Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week, the preschool summer program went to a children's museum for a class trip.  This museum  is located in Philadelphia and attracts many families as well as schools.  My children were exploring in one of the interactive displays, when I overheard a Mom to say to her young children "Lets go and come back back when those kids are gone, we don't associate with those type." I was appalled and really wanted to say "...and what type would that be, young children just like yours, or Hispanic children?"  Clearly I could tell by her body language that she was narrow minded and plain ignorant as she drowned them in hand sanitizer and scurried her children away.  

This is a prime example of microaggressions in our "modern" world.  I get disgusted at the lack of manners and downright evil attitudes that people of 2014 still possess.  We have come along way as far as the -isms of the world, however, we have a long way to go.  I do not understand why we cannot all at least practice respect and at the very least...tolerance.  Just for today I remained mute on my opinion because I was very busy with 15 preschoolers, and the lady should be thankful as I truly wanted to read her the riot act and point out her obvious flaws.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week I spoke with three different individuals about their personal view of culture and diversity.  I spoke with my 15 year old daughter, my friend who is originally from Puerto Rico but relocated to the United States in her middle school years, and a colleague from my school.  My daughter defined culture as your life , food, family, holidays, etc., and diversity as being different than what is normal.  My Latino friend defined culture as being your life and how you live it in relation to others.   Additionally, she defined diversity as being foreign or from a different place than the United States.  Lastly, my school colleague defined culture as the environment in which you live your life and how, including thoughts, actions, religion, traits, and family.  She defined diversity as being multicultural and different than what people think American to be.

All three of the answers touched on the information, however it was quite minimal.  All three explanations did not include abilities , or even language.  All three of my  individuals I interviewed, as well as myself, seem to have an idea about culture and diversity, but can't really find the words to truly articulate the meaning.  My school colleague seemed very cross that when I asked her, she struggled with an answer.  As teachers, we have to take multiculturalism and diversity into consideration when purchasing toys and books, as well as classroom materials.  When discussing this topic with my friend who is Latino, she joked and said she was an example.  I feel that sometimes we consider those who are a definitive example (ie. language, skin complexion, ethnicity, etc) of a different culture, when actually we are all examples of different culture and diversity.  In regards to my daughter, I was also surprised to know that she had a difficult time defining culture and diversity.  I believe that society defines culture and diversity as extreme differences, when we are all examples of diverse individuals (granted, some are more diverse than others, however we are all different in one way or another).  After this exercise, I see that, as an educator, I need to educate my children and students on diversity and differences in order to gain understanding and acceptance.

My Family Culture

This week we are asked to put our-self into a situation where we experience country devastation and evacuation - what three things would you take?

 I would want to take so many precious things.  To pick three items, I would have to pick my family photo album, my memory box of priceless mementos, and my Ipad.  My photo album is full of pictures of my parents, my children, and my family.  My mementos are are memories of the past and events that have shaped my life and who I am.  My Ipad  houses so much information about me, including pictures of my important papers from my life and career (like a computer hard drive - compact).

Considering that this is a completely foreign land I would try and explain by body movements and survival sign language, to the best of my ability (a translator would be wonderful!).

I would be devastated of I had to give up two of my items and just keep one.  If time was not an issue, I would use my Ipad to take pictures of my photos in the album and my mementos, and choose the Ipad.  If there was no time for that to happen, I would have no choice but to keep my photo album, the photos mean so much to me.  I lost my Mother very suddenly right after I graduated from college and I had no chance to say goodbye, all I have are memories and pictures - this is my choice.

This was a very eye opening experience  and very thought provoking.  I hope in my lifetime that nothing such as this scenario comes into play, but if it did, I would need to  be prepared, maybe I should act accordingly?