Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Microaggression is defined as: "brief everyday indignities that are verbal, behavioral or environmental, that they may be intentional or unintentionally communicated to women, to people of color, to gay/lesbians that have an insulting message behind them that often time causes severe psychological distress and harm" (Laureate Education, 2011). 

One example of microaggression which I experienced this week was when I got a flat tire. I was able to get off the road and pull into a shopping center to check my tire and unfortunately, I needed to put the spare on it. I was in the middle of getting things out of my SUV to get to the tools and tire when I heard " oh no, you will be better to call AAA." I look up and it is a middle-aged male who made a smirk and kept walking. I am sure I had a rude look on my face because I was in disbelief that he made a comment and that he proceeded to continue walking. I told myself that it was because of COVID-19 and social distancing which is why he didn't offer to help. Luckily, I grew up in a household with brothers and they taught me how to change my own tire. 

At that moment I felt annoyed and frustrated. I found it so rude that he made a comment implying that I was a woman and did not know what I was doing and that woman cannot change tires. 

As I reflect now after learning about microaggression, it is those little remarks about women that happen all the time that is so downgrading and battling. 

(... a little part of me was hoping he would walk out and see me finishing up putting the tire on ALL BY MYSELF)

This week my observation experiences affect my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes on people. It has been a sad, sickening, upsetting week in light of  George Floyd. My heart aches. It is time to make a difference to eliminate social injustice.  We need to do better. Every life Matters. 

Sometimes I think a picture conveys a message more effectively than writing so I have included a few very meaningful messages...

*Sending Positivity to everyone*

Reference:

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video File]. Retrieved 

         from https://class.waldenu.edu

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week I had the opportunity to ask friends what they think about diversity and culture...

The definitions I received for culture were:

1. Culture is what makes a group(s) of people similar 
2. Culture is the customs or traditions of a group of people
3. Culture is the behaviors and norms of an environment

The definitions I received for diversity were:

1. Diversity is what makes a group of people different
2. Diversity is a range of different cultures in a group
3. Diversity is individuality and recognizing differences nad uniqueness among others

The aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers that I have received because the responses included customs, traditions, groups of people who share similarities. I noticed the definitions included surface culture and some aspects were omitted such as deep culture like gender roles, ideas about education, housing arrangements, language, work, recreation, religion, and health care (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). 

When reflecting on the definitions of culture and diversity that I received, it has influenced my own thinking about these topics because diversity and culture are so much more than what is visible. It is essential that everyone is aware of their culture and understands how many different aspects of your life is influenced by your culture 


Reference

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).

My Family Culture

My Family Culture

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.
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The three items that are significant to me and represent my family culture are:
1.    My camera

2.  Maryland Flag

3.  Blanket made out of T-shirts

I chose these items because my camera has photos of my family, friends, and experiences over the years so it would bring me happiness to be able to take through the pictures and reflect on all the amazing memories. I would also bring a Maryland flag that represents my home and where I grew up. It is small and can be folded up. Finally, I would bring my blanket that is made out of hold t-shirts from all the places we have traveled. It would keep cozy to have to sleep with but also reminds me of the good times my family and I have together. 
 I would be heartbroken if up if, upon arrival, I was told that I could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items I brought with me. It would be hard to get rid of the only items you had left. However, I think I would keep the camera because I would not want to lose those pictures that I would never be able to get back and show future generations. I also would like to be able to take pictures during the time of hardship to learn about a new culture and country. 

Family culture is important. Every culture is different and everyone has their personal belongings that are meaningful to them. The items you choose have meaning to you that others may not think it is valuable or significant. 

 My heart aches for families who have had to experience this before. I could not imagine losing everything and being split up from loved ones, family, and friends <3

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