Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions Now that I have read on what are microaggressions I find myself listening out for them and making myself aware of the things I say. This week at work I experience a microaggression. One of my co-workers was talking to a volunteer who is Indian. The co-worker was talking to her and made mentioned that she spoke good English for not being raised here in the United States. The volunteer told my co-worker that she studied English from home and studied in the States. My coworker remarked how impressive that was and how proud her family must be. As I listened to the conversation I immediately thought of Dr. Sue and his experience and feelings when someone had approached him in a similar manner. I see the volunteer become offensive and her answers were short and to the point. My observation of the situation was that my co-worker did mean to offend her and thought she was giving her a compliment. I looked at the matter in a different light now that I know and understand what microaggressions are and how the comments we think are innocent but in the end are hurtful and discriminatory.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three people I asked about diversity and culture are my sister who is seven years younger, my sister-in-law who is an African American and my other sister-in-law who is Macedonian. The answers that then gave me were similar to what I have studied so far. They all feel that culture is a persons traits and traditions that are carried from generation to generation. Diversity is the differences that people bring to the table. Differences can be language, customs, foods, and up bring of the children. My sister-in-law who is Macedonian expressed the diversity in her own culture depends on which part of the country you are from; it may be that a particular food is prepared in a different way from where she was raised or center words can be different as well. The reason I asked my younger sister about diversity and culture is to see what the thoughts of the younger generation and if it was the same as mine being older. Her thoughts are the same and added she wished my parents raised us deeper into our culture. What is omitted from their answer to the question is how they were influenced by the dominant culture also if their parents altered their thinking and adopted any of the norms to fit in. The answers they gave me influenced me to continue to look into diversity and culture and to keep in the front of my mind to accept all differences and to put aside my biases.

My Family Culture

If I had to take three things that represented my family culture it would be seeds that represent plants that I use for cooking, family photos and cultural musical instruments. The seeds that I would bring will be used for our special foods that we make. I would bring this so that I can continue the richness of cuisine. I would also bring the photos of our family so that our children will not forget who they are and to show our future grandchildren their family pictures before the catastrophe. The musical instruments such as the small guitar that has four strings; it is called a quarto, which means four. This guitar has a special sound and when it is played all those who are Puerto Rican knows what instrument is playing. If I had only one to choose from it will be the family pictures. Pictures hold memories, so when you tell a story and show the picture it will form a visual that will keep those memories alive. The insight I have gained from this exercise is how important the pictures are to holding onto your culture. We can find spices and musical instruments, but the faces to the people you left behind or did not survive will carry on for generations.

When I Think of Research...

The insight that I have gained about research is all the preparation one needs to make sure that the research is reliable and trustworthy. Researchers have to choose a design and a method depending the subject or case study. I idea of research has changed because I was not aware of all the work that one has to do. Now when I read a case study or a research journal I will able to determine what method did the researcher use and if it is just and fair. My biggest challenge that I encountered was the understanding of the material and applying the information to my simulated research study. It was a humbling experience but worth all the time and effort. The importance of making sure that all information is correct will help the early childhood profession. The information that is gathered should be able to help the teachers, parents and professionals in different situations. I enjoyed the course. I wish we had more time to study more in-depth.

Research Around the World

I looked at the Australians web site. I found that on international base the research topics are the same as ours. They are concerned with child development and their well-being. The insight that I have gained is the different programs they offer for the children and families. They have one program in particular that caught my interest and it is called Everyday Living series, which speaks about have a positive learning environment for the children and other suggestion for the families to stay healthy and positive. It is very healthy as a professional to be aware of the issues that other countries face and how they are handled. I enjoyed the adventure of looking at the Australian life style. Reference Early Childhood Australia: This is the Australian equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC. You can access several links to early childhood research from the menu on the left side of the home page.
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Uplifting Stories

A positive example that I have seen in research was of a 4-year-old child who had experience three-deaths in his family with in a matter of five-month span. This child lost his Grandmother and uncle on his mother side and his Grandfather on his fathers’ side; the Grandparents both died of cancer and the uncle died suddenly. The parents both agreed and signed consent forms for the child to be observed at school and home and asked questions. They observed him in the classroom to see if the child expressing any aggression towards his classmates and also if he was being more emotional then usual. This research benefited him and also others his age in order to help them handle death. This research helped the child cope with death of his loved ones. It also helped the parents in that they were able to maintain stability in at home continue with their normal routine.

Your Personal Research Journey

It is surly a journey to research topics. I was not aware of all the details that are involved in conducting a reliable study for this topic that are of importance to early childcare. The topic that I chose to research is child obesity. I will like to know how obesity effects the child’s development and what can we as educators help to put a stop or curve to the epidemic. I chose this topic because it is a growing concern. In my school we have started a program Healthy Choices. In this program we explain to the children and parents of the dangers of obesity and what we can do to encourage the children to make healthy choices on their own. The web-site that I chose to start with is Childhood Obesity - Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org/.../childrens.../child. This site shows statistics and other health related issues that comes with obesity. I know there many other sites that I can visit and help me to conduct a reliable study that will help me bring awareness to this issue. The research chart assignment has helped me stay organized and focused to be very effective in my presentation. If you have any other resources that will help me I would appreciate it. Reference Childhood Obesity - Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org/.../childrens.../child..