Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

 

Learning about microaggressions this week has really opened my eyes to the transformation that racism has taken in our society today, and the detrimental effects that subtle discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes can have on people.

A few weeks ago I experienced a "catch 22" as Dr. Sue described (Laureate Education, 2011) I went on a job interview and upon meeting my potential employer I could tell she was quite shocked that I was African American. (Quick side note I have been told ignorantly by others that I have a "white name" and speak like a "white person") she initially told me that she pictured me to be much different the how I sounded on the phone, making a joke. I immediately thought it odd but obviously did not say anything because I wanted the job. After a decent interview, we spoke candidly about the position and was told that I was extremely "articulate and well spoken". Hmmmm once again I was flabbergasted "had I just been given a microinsult or a compliment or both?" I left the interview feeling confused and uncomfortable, obviously that person was in a position of power and afterwards the more I thought about the circumstances that had occurred, the more offended I became in hindsight.

My observation experiences this week has given some new perspectives on discrimination, and how biases/prejudices can unconsciously effect our actions and how we interact with people around us. It is human nature to identity the similarities and differences in others, but we must develop conscious thought behind what we do especially in our multicultural saturated society.

References

Laureate Education. (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu 



Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

Husband

Definition of culture

Culture is ones family values, and society’s surrounding environment.

Definition of Diversity

A mixture of people made up of their own personal individual talents and cultures, ethnicities. Ideologies, religions, sexual orientations etc. 

Mom

Definition of culture

Culture is the way someone was brought up, traditions handed down from generations and beliefs in their own individual family culture.

Definition of Diversity

Diversity is differences that people have whether it’s in culture, and beliefs.

 

Cousin

Definition of culture

Culture is shared beliefs, and values that affects every aspect of a person’s life.

Definition of Diversity

Diversity includes many various demographics including race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skills.

 

The aspects of different beliefs, traditions, and values in regards to many different characteristics including race, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability were all terms that were studied in the course. Each person’s definition related to the concept that both culture and diversity is unique to each individual and their perspectives on their own culture and the world around them.

I think that they omitted the concept that culture is such a broad term, and means different things to different people and is so much more than just customs, and traditions. The iceberg analogy really speaks volumes, where the traditions, and ethnicity of a culture is just the surface of a much more complex reality. They also did not touch on the fact that in our society today there is a dominant culture that often influences the majority of the way our society is, which can cause feelings of cultural discontinuity for cultures who are not the dominant one. Assimilation into the dominant culture and a rejection of one’s own culture can result in a loss of traditions, heritage or even language.

Reflecting on other peoples definitions of culture and diversity, has allowed me to gain insight on the sometimes limited perspectives people may have about culture. It has made me realize that before I has taken this course I also had a very narrow definition of both terms. Examining other people’s perspectives has influenced me to want to expand others knowledge on culture and diversity.

References

  Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic interactions [Video file]. Retrieved July 8, 2014, from https://class.waldenu.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



My Family Culture

3 Items to take:

·         An iPod because music is a large part of my families dynamic with a variety of music representing my family: country, reggae, R &B, Hip Hop, Classical, etc.

·         A historical family tree plaque passed down through 4 generations.

·         A family picture album consisting of family vacations, events, and extended family members.

I would explain to others that each of these items represents unity and the importance of family within our culture. Passing down the family history is essential for generations to come, so that they can understand why it’s important to value family and traditions. If I was told I could only keep one item I would be devastated but I would keep the family picture album as it consists of the family linage, and is a symbol of the importance of family.

This exercise helped me to realize just how much family is important to my family culture, along with passing down traditions, customs, and values to my kids.