~Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions~

In preparation for this weeks blog assignment I have paid close attention to interactions of those around me.  I must admit that I was shocked at the multiple encounters of micro-aggressions I observed.  

During my son's birthday party we were having a conversation about favorite foods and foods we dislike.  My cousin (African American) said that he hates fried chicken.  And my friend whose Mexican said "Really, I thought all black people ate fried chicken.  That's like me not eating tacos".  She was not malicious with the comment and meant no disrespect.  In fact everyone laughed and continued with the conversation. 

The next incident took place in the nail salon.  An African American lady in her early twenties said to the nail tech "Dang, yo English fye.  Hi long you been over seas".  The young Korean girl said "Huh, I don't understand".  The African American lady said with an attitude "hi long you been in the U.S.".  the Korean girl then said "I was born here", with agitation in her voice.  I must admit that I was upset and embarrassed by the entire situation.  How dare she speak on someone's English when she could not even speak a proper sentence.  then to top it off she was very disrespectful with her mannerism.  I could not help but feel that she exhibited all of the negative characteristics of a stereotypical black person.  

The observations from this week affirmed my beliefs that discrimination, prejudices, and stereotyping very much exist.  Although everyone are not trying to intentionally hurt others, we must be aware of the power that our words and actions hold.  

~Perspectives on Diversity and Culture~

For this week's assignment I asked several people their definitions on culture and diversity.  

Mechanic (Cuban, 35)

Culture is made up of your families beliefs and practices that are passed from generation to generation.

Diversity is accepting people for who they are, and what they can do.

Male neighbor (African American, 18)

Culture is our family traditions, food, the way

we dress, and act. 

Diversity has something to do with treating everyone equally regardless of their differences

Friend (Mexican, 27)

Culture is the practices and traditions in our everyday living that makes us unique.

Diversity the beauty of the people and things that are different.

  

The aspects of culture and diversity that I studied in this course that are included in the answers I received are some components of surface culture and deep culture.  Almost all the answers mention components of deep culture such as family traditions, while only one mention surface culture such as food and clothing.  

The different perspectives that I received are just as diverse as the people who spoke them, and to me that sheds light to extent of culture and diversity.  It seems as if everyone has their own definition, which means they have their own views of the subject.

 

~MY FAMILY CULTURE~

For this week's blog assignment I had to imagine that a catastrophic event took place, and as a means of survival my family and I will be placed into a country where everything is foreign to us.  We are allowed to take three small items with us.  Just imagining these circumstances is devastating to me, because I am a very habitual person and I love order.  I must admit that I am a tad materialistic as well. 
 

• A description of the three items you would choose

     The 1st item I would bring is my family bible.  Although my children and I have our individual bibles, we also have a family bible that has pages and pockets so that we can write notes, and insert things.  With the family bible we usually discuss scriptures and verses that have a special meaning to our daily existence (that we can relate to based on past and present experiences).  Our religious beliefs and practices guides us through our daily lives and we rely heavily on prayer and worship.

    The second item that I will bring is what my children and I call our grab and go binder.  A few years ago my neighbors experienced a horrific fire.  During that fire everything was lost. They had a difficult time obtaining identification documents and were emotionally devastated because of the lost of pictures and sentimental items.  At that time my children and I decided that we will create folders with items and pictures that are important to us, and we update them on new years eve. In my folder I have a copy of our birth certificates, social security cards, shot records, collages, a copy of my educational documents, identification cards, insurance papers, and bank documents.  My children have pictures and items that are meaningful to them.  With this item we will have reminders of who we are and where we come from at all times.  As well as precious memories and moments.

   The third item I will bring is a fleece comforter that my dad brought me.  The blanket has my favorite character on it (Mickey Mouse), and my children and I cuddle under the blanket when and watch movies, read books, and when we are afraid or sad ( due to storms, death, and illnesses).  this blanket will provide me and my family with comfort and togetherness. 

• Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you

      I would be devastated if I could only bring one item to remind me and my family of what our lives once was. I would feel disrespected in a sense that our feelings were not taken into consideration.  At that point and time my children and would decide as a family which item is more important.

• Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise

     As a result of this exercise, began to empathize with immigrants and displaced families.  They are basically placed in an unfamiliar environment and expected to drop everything that forms their individuality so that they blend with society.  Those expectations are unfair and inhumane.