occurred with my children, I would talked to them some people need help getting around so they can be independent. 

My observation experience this week has affected my perception of discrimination, prejudice, and / or stereotypes on people.  I have become more aware of how many people discriminate and / or stereotype against any individual who is not like them.  It is very unfortunate that is so much discrimination, prejudice, and / or stereotyping.  Discriminating, being prejudice, and / or stereotyping causes feeling of alienation, stress, and creates inequities. After this experience, I am thankful that I have instilled in my children that all individuals are special.  A parent needs to take advantage of a situation like the one explained above to explain that it is okay to be different.  Being different is what makes everyone so special. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The aspects of culture and diversity which I have studied in EDUC 6164: Perspectives on Diversity and Equity were included in the three responses I received.  Some examples of culture and diversity included how diversity is "a mixture of many ingredients / components." "Culture is the different types of people from all around the globe, where and how they live, including their beliefs, customs, and life style."  Another example, diversity was defined as differences in everything from ethnicity, thoughts, and points of view. Culture was defined as "a collection of beliefs and behaviors that exist in an organization, town, or city." 

Some of the aspects that were omitted from the definitions of culture and diversity I received were how values, styles of communication, or holidays / traditions are key, as well. 

After reading and reflecting on the three definitions of culture and diversity I received, I have been influenced to be open-minded and respectful to all cultures.  There is so much to learn from other cultures.  Gaining a deeper understanding of culture and diversity is eye-opening to me.  It is so very important to be respectful to all cultures.   

My Family Culture

If there were a major catastrophe and I was able to take three small items with me, they would be a picture of my mother, my daughters baby books, and my necklace that a dear friend gave to me.  The picture of my mother is significant to me because my mother was a very important person in my life.  The picture represents hope and love to me.  My daughters baby books are significant to my culture because the baby books hold special moments and memories of our family culture.  My necklace represents perseverance to me.  It is important to me to never give up and to always keep trying. 

If I was to arrive at my new destination and was told that I could only keep one of my items, I would be devastated.  I would not want to lose any of these sacred items of mine.  But if I had to choose one, I would keep my daughters baby books. 

Diversity is apart of every family.  It is so important to be open-minded and understanding of families diversity.  Being understanding and learning from children and their families will provide you with insightful information about the culture of their family.