Microagression

I work in a child development center room that has four predominate caregivers. On Wednesday of this week on of the ladies I work with asked the only African American caregiver in our room if she had to be so black. This comment was referring to all the stereotypes of African American people.  It seemed as if she was joking and trying to play a game with the other caregiver, but the lady was obviously irritated with her. I felt awful for the lady from the moment the other caregiver made the comment. It is not our place to know her personal business and what she does outside of work. I felt that the other lady needed to apologize promptly when she saw that it upset her and even if it didn’t upset her.

From this observation experience this week, I have come to recognize that some people do not even realize that they are using micoragression towards others. Even if you use a joking comment towards someone, it is inappropriate to belittle them in any circumstance. 

Culture and Diversity

What is culture and diversity?

Matthew Ward: brother-in-law

Culture: How a group of people live.

Diversity: Many different cultures brought together.

Alyssa Clift-Ward: sister

Culture: The history of your beliefs in your religion and heritage. The history of those before you.

Diversity: The division between people by their race, income, beliefs and religion.

Casandra Casillas: friend

Culture: Your culture is what group you fit with. The nationality of your parents, your religious beliefs and your preferences in life make your culture.

Diversity: Diversity is what makes the world different. Diversity sets each individual apart from each other. It makes the world so diverse.

Some of the elements of culture that were left out from all three people I asked was where you live, your gender and your location make up your culture. They did however include that income, religion and your nationality make up your culture. Each person I asked was very vague about their definition of culture because they thought they understood what culture was just not how to define it.

After listening to their comments on what culture and diversity are, I realized that I have learned that so much more goes into these aspects of our lives. Your culture isn’t just what nationality you are, but more of your personal beliefs. Everyone assumes they know about culture, but in reality they know what they have been taught from their culture. 

My 3 things..

The first item that I would have to take with me is my grandmother’s ring. It was the only thing of hers that I wanted when she died; I would not let anyone else have it. I to this day still wear it. This ring reminds me that she is always with me.

The second item I would take is my family scrapbook. It has pictures of all my family members from my mother and fathers side of the families. This book represents where I came from and who makes me who I am.

The third thing I would take with me is my mother and fathers original wedding bands. They just recently renewed their vows and “upgraded” their rings. But to me their original rings will always show how they started out, as two young people completely over their heads but couldn’t live without one another.

It would be very hard to get rid of any of these items. Since they all have a strong enough meaning to be evacuated with me, I feel it would be crucial to fight to hold onto them.

Through this exercise it is evident to me, that my family is the largest importance. I do not have to have what ties me to the nation I live in or what kind of food I eat. If I do not have a piece of the people who made me who I am, I do not feel whole. I could make it anywhere as long as they were with me.