Week 4 - Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Microaggressions is a new term for me however, my experiences with microaggressions are not at all new for me. There are so many instances of this type of behavior in my life that I could probably write a book about them and have a Best Seller as a result! As I thought about a particular instance of Microaggressions that I have recently experienced I remember an instance that could have been considered a stereotype microaggression it has led to great things in my life over the last year. As a full time student, I decided to work part time as a Substitute Teacher so that I could accommodate my class schedule and daughters' school schedules. After graduating in 2012 I began to work more and after establishing a great relationship with one of the teachers I subbed for, she asked me if I would be interested in a long term assignment working for her while she went out on maternity leave. I gladly accepted the challenge and in doing so, I began working full time and was given all of the responsibilities of a teacher which also included lesson planning, meetings and classroom management. Being that this school is a Title 1 school, located in a low income area, there are some challenging dynamics that come with this kind of environment that are not uncommon. The population is predominantly minority where behavior issues are prevalent as well as low parent participation. One day, the Principal of the school came into my classroom and asked to speak with me. When I stepped outside of the door, she began to tell me how impressed she was with the work I was doing with the children and many other great comments about my work ethics and the positive way the students respond to me as a person. The one comment that now sticks out in my mind was this: "You know it takes a special kind of person to work with these type of children." Now, I know for a fact that her statement was coming from a great place within her being that she is also an African American woman however, in thinking more deeply about the statement I can now see that there were some hidden stereotype microagressions in her statement which begs the questions: What "kind" of person is required to work with these "type" of children? Does this means because the children respond to me in a positive manner that she views my character as one that can "relate" to those "type" of children? I know that her intentions were meant to be complimentary because she encouraged me to go in pursuit of a career in teaching Middle School Language Arts and I did just that by receiving my Licensure and she has since hired me on as a teacher! I felt empowered and encouraged to pursue a career that I never thought I was capable of acquiring and to have the Principal see things within me that I didn't see within myself gave me a since of pride. However, I am now more aware of how our statements can have hidden messages of stereotype microaggressions even within our own cultural settings.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture-Interviews

Shirl Golightly was the first person interviewed and here are her answers: Question: What is your definition of culture? Answer: Culture is your lifestyle, beliefs, race and your religion. Question: What is your definition of diversity? Answer: Diversity is being a part of different things; being flexible in various environments. Zy'ale Clark was the second person interviewed and here are her answers: Question: What is your definition of culture? Answer: I believe culture is who you are (your race, gender, your beliefs), where you come from and how you live your life. Question: What is your definition of diversity? Answer: To me, diversity means thinking outside of the box, accepting others for who they are and embracing their differences. Ananiah Clark was the third person interviewed and here are his answers: Question: What is your definition of culture? Answer: My definition of culture is a pre-determined of beliefs or standards within a race of people based on historical factors. Question: What is your definition of diversity? Answer: Recognizing and accepting the differences in people, religion, things and opinions without pre-judging. Just because you disagree with one's opinion, religion or way of living does not mean you can not respect them for who they are or their lifestyle. In conducting the interviews, I noticed that all three of the people I interviewed included race and religion in their definition of what culture means to them. I did notice that traditions were omitted in all of their answers which is an example of one's deep culture. I found that like many other people, most of the opinions shared was more from a surface culture perspective or knowledge that could be gained without really getting to know someone at a deeper level. I found Ananiah's statement very interesting pertaining to his definition of diversity. I must agree that just because you disagree with one's opinion, religion or way of living does not mean you can not respect them for who they are or their lifestyle. I have learned that just because one's lifestyle may not be patterned the way mine is does not mean they are bad people so, I that should not interfere with my getting to know that person for who they are.

My Family Culture (Correction)

If I could only keep one item I would keep my family scrapbook because I could definitely find another Bible in the new country being that the Bible is one of the most published book in the world. My family scrapbook is one of the most important items to help carry on my family heritage by educating my children on where they came from.

My Family Culture

If there was a major catastrophe and I had to take three things that represented my culture I would take the following: 1. My Family Bible because it is the foundation of my family's culture stemming all the back to my ancestors. The Bible was the first book many learned to read from in the days of slavery. It's teachings have taught many generations how to treat one another and God's expectations of live a good life. 2. My photo album with pictures of my family because I use this book to share stories about my family to my children and grandchild about our heritage. 3. My IPod because music tells a story and soothes the soul. As an African American, our culture is very rich in the area of music from the old spirituals to the gospel songs of today. Music was something that has been passed down from generation to generation and really gives account to the struggles of our ancestors. If upon arrival I had to leave one thing behind, I would leave behind my IPod because all of the songs that I would are really etched in my heart. I have a love for music and have directed choirs for many years so, I could probably record the words to many of the songs. I have learned through this exercise just how much my faith and heritage means to me. I have a very strong sense of who I am and where I come from and a great respect for those who were here before me to help me become the person that I am today. This exercise difficult in a way because I had to really search within myself and establish what is important to my culture and has helped me become the person I am today which is why my first choice would be my Bible.