June 1, 2013

Thought everyone would enjoy reading the article from this link. I will be observing this program next week.

http://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/springbrook-earns-high-rating-for-english-learning-program/article_1c1c3ad4-c866-11e2-8663-001a4bcf887a.html#.UaloU6_Yd-s.email

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Practicing Awareness of  Microaggressions

http:kidgreen-donna.blogspot.com

Microaggressions detected recently-

*Recently, I called a dear childhood friend of mine. She just happened to be in close proximity to where I was, so I met her at the gay bar where she goes for Happy Hour. When I walked up to the bar to order a drink, the lady bartender said to me "Ok, breeder, what can I get you?". I was very confused by that comment. After ordering my drink and sitting down, I asked my friend what she meant by that. My friend, said - "She can tell your not gay, so that is why she called you a breeder". That was kind of offensive to me.

*My family enjoys listening to Mexican music. When my housekeeper was over last week, I played "Kumbia" music for her. I just automatically assumed because she was from Mexico, that she would enjoy the music. After reading about "isms" this week, I have felt very badly that I just assumed she would like this type of music. It has made me personally aware of how often I use these types of behaviors.

*A co-worker of mine was telling a small group of teachers that her daughter was engaged to an African American. Another teacher asked her if that bothered her and she answered- "Maybe, a little but at least I will have grandchildren that are good athletes". I was surprised that an educated person such as herself would make such an ignorant and bias comment.

My observation experience this week, after watching the video and reading about "isms" has changed my life. Up until this week, I always thought of myself as a very open-minded person who did not naturally judge people. However, I now realize I am more biased than I thought I was. My personal perception of myself was not really who I am inside and it makes me ashamed, but also more aware of my actions. It is amazing to me how much microinsults and agressions take place every day and practically everywhere I go. 

For the first time in my life, I have come to the realization that because I am a middle-class, white American, I have always looked through "filtered" glasses not even realizing the internal biases I carry. This was the week, I have had to finally climb down from the "high-horse".

Donna

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

http://kidgreen-donna/blogspot.com

Definition of Culture & Diversity:

1. Sherry - Special Educator, Caucasian, Single-parent, Close Friend-

Culture-Century old traditions within a concise society.

Diversity-Differences within a social climate

 

2 . Rob-Husband, Catholic, Caucasian/Italian American, father, coach, self-employed

Culture-Ethnic stereotypes within a community

Diversity-Sun of all individualists within a defined society

3.Angie- First generation immigrant, born in Mexico, First language Spanish, teaching assistant, mother of four, wife, advocate for Chicanos por la Casa

Culture-The commonly practice ways of a collective body of people

Diversity-Various characteristics within a group of people

We have learned in our class that culture refers to how particular groups of people live. It includes how we sleep, eat, speak, religion, rituals and everything that involves how we live (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Therefore all three definitions of culture I received this week, have given a correct definition of culture by their own perspective.

Diversity is the differences each of us has both individually and as part of our culture. Helping children to learn about valuing and embracing diversity in our society, sets the foundation for them to thrive and support the diverse world in which we live (2010). All three definitions of diversity I received this week were different, yet showed each person had knowledge of the subject.

There were several aspects of culture and diversity omitted in the definitions provided to me. None of the definitions mentioned the fact that most people do not notice culture, until they are with others that are from different cultures (2010). In addition, diversity can certainly be within a group, but it can also be as simple as the differences two people have. All three definitions of diversity mentioned differences in a group, however a single person can be different from those around them and beyond. 

Hearing others define culture and diversity has made me ponder about more complex definitions of both words. Culture is something we are born into and many times are not even aware of how deeply we internalize it (2008). As a very young child, I knew the way my family did things were different than many of my peers. I can remember from around age 5 on, that I wanted my mom to cook Mexican food and make hot tortillas every morning just like most of my friend's moms did. However, I did not connect some of those differences as cultural diversity until later in life.

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).

My Family Culture

Imagine the following:

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 surviviors 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. Your 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.

1. My Bible- Religion is a major part of my family culture and the bible has a huge influence on our lives. Throughout my entire life, I have turned to the bible to learn God's word, to influence my decision making and to help me through difficult times. My husband or myself read the bible to my children every night before bed. At most major holidays we bring the bible out and read scriptures before praying and eating. The bible is at the center of my family culture and I would want it that way anywhere in the world I lived.

2.Photo Album - The second item I would take with me would be a photo album with photos of my family, and friends and especially my children as they have grown from infants to the present. The photos would remind me of the holidays and traditions we practice such as decorating a Christmas Tree, having a Birthday party for Jesus, dressing up for Halloween, Trick-or-Treating, coloring Easter eggs, and watching fire crackers go off at the annual ballgame party. 

3.Literature- Reading & Music are very important parts of my family culture. We surround our home with various types of reading literature and also music. Our children are encouraged to read and learn how to play a variety of instruments. However, if we went to another country, I'm sure we could adapt to the different types of music they play in their culture. However, it would be hard to replace some of the classics like- Little Women, Pride & Prejudice, Oliver Twist, Moby Dick, A Christmas Carol and so forth. Taking any one of these would satisfy my need to read a richly entertaining novel to my children. My favorite would be The Secret Garden.

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- The one item I would choose would be the bible. The bible cannot be replaced by any other personal item I have. 

Whilst I would never hope for a major catastrophe that completely devastated the infrastructure of my country, the idea of giving up most of my personal possessions and living a slower lifestyle seems intriguing. At this point in our lives, my husband and I fit into the stereotypical description of middle class Americans with young children. We both work busy jobs, volunteer at church, coach baseball, operate a thriving online business, attend church, run our children all over town and on and on and on. We are living the "American Dream" and I count my blessing often. However, simplifying our lives and spending more quiet downtime sounds very desirable. After graduate school, I am hoping to embrace downtime for often.