Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

The whole nation is aware of what happened to Trayvon Martin. Regardless of the verdict, I believe that it is well agreed upon that there were micoaggressions present in that situation. There were several stereotypes recognized by George Zimmerman that resulted in the fatality of this young man. Trayvon was stereotyped by his appearance, race, and clothing. While this is still a very sensitive subject for some, I will move forward in my context of micro aggression. I must admit that I feel a certain type of way. Reflecting on my own personal life, I have a nine year old son maturing in this day and age. As research suggests, by the time a black male reaches the 4^th grade, there is already a jail cell waiting for him. Luckily, my son was promoted from the 3^rd to the 5^th grade! But this is not to say that he does not fall under this jurisdiction. I remember hearing as a child that being born black and male is already two strikes against you. This is a major micro aggression for African American males. This predetermined prediction lessens the likelihood of them becoming successful adults considering the ‘odds’ that are already against them. I refuse to raise my son with a sense of hopelessness. He will not be a statistic in a society that utilizes micro aggressions as the norm.

 I remember when President Barak Obama ran for his first term for candidacy. There was much controversy concerning his ethnicity rather than his abilities and capacity to run this country. In my opinion, it is unfortunate that as one nation we still are unable to grow beyond the lines of micro aggressions.

My perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes of people has made me cautious and conscious of the society that we live in. While we have come a long way from the isms that once ran our nation, we still have a long way to go.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture... Interviewing others

My first interview was held with the Director of Education at the local early learning facility. Mrs. Hobart’s says that “culture is the way we do things around here. Families have culture, schools, and organizations have culture and also communities. Diversity means differences. When we have diversity we have people who come to a situation with lots of different perspectives and experiences.”

Mrs. Lango is a current teacher at ELLRC. Mrs. Lango’s definition of diversity is to embrace any and all things that are similar and different from how she was raised, her beliefs and what she currently knows. She believes that diversity is observed in every facet of our lives. The society that we live in is extremely diverse and we must learn to coexist within our society that is a mixing bowl called acceptance. She states “culture is how you were raised and often times people cannot distinguish between what culture is and what is race and the two should not be confused. Your culture is developed through norms and tradition and should not be characterized by your ethnicity.”

Taurean is an uprising 7^th grader attending middle school in his community. Taurean’s definition of culture is seeing the different kinds of kids and teachers that go to his school. He says that some are from different cultures like Chinese, African American, and Caucasian. His definition of diversity includes the children that have challenges.

In reflection, completing this assignment was interesting. I wanted to interview individuals that may have had different perspectives and definitions of culture and diversity. Rather than choose from specific characteristics I randomly selected individuals that were in various occupations but keeping one thing in common and that is their exposure, impact and interactions with diversity and culture. Their aspects of culture relating to norms, traditions, and rearing styles were similar in being the foundation of their existence and way of living.

Omissions such as differences in age, gender, and class were omitted. I believe that this was due mostly impart to each of their position of interconnectedness with these differences and also having an awareness and respect for these aspects. The realm of culture and diversity are multifaceted and unconsciously recognizing the similarities between their cultures and others.

Thinking about other peoples’ definition of culture and definition has expanded my thoughts regarding this topic. Although certain characteristics make us uniquely different, there are several aspects that make us similar. We all have specific inheritances from our ancestors that cultivate our behaviors and beliefs which we pass down from generation to generation. These traits are ingrained in our genetic DNA and code our mental models and responses to the world.

My Family Culture

My Family Culture

 

Religion is critical to my cultural existence. We revere the Holy Bible as a sacred and priceless symbol of our belief and sacrifice to a higher deity. Worship, prayer, praise are a part of our daily practice. We have a family church that my uncle founded in 1995. We have relied on our faith and belief to guide us through trials and tribulations and also as an important attribute in how we raise the children in our family.

Fellowship is in my culture is essential. There is nothing that my family loves more than to get together and eat. My aunt cooks for our entire family every Sunday after church. We meet at my grandmother’s house, where five generations were raised, and enjoy delicious cooking, conversations, games, and music.

This chest that my great great grandparents had crafted for our family. Inside of the chest are many items that my family has kept from generation after generation. My great great grandmother knitted a quilted for her first born child. And since then my great grandparents, grandparents, and mother have added items to this chest. I myself have added a treasure box from my son to this chest. Inside of my memory box includes his first haircut, walking shoes, first tooth, umbilical cord and hospital band, and his first picture. The items in this chest have great sentimental value.

If I had to explain to others what each of these items means to me, I think I would want them to receive the full experience by joining me for church on Sunday, then to Sunday dinner. After Sunday dinner we would take a look through the chest as I explain the significance of each item inside of it.

Reflecting over these items has given me a deeper since of culture intimacy and value.  If I could only take one item, and leave the other two behind, I would take the Holy Bible. Nothing in this world holds more authority or influence on my life than my spirituality. I have relied on my beliefs in religion to guide me through various occurrences. My new insights of my family are that we are strong and united. My family has served as my support system during the differing situations in my life and has shaped me into the individual, mother, and educator that I am today due to the nature of our family culture.