Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

 

One example of microagression, simplified as micro insult, happened at work a year ago. The school that I worked at was predominantly an all white school. I was the only African- American, Light-Skinned, teacher and there was one other teacher that was Hispanic. One day we had to switch classes and sub for a teacher. As I went into the classroom the other teacher came back to explain her procedures as to how her room set-up was displayed. As she told me how her process went she told me of how when the children have ‘Art time’ the teacher can pick the music that she/he want’s to listen to. Then she said “If you want Rap music, it has to be appropriate for the class.”

 

I was greatly offended. For one thing she used a basic “stereotype” for an  African-American/Black individual. I then said “I don’t listen to that type of music”, she said “Oh I’m so sorry, I thought you were Black, so sorry.” By then one of the parents called her to have a meeting with the students, thereby I was free to clear my mind and think of the situation that just happened. Because of my appearance she assumed that I preferred “rap music”, then she took a closer look at my appearance and through that I was of a different race. Instead she did not look at my character or personality to determine what type of music I prefer. And better yet, still to this day she does not know that I enjoy “Classical Music”

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

Angela P. (Age 50, Upper-class, Boutique Owner) Her definition of culture relates to one’s own true heritage that can be passed down from each generation to generation along with being a “social hierarchy”. Diversity means that forms of different ethnic groups exist along with a diverse form of religions, traditions, customs, and beliefs that can enhance society and cause for a form of impacting the way that people comprehend.

Haya B.(Age 20, Indian, Sales Associate) Culture is the behavior and way of life for an individual that cherishes customs, traditions, and beliefs passed down from generation to generation. Diversity is commemorated into language and communication governed with the laws of society.

 

Deborah R. (Age 25, Puerto-Rican, and Music Teacher) Culture is the way of life of an entire society that includes forms of manners, dress, language, and morality, certain rituals, and norms of behavior. It can also be entailed through food, clothing, and even music. Diversity is a form of being diverse or different in society carrying certain traits that set you apart from the others.

 

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

 

In the course of this study many forms of culture and diversity have been displayed throughout the text. In culture is the customs, traditions, and beliefs that are passed down along within signifying traits of the “dominate” culture. In terms of diversity the means of being different throughout society that plays a part in ethnicity and heritage.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

Aspects that have been omitted were the form of “morality” and “rituals” that take effect in an individual’s diverse patterns of diversity. These two aspects have to be included because it reveals a person’s morals that can be taught or gained through one’s own culture along with how customs and beliefs fit within them. The aspect on “rituals” relates to a close tie with an religion aspect that can be expressed through ones diversity.

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

 

Ways about thinking about other definitions of culture and diversity has allowed me to gain insight as to how different cultures think. All of the individuals that I interviewed had basically the same answer except they were tailored in their own way. It broadened up the aspect of how culture and diversity is expressed within my community along with different communities other my own.

My Family Culture

My Family Culture

 

Three objects that I would take to this other area would be The Bible, a translator device, and a picture book. The symbolizations are below:

The Bible- Traditional customs and beliefs based on my family that has been taught and passed on to each generation in regards to our faith.

 

Translator- a device that would be used as a mechanism to communicate with other individuals

 

Famly Photo Book- memoirs of families of new and past generations that would be kept as a memento

If I had to take one object, this would result in being the Bible because it signifies the root of my family along with providing a tool and reference to survival and respect of others along with ourselves. This blog is interesting and has through me which traditions and customs that I value to most.