Awareness of Microagressions

      I can remember an event I attended where people were dancing and enjoying themselves.  Among those joining our group of black people was a white acquaintance.  We were enjoying the music and talking when someone asked me if I wanted to dance.  I refused and commented that I'm not the best dancer.  An off hand, kind of joking comment was made by our white acquaintance--something to the effect, "Don't be shy.  You know you can dance."  Given the fact that this person did not really know me or anything about my background, I received the comment as implying that I could dance because I am black.  I don't remember being extremely bothered or feeling offended at the moment.  I did, however, let her know that her assumption was not correct. 
      I think microgagressions have occurred often in my life and many have gone unnoted.   I think that has happened because they were presented in a light-hearted or off handed way, or come from people that we would not expect racist behavior to come from.  And, just as Dr. Sue mentions in the video, something will happen and you will ask yourself "Did what I think just happened just happen" and often I have dismissed it.

      Dr. Sue's presentation speaks to the fact that we hold biases that we are often unaware of, but their existence is revealed in these microagressions which are not overt, direct expressions of those biases.  Clearly, people are attacked because of their culture much more frequently than I previously thought and I realize that their thinking about themselves and others is quietly impacted each time.  As an educator, I will have to be alert to the occurrence of microagressions in my own conversation and behaviors and make every effort to eliminate bias that I detect within myself. 
          

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I find it interesting that all of the responses to a request to define culture included a reference to family traditions and the way people grow up.  Only one definition included race, ethnicity, values and customs.  Diversity was defined as differences in people.  None of the people I spoke with referred to socioeconomic levels, religious beliefs, abilities, or language.  I got the impression that many people do not really give a great deal of thought to all that culture and diversity encompass beyond surface level issues.

Some of the components of culture included in the definitions received involved a more in depth discussion of family traditions which integrated how people feel about religion, education, politics, or how they celebrate different holidays, marriages, birthdays, and even how they deal with death.  When people talked about the way people grow up they meant their family’s values, religious beliefs, socioeconomic level, where they live, their dress, whether or not they go to school, language, and whether family make up is traditional or a different arrangement. 

Listening to others define culture and diversity has heightened my awareness to the fact that everyone’s thoughts about what these terms mean can be very narrow or broad.  What is included depends on the person being asked.  Now when I think about culture and diversity my definitions are more inclusive of deep culture than prior to me taking this class or discussing the topic with others.  I recognize the importance of understanding, maintaining an awareness, and being respectful of not just surface culture, but also the deep culture components held my students and their families in my role as an early childhood educator.  I think that my level of understanding and awareness regarding culture and diversity will determine my level of success in creating a welcoming environment, establishing positive, effective relationships with students and their families as well as being how effectively I am able to foster attitudes of acceptance and appreciation of differences in people and their cultures.

My Family Culture

            If I imagined that our country's infrastructure has been destroyed and my family and I are being forced to relocate I would be grateful and concerned about what was to come.  If I was further told that I could only bring three items and one change of clothes, I would bring the Bible, a family photo, and an American Flag.  The Bible is important because my relationship with God, my faith is the foundation upon which I build every aspect of my life as well as being an important aspect of most of the lives of my family members.  The family picture serves as a physical, visual representation and reminder of those I love and support and who love and support me –images of people with whom I have built a life.  The American Flag is important because I think that in moving forward we should have something to remind us of where we came from and the wonderful opportunities our country afforded us to grow and increase as individuals and as a family unit.

If I was later told that I am going to have to give up two of the three items I brought with me, I would keep the Bible.  My relationship with God is more important than any thing I possess.  It, my relationship, is alive and ever changing.  A vital part of maintaining and growing as a Christian is spending time reading and meditating on the word of God.  My faith teaches me that as I do those things and spend time in prayer the truths of the bible impart the life and power of God in such a way that I will develop spiritual tools that will impact my temporal life in such a way that I will have what I need to shape a purposeful, good life --- wherever I find myself.  The knowledge and wisdom I can gain from the Bible will impact my life, and potentially the lives of my family and others as well, both temporally and eternally.