Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

A microaggression is any verbal behavior or action that leaves an individual with feelings of inferiority. Sometimes people do this unconsciously and do not mean any harm as such was the way with one student I had.

While subbing, I was teaching in middle school a science class when a student told me it was okay to talk in Spanish. After I asked him why, he said "because I see you "struggling". He was referring to my accent when he mentioned "struggling". I acted defensive and told him that I was not struggling because I had been speaking English for the last 38 years. ALthough this student did not mean any harm, unintentionally he made me feel inferior.Yes, I do have an accent which I do not want to get rid of. My husband even finds it sexy. in this occassion I was the recipient of a microinsult.

My perception has been changed when it comes to cases like these now. After reading the required reasources, I understand the students behavior better. If I would of read the resources before this happenned, I would of reacted in a totally different way and not defensive.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The person I interviewed for this assignment is a coworker who comes from Saudi Arabia. Her name is Mrs.Ansari. Her definition of culture is everything that encompasses her since the minute she was born up to the day I was standing in fron of her asking this question. The aspect of culture discontinuity was included in our conversation because although she did not mention this term, she stated that many of her customs had to be left behind when she came to the United States 20 years ago. One very important thing for females in her culture is to always have her hair hidden. She mentioned is extremely disrespectful for them to show their hair in public to someone else besides her husband, Other males should not see her hair, it wold be the equivalent of an American woman showing her breast in public as stated by her.  My thinking after talking to her is that everyone has their very valid reasons to do what they do. To some people that don't understand this, the custom might seem pointless; but it is in these situations that we must understand and respect everyone. I thought it was very sad that she mentioned her daughter being bullied at school because she was "different". Mrs.Ansari then explained that Saudi Arabia women are professionals just like American woman and they should not be perceived as submissive woman or sometimes even called "abused wives". To Mrs.Ansari, she describes herself as an independent very intelligent professional and not as a victim of abuse.

My Family Culture

 

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently.  You can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.....

If I was in this dire situation my choice of the 3 items would be my Bible, my guitar, and one of the hundreds of photo albums I have.

I would take my Bible because I understand that there are parts of the world where Christianity is not accepted, or is illegal.Therefore;I could probably end up in a country who does not know Jesus Christ. By not having a church to attend, my Bible would be very important to me to help me stay connected to the Word. If I were asked to describe this I would tell the person aking that I fervently believe in God's promises and I would have the Bible to refer to everyday.

I would take my guitar because it is a guitar made by the hands of my father specially personalized for me. I grew up listening to my father play the guitar and at some point in his life, the guitar was his instrument to earn a living. My father would walk to different restaurants and play songs and accept tips from the people dinning.Although this happened before I was born, everytime I see a guitar I remember him and I am very grateful God chose him as my father. Growing up,I can remember all the family reunions with my father singing with my uncles and playing the guitar and accordion. The guitar brings very sweet memories to me and I love my guitar because it was handmade and crafted with love specifically for me.

The third item I would take would be a photo album. In this photo album, I would place photos of relatives I would no longer see and of memories of happy times. This album would help me remember my very happy life in the United States I once had.

If upon arrival was told I could only keep 1 item.......

I would definetely keep my Bible. This one book would ensure me that I have something to look forward to and that I am not and never will be alone, no matter what part of the world I am in.

The insights I gained from this assignment is that material things are not important but what we hold in our minds is. I have my very special guitar but it is only an object. I have my father who I love dearly and whom I can count on for a shoulder to cry on if I need it or someone to put up with my laughter or silliness over dumb things....