Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

In conversation with my husband, I was able to pinpoint an instance when microaggression occurred. My husband and his family used to attend a well-known church in Dallas by the name of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. While attending classes at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he began conversing with one of his adult, white, male, classmate. The two were talking about the churches in which they were members of. When my husband mentioned that he belonged to OCBF, his classmate then said, that he had heard of the church and asked him was Dr. Tony Evans the pastor of OCBF? My husband replied "yes", and then the classmate proceeded to say, "That Pastor Evans, he's a smart one!" Needless to say, Pastor Tony Evans is an African American and the comment my husbands' classmate made was characterized as a microinsult. His comment was demeaning to not only my husband and his pastor but to the entire African American race. My husband's classmate was astonished at how smart African Americans could be and thus how productive they have the ability of being. In my observations of microaggresions this week, I was able to "put a face to a name'. Dr. Sue provided me with eye-opening information and I was finally able to reach a synopsis to what I have experienced most of my life. I feel as if the phenomenon of microagression is accurate and progressive. I learned so much about this topic and am eager to continue to learn more. Micoraggression, is the epitome of racism and discrimination. Dr. Sue, was correct when he characterized prejudice as presently, more covert than overt. He is doing a great job to educate those who are ignorant and oblivious of the hurt and damage they cause individuals, everyday. Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Microaggressions in Everyday Life. [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

***I spoke with three friends/colleagues of mind and gathered their views on culture and diversity. The information from these interviews/questions is as follows: Andrea (Mexican-American) 1. Definition of culture: We (Mexicans) are very family oriented and believe in helping each other. Most of us are Catholic and have a high respect for authority. We believe in teaching our children all about our heritage. Thus, my family and I travel to Mexico at least twice a year, so that my children get to experience the great culture that I observed when I was a child. In Mexico, there’s a real sense of community, families believe in helping one another. If one family needs food, another family will not hesitate to give of what they have. 2. Definition of diversity: Mexicans are very diverse. Most people think that all Mexicans are the same but some are Cuban, Spaniard, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan. David (Haitian) 1. Definition of culture: Culture is made up of family. The family is the backbone of society. In my country my culture is very close-knit. We rely on each other. Therefore, my culture is very dependent on one another to survive. 2. Definition of diversity: In my country diversity is prominent. We are African but yet we speak Haitian Creole, English and French. Therefore we have mixture of culture and traditions which makes us very diverse. Julie (Caucasian) 1. What is culture? Socioeconomic, economic, racial, and demographics determine the culture of a person. 2. What is diversity? Diversity is recognizing and acknowledging the differences between various cultures. Reflecting on the comments and answers my friends provided on the aspects of culture and diversity, I discovered that their responses were different and complex. Complexity is a term that Janet Gonzales-Mena spoke of in the multimedia presentation, Culture and Diversity. I felt as if I gained much knowledge as I they spoke about their culture. Another important aspect Janet Gonzales-Mena spoke about was not making a prediction of a person’s culture and diversity, based on their background. For example, I assumed that ALL African men took on dominant characteristics, as associated with being the ‘men of the household’ although, after speaking with David, Africans such as himself, focus more on the family aspect of culture, instead of individualizing the men as a single entity (or main focus) of the family. My friends were very genuine in sharing their views on culture and diversity. They omitted nothing, instead were candid in sharing their experiences. Overall, I learned that culture and diversity influence the way in which children and family are viewed. In addition, I learned that children learn culture from their families and/or the people around them. Culture leads to identity, therefore, all views of culture and diversity should be embraced and children should feel confident that their culture matters! Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Culture and Diversity [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

My Family Culture

The three items I would choose would be: 1. My Bible: The bible represents a 'way of life' for me as well as my family. The Word of Guide provides for me direction and security. Thus, as Life tosses our Physical Bodies to and fro, it is the Bible, the Word of God that will NEVER waiver and continues to hold TRUE! 2. Photos: Memories make a lasting impression on the things that are truly important to me. I would gather as many photos/videos as possible in order to preserve many of the times I have had with my friends and family. 3. My Wedding Band: I have been married to my husband for 5 years and our wedding bands are much more valuable than $. The band symbolizes a never ending/interrupted unit. My husband and I are committed to a covenant made before God and it’s through strife and hard-times that we continue to be strengthened. *Although cultures, languages, families, etc. are different LOVE is the same. Inevitably, we all need Christ in our life and others to survive.