Practicing Awareness of Microaggressionar

A microaggression that I recently witnessed involves a home visit to a Spanish speaking student's house.  I accompanied another teacher on the visit, and she had to request an interpreter for the child and  family.  My co-teacher informed the interpreter, Maria, that the child's name is also Maria.  The interpreter made a comment about how that name is a very common name among the Latino culture.  My co-worker then asked her where was she from, and she said she was born here  in the US.  I thought it was a fair question at the time, but after learning about microaggressions, I understand how things can be assumed if we do not know the culture of those we come in contact with.  I have a better understanding of how easy it is to label people when you don't think about what you are saying before you ask a question or make a comment.  Although it may often be unintentional, we can offend others by assuming we already know them or by forming our own expectations of them.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

*Culture is values and beliefs shared by a common group of people.  Religion, how a person is raised, food you eat and clothes you wear.
Diversity is going against the standard norms of society.
*Things passed down from ancestors;nationality; traditions
Diversity is being divided into groups according to age or race.
*Knowledge gained from different educational experiences, art; shared beliefs.
Diversity is a variety of people and opinions.


The answer I received reflect on many of the different aspects of diversity and culture such as beliefs, values, traditions and experiences and knowledge gain from ancestors.  The answer also reflect of what  makes people diverse, such as race, age and different standards.
A wide range of aspects were covered even religion, clothes that people wear and the food people eat.

Thinking about other people's definitions of diversity and culture has influenced my thinking of just how the they are both defined differently by different people , but generally meaning the same thing.  People are different in how they look, beliefs, etc. so the definitions of culture and diversity are also different.

My Family Culture

The three items I would choose are family pictures, an ipod, and a notebook.

The pictures will represent the memories of family events and celebrations of my culture.  The ipod will represent the various music of my culture because it often tells stories, especially the gospel music. Gospel music ministers to me at all times, even when I am not in church or have access to a bible and it will be a constant reminder of my faith.   The note pad because I want to be able to write down as much as I can about my culture so that there will be a record of my culture to pass on to my children.

If I have to give up one thing, I would be hurt and sad about having to give it up, but I would make sure I teach my children about our culture and tell them stories so that they will always carry that with them in their heart.

This exercise has made me really think about what I  would take with me if I was put into this position.  It has reminded me of how important it is to make sure my children are aware of their cultural surroundings and that we all create great memories in our lives that will remain with us forever.