Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

                             Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

                  After studying this week, I found that I had to adjust some of my ways, because as innocent as they might be and unintentional,  with the terms that I learned, I realized that some are classified under the micro aggressions.  Well, sadly enough I went into the furniture store, and I was there to pay my bill.  Well, my children started running around, so I followed them, so that I could get them together and bring them back next to me.  Well, this young lady came out of the office and asked me if she could help, and I told her no, I was just looking.  So, when I got to the counter and the young lady was standing next to the other worker, I asked if the young girl was her daughter? She said, "no, my mother is the owner."  So, then I said, "oh, I said you know that children can work for their parents and make up to 5000 dollars as long as their parents are the boss."  And she said "yea I am old enough to work.  The young lady went on to tell me that she was graduating in two weeks.  And I like an idiot told her that she looked very young,  and that I would not give her over 12.  I also told her, that she would always get carded, and that when she is 50, that she would look 20 maybe.  She was really nice,  I truly meant well, but it was definitely an ism.  I am going to go out on a line, and say it was an AGEISM (discrimination), because I assumed that she was too young to help me, and then when I found out she was of age, it shocked me.  Then I thought I was giving her a compliment  by telling her she looked very young, in a good way, but what I was really conveying is that people will always think she is too young, and that just like I did not seek her help, because I thought she looked like a kid,  so will others.  I was not trying to say that, but after I pondered over my words later, I realized how the content was conveyed. 

I apologized to her, and though she said I am use to that, and that it felt good to look young, I know somewhere inside, she probably wonders if she will ever be taken serious.

I think self awareness was at its highest for me this week,  because I realized that just as much as  people discriminate against me etc, that minor things that I saw  as innocent, also conveyed a tone that could be misconstrued.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

·         Week 3 Assignment 3

Blog Assignment: Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

                The three people I chose to include in this assignment are Marquita, Troy and Jeffrey.  All three of the people chosen, are different , whether it be age, gender, ethnicity etc. 

Marquita's definition of culture is as follows:  elements or ingredients that are combined or blended to create all the elements of a person.

1.  Marquita's definition of diversity is  as follows:  is elements which differ, but together tell or display a person.

2.  Troy's definition of culture:  is the way in which we are formed or defined.

Troy's definition of diversity:  a celebration of differences.

3.  Jeffrey's definition of culture:  the things that flow together and defines who we are.

Jeffrey's  definition of diversity:  highlights of the things that makes us uniquely different.

                Culture does define who we are.  Culture includes everything and I think for the most part, each answer denotes or leads one to believe that everything on the surface or beneath defines culture. Though the definitions are not elaborate, but they are straight to the point.   I believe that through hearing other's views  or definition of culture and diversity, it has helped me to see things from many different angles.  I believe that culture and diversity takes on so many different  elements, and it has made me exam my own culture and what makes me diverse.  I think that my strengths are a great part of my diversities, because no two people are alike. 

My Culture

Imagine the following:

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. 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 are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, 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.

Blog about all of the following:

My Culture

If I was blessed to be a survivor and I had to give up everything but three items that I hold dear and that represent my family's culture, the items would be my faith in God, and Bible, and family album.

If I had to explain to others what each of the items mean to me, it would not be very hard, because I was raised with Christian grandparents and a mother that Believes.  My Faith is number one, though there are times I fail, but I get back up and keep trying.  Faith is not an object, nor a routine; but rather a belief grounded on principle and guidelines that shape us into Christians. I learned earl from my dad's mom, that Faith in God could carry me, even in the toughest trials and tribulations.  I chose the Bible for my second item, because when I was at my weakest point in the middle of nowhere feeling like I should give up, I began to realize that though I knew the Lord, that not enough of his Word lived in me.  By reading daily to get my day started;  it gives me the wisdom needed to apply God's Word on my life, and situations.  Family album was the third item and I chose that, because I am visual and the sweet memories will help me to smile and remember my life.

If I arrived and was told that I could only keep one and I had to choose, then I would choose my Faith in God, because with God, "all things are possible."  So, by keeping my Faith in God, I can call on him when I am in need, and though I may not get everything I ask for, I trust that God knows what is best. 

I have learned that time is precious and that making wise choices, even in times of despair, builds a legacy, and inheritances, that can be full proof, if God  is at the forefront.  I could have easily chosen family heirlooms, valuables but those items will not get me through, when times are rough.