Microaggressions

During my second year of teaching pre-k I can recall being the target of microaggression. The beginning until middle of the school year was very stressful for me. It was not the students or curriculum; it was the conflict issues I was having with a co-teacher. She would be over possessive of the classroom and would only allow me to do certain things she felt I could do. She thought I was unable to teach effectively because of my age at the time. I was around the age of 22 during this time. I felt hopeless and like I had no voice in the instruction of our students. I would often feel withdrawn and alone because I felt like I couldn’t contribute ideas to the classroom that were appropriate. Later in the school year, she apologized to me saying, “I’m sorry I was acting like that. I thought you couldn’t do it because you are so young.”  

This week I have learned that the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and other stereotypes can be very demeaning to targeted individuals. I have learned that we must appreciate differences amongst our society. Lack of knowledge on differences within cultures can cause these prejudices’, discrimination, and stereotypes to develop. Personally, I have set a goal to get to understand differences that I have with children and families I will be working with in my classroom. Also I want to incorporate more cultural/diversity activities, so we can learn to work together in unity.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

For this assignment I choose to contact 3 important people to me. I spoke with two colleagues/friends and my significant other. All gave definitions for culture and diversity that related to things we have been learning in this course.  For example, how diversity means having a variety of individual cultures. Also how diversity does not mean that you have to lose who you are because it’s acceptance of various cultures. Culture was overall seen as an individual’s unique characteristics and can be things that have become customs or generational. One thing that I could see being omitted was lack of response to say that diversity means to recognize that there are differences. I think reflecting on their answers has influenced my own thinking in a positive way. I feel that we all have some understanding of diversity and culture. Best of all we know that diversity exist in society and are representations of each person’s unique culture.

Significant Other: Diversity: It’s division of different nationalities/ people. Not necessarily negative because of different diversities of culture. Culture: One’s nationality, ethnic background, and variety of other things. Things like food or music. It’s a person’s lifestyle.

Colleague/ Friend 1: Diversity: Differences within a group, but still being oneself. Culture: One’s traditions, beliefs, or behaviors that they follow. Qualities in a particular person. Culture could also be related to certain periods in times, such as, medieval times or Greek culture.

Colleague/ Friend 2: Diversity: the acceptance of various cultures. Culture: The customs and language of a group of people. It doesn’t necessarily mean race or ethnicity but just a common acceptance of a group of people. Often customs are passed down from generation to generation.

My Family Culture

Three items I would choose to take with me would be my cell phone, charger, and purse. Although these items may seem crazy to take with you following such a catastrophe, they all hold great value to my culture. I would need my cell phone and charger because, hopefully, I could remain in contact with other love ones and friends that may be placed in other countries. I would hope that I could remain in contact via a call, text, or social media. Besides remaining in contact with love ones and friend, I could use the pictures and videos I have to look back on memories I have created with them. I think this will help provide balance to feeling connected with my family and friends. I could also use my phone to use various applications, especially my Bible Version App, so that I could stay grounded in my word and faith in God that things will get better and to keep me encouraged during this catastrophe. I could also keep a diary of notes or things I wanted to express during this strenuous time being away from home. I also chose my purse because it has everything in it. Things like my driver’s license, teacher badge, pictures, and other important things that identify who I am.

 If I were told upon arrival I could only take one personal item and give up two, this would be a tough one for me. So I guess I would do without the cell phone because I wouldn't have the charger and I couldn't use a charger without a phone. I guess I would manage with just my purse and be able to remind myself  who I am with the items inside of it.  By doing this assignment, I learned that family culture is something that comes from within. Although we become attached to things, we have to be reminded that material things don’t last always. We have to remember that family culture, being diverse, and cultural differences will continue to exist with or without materialistic items we use on a daily basis. I feel that it comes from within our hearts how we define ourselves, beliefs, customs, race, etc. It’s something that cannot just be labeled with material things.