Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

    When Will it End

Microaggression is defined  as brief everyday indignities; verbal, behavioral, or environmental; communicated intentionally or unintentionally; containing an insulting message; often causes serve psychological stress and harm; reflect views of inferiority/ superiority and inclusion/exclusions; and happen outside the level of awareness of well-intentioned individuals (Laureate Education, 2011).

I can remember a time when my family and I were looking for seats at the airport while waiting for our flight. We sat down leaving a seat between us and an older Caucasian couple. The lady frowned at us as we sat down. She then sucked her teeth and the couple got up and moved to another area. The nonverbal message she gave off was that we could not sit near her because of the color of our skin. In a crowded airport we just wanted to be as comfortable as everyone else while we awaited our flight. To think we have to continuously go through events like this in 2020 is tiring.

As I look at events happening in the world right now it is heart breaking how much hate is in this world. I also think with Covid-19 already creating trauma in our everyday lives we cannot show love as we once were able to comfort one another.  The racism we are feeling is creating hatred in many. I saw a quote that said racism never ended it is just being filmed now. I often feel overwhelmed by all that is going on right now and have a hard time speaking on these matters. I think of my family where I have some law enforcement relatives and some first responders and we are genuinely good people we go out of our way to help others but not only are we scrutinized by the color of our skin but also our careers.

I came across a video that features a woman by the name of Jane Elliott who brings awareness to racism in America. This video to me shows how some people are not willing to change.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi3iqJykwEo

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

     I believe culture is where your family is from and where they have grown to become, then mix in experiences from every generation because the world is ever evolving. Culture refers to how particular groups of people live. The way we eat sleep, talk, and even take care of one another (Derman-Sparks, 2010). With this definition culture seems to be defined in many ways depending on a person’s perspective. 

     A colleague of mine says “culture is where you are from and how you were raised”. A friend of mine says “culture is ethical upbringing passed down from generation to generation. A way of life for a group of people or place”. She goes on to explain place because at work, church, school, there are different cultures.

     According to the class resources thus far everyone has a similar definition just worded to fit their perception. I agree with everyone’s definition. It is almost as if culture relates to expectations. Your culture brings about certain expectations, morals, rules as to how we live. Janet Gonzalez-Mena says it may sound clichés but “culture is like an iceberg only the tip of it shows and that is the part we can celebrate but the 90% that we do not see is where the tensions come in from different beliefs” (Laureate Education, 2011).

     Diversity means differences. These differences can be age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences. Diversity is also how we accept these differences. That is how I believe culture ties into how we acknowledge differences.

     Thinking about other people’s definition of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about my workplace and my family and friends. I believe culture is what brings people together at times. Family culture may be different, but we are often intrigued by differences and amazed at the similarities we share with other people.  

References

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).

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic interactions [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

My Family Culture

Scenario: A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.

I love my family so much and I value our culture and relationships. Thinking of three things to take with me to a new country is difficult but here are my three things…

1. My grandmother’s photo album

2. Family values

3. A bible

My grandmother’s photo album shares so many memories for our family. My grandmother had 11 children, so I am truly fortunate to have a big family. I would want to be able to view the pictures to revisit wonderful memories. These pictures would allow us to share stories and appreciate one another. I would also take my family values because despite where we end up, I have to my family in my heart. I was brought up to show kindness, and to have compassion for others.  That saying of giving the same respect to the janitor as you do the CEO is how I was raised. Also, my parents showed me how to not judge a book by its cover because we get scrutinized too much as it is and we must be the change you want to see. Last but not least I would take my bible. Life comes with its share of ups and downs and reading God’s word helps me and my family get through good and bad times.

I would show other people better than I could tell them about how much my family culture means to me.  My family culture is important to me and these items represent who we are. Simple gestures from caring greetings to lending a helping hand or even saying a prayer for someone else shows what my family culture is. I am always up for great communication as I like to keep an open mind and learn from others to understand their culture.

I would be hurt if I had to give up something but the items, I picked will always be represented even without they physical item such as the photo album. I would keep my bible as a way to help one another through these hard times.

The insight I have gained about myself is that family means more to me than I realize and that sometimes I may even take them for granted. I have such a strong support system that I would always want to make sure I take time to values and appreciate them. Even with our family culture we still may have different culture based on our environments and experiences. I want to make sure I understand and learn from them as well as others.