Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week, we were asked to keep an eye out for any instances of microaggression that we might happen to encounter. When I was covering in the classroom this week, one of the staff members went to a student's diaper bag to look for a change of clothes for the student. This particular student keeps a bag full of clothes at the center so that their clothes can be changed if they become messy after meal or other activities. The bag goes home on the weekend so that the dirty clothes can be washed and refilled with clean clothes for the next week. As the teacher was searching for a clean outfit, the teacher noticed that the clothes that were sent home last week to be washed were still sitting in the bag without being cleaned. The teacher looked at another teacher in the classroom and they both rolled their eyes. There have been previous comments made by the teachers about this particular parent because of the parent's seemingly lack of effort to care for the child. This parent is married and both parents work outside of the home. The student has a twin at home who used to be a student in the classroom, but due to health issues, had to be withdrawn from our program. Whenever I have spoken to the parents, they always seem to have the best intentions in mind for their children. When the teachers commented about the child's clothes not being washed, they gave a microinsult toward the family, resulting in the lack of compassion for what the family is going through having to care for twins and work outside of the home to provide for the needs of the family. I try to help my staff recognize the struggles and circumstances that our families are experiencing, but there are times that the staff's actions are reflective of their unconscious beliefs. These actions can be hurtful to our families and result in conflict among our staff and families. I hope that as I continue through this course, I can pass my newly learned knowledge on to my staff so that they can work to become aware of their views and use caution when interacting with our families in order to ensure that they are respectful of our families' cultures.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week, we were asked to interview three people and ask about their personal definitions for culture and diversity. Below are my participants' responses:

• BB (European American female and colleague): "Culture to me is this: I am from a rural area, mostly white population, grew up as a Methodist so attending church was important. I have one sibling, many cousins, family traditions (Christmas & Easter with the whole family on my Father's side). So, I believe culture to be who you are and how you grew up based on where you are from and the family values. So, it is customs, things and values. Diversity is based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, differences (kind of like we are a box of crayons). But, I also think you cannot think about diversity without including culture as part of the definition (example - where you are from could be included in this as Amish, Gay/Lesbian communities, German, French, Italian, etc.)".
• NN (African-native, American citizen female and parent of former student): "Culture - As an African, our culture dictates the way in which we live our lives. Culture is the tradition, beliefs, customs, clothing, food and language of a specific group of people that binds them together. For example, African tribal languages and food that are specific to a culture. Diversity - The act of bringing together a group of individuals who come from different backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, and races".
• LF (European American female and relative): "Culture is the way of life that has been passed on to me from my parents and grandparents. Diversity is a group of different people or beliefs that make up an area, such as a neighborhood, school, or business".

When reviewing the answers that were given to me, I realized that they all had an understanding of culture similar to my understanding at the beginning of the course. They all defined culture by naming characteristics that are attributed to a person's surface culture. BB described her culture by listing things that other people may attribute to her culture based on her appearance. All three described culture by attributing it to how they were raised. Their answers for diversity were similar as well. They all described diversity as being based on groups of people who share (or do not share) various attributes related to culture.

All of my participants failed to acknowledge their deep culture, or those attributes that truly make us unique and define how and why we are who we are. For example, I am a morning person and am a lot friendlier early in the day. I have more motivation to get things done in the morning than I do as the day goes on. The fact that I am a morning person is a vital part of my culture, but it is not often visible on the surface.

I think that it is so difficult for people to reveal their "inner being" because they may not truly understand it themselves. Some attributes contribute to a person's life, but that person may simply accept it as being there without fully understanding its purpose. This could be why my participants did not acknowledge their deep culture. They may not realize that the simple, everyday routines are an integral part of their culture and contribute to diversity in society.

My Family Culture

For this week, we were asked to consider what three items we would take with us if my family was forced to relocate to a foreign country. I found this task very challenging because it made me stop and think about what I most valued with my family. The first item that I have chosen was rather easy to decide upon and that is my Bible. My family is Christian and I read my Bible daily for spiritual guidance and wisdom. We would turn to the scripture in order to find comfort and understanding in being relocated to a new home. My family would also be able to use the Bible and our faith in order to help teach our new neighbors about our religious beliefs and practices. The next item that we would bring would be our wedding rings. My husband and I made a commitment to each other five years ago and the rings serve as a symbol of our love and commitment to one another. Also, if need be, due to their material value, we would sell the rings in order to obtain local currency to purchase anything that we would need in order to survive that was not already provided for us. The third item that we would bring would be our daughters' "lovies". My oldest daughter has a lamb that she takes everywhere with her and it means the world to her. We lost it once before at the grocery store and it was devastating for her and the rest of our family. She was so heartbroken that she had lost her best friend. Miraculously, her lamb was found at the same grocery store almost a week later and a clerk called us to tell us that it had been found. The look on my daughter's face when she saw her lamb again was priceless. I want my daughters to have a piece of home to bring with them so that the change is not too dramatic. If they can take one "lovey" with them, it would help bring them comfort in all of the turmoil.

If once we arrived at the new destination and we were told that we could continue our journey with only one item, it would be very difficult for me to choose. Each of the items listed is valuable to our family in its own unique way. If I was forced to choose, I would allow my daughters to keep their "lovies". Their happiness is more important to me than anything else. I can continue to pray and ask God for guidance. I also trust that He would provide for all of our needs and the rings are simply symbols, despite their monetary value. My daughters' "lovies" are irreplaceable, even if an exact same replica is found. I want them to be able to have at least one aspect of consistency in their lives and these items would allow them to have that.

This assignment has allowed me to reflect on what matters most to me and my family. My family means the world to me and I would do absolutely anything for them. I would sacrifice anything of mine if it meant that my family would be better off by it. I love my girls so much and I only want to see them happy. This does not mean that they receive everything that they ask for. However, I do my best to ensure that all of their needs are taken care of. For example, after I had my second daughter, I decided to stay home from work because I wanted to be at home with my daughters. After a few months, I realized that financially it was not the best decision and I returned back to work. It is my responsibility to make sure that my children are healthy and safe and by staying home, I could not ensure that because we did not have enough money to pay for all of the necessities. Now, my income will not only assist in making sure their needs are met, but I can also address some of their wants, which makes me feel pretty good too.