This past week I have been cognizant of the many conversations around me and especially my own words. In my discussion post, I mentioned the comment I made to my sister in our exercise class. I never saw myself as one who would participate in a microinsult. It made me realize how vulnerable we are to making inferences that may hurt others and ourselves without really realizing, and do so on a daily basis.
In remembering my high schools years, physically, I was very thin. Others including my friends would refer to me as “toothpick legs” and other not so endearing terms. They thought it was funny and thought I should think it was funny. However, I did not think it was funny and it made me feel marginable and inferior.
I have not reflected on the past, that far back, for a long time. However, in doing so, I now have a better understanding of how people can take such power on a daily basis and make others feel less than they really are.
My goal from this day forward is to do my best to bring out the best in children and their families, my family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. I may not be able to change others, but I can improve myself. I must begin by being acutely aware of what I am going to say before I say it. If everyone would begin with themselves then conquering oppression would be so much easier.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Definitions of Culture & Diversity
Definitions of culture:
#1: A friend (60 year old male) responded that culture is related to the country of origin, how you are reared, your traditions and your heritage.
#2: A co-worker (40 year old female originally from Bosnia) responded that culture refers to music, customs, art, food and literature.
#3: A family member (65 year old male) responded that culture is all the aspects that make us who and what we are.
Definitions of diversity:
#1: Responded that diversity extends beyond cultures and involves all the differences within our country, different religions, differences in our workforce and other areas.
#2: Responded that diversity is being different in terms of culture, art, beliefs, social status, and age.
#3: Responded that diversity is the elements that make us unique.
Their answers included surface culture items such as traditions, music, customs, art, food, country of origin, etc. Even though some answers were not specific, I felt that they were striving to feel the deeper aspects of culture which entailed ideas that would reach below the “tip of the iceberg” and included how we are raised, and aspects that make us who we are. When talking about diversity, two spoke of “differences” and one seemed to make the term feel positive in using the term “unique”.
None of the explanations included political affiliation, stigmatized identities, nor were they specific when talking about ethnicity or religion, and vocations.
In pondering the explanations of my family and friends, I have recognized that they seem to be connected to surface culture, but are unaware of a deeper connection to their inner self. I realize that before this course, I might have had some of the same inklings, but now I feel a greater sense of myself and who I really am and what I really want from life. This deeper insight will hopefully help me to reach out to others so that they may also have a better understanding and acceptance of their own cultures and the wonderful diversity that surrounds us all.
#1: A friend (60 year old male) responded that culture is related to the country of origin, how you are reared, your traditions and your heritage.
#2: A co-worker (40 year old female originally from Bosnia) responded that culture refers to music, customs, art, food and literature.
#3: A family member (65 year old male) responded that culture is all the aspects that make us who and what we are.
Definitions of diversity:
#1: Responded that diversity extends beyond cultures and involves all the differences within our country, different religions, differences in our workforce and other areas.
#2: Responded that diversity is being different in terms of culture, art, beliefs, social status, and age.
#3: Responded that diversity is the elements that make us unique.
Their answers included surface culture items such as traditions, music, customs, art, food, country of origin, etc. Even though some answers were not specific, I felt that they were striving to feel the deeper aspects of culture which entailed ideas that would reach below the “tip of the iceberg” and included how we are raised, and aspects that make us who we are. When talking about diversity, two spoke of “differences” and one seemed to make the term feel positive in using the term “unique”.
None of the explanations included political affiliation, stigmatized identities, nor were they specific when talking about ethnicity or religion, and vocations.
In pondering the explanations of my family and friends, I have recognized that they seem to be connected to surface culture, but are unaware of a deeper connection to their inner self. I realize that before this course, I might have had some of the same inklings, but now I feel a greater sense of myself and who I really am and what I really want from life. This deeper insight will hopefully help me to reach out to others so that they may also have a better understanding and acceptance of their own cultures and the wonderful diversity that surrounds us all.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
My Family Culture
The scenario is this: There has been a major catastrophe and I must leave my home and country to live far away within a different culture and I can only take three small but important items that represent my family culture with me. Thinking about this is stressful. I cannot even imagine such an ordeal. However, I am well aware that there are many who have gone through such affliction and only have memories of their culture.
My initial thought is to take my family genealogy book as a continued link to the past that supports my roots and where I came from. Secondly, my journal which has written details of my life thus far and will allow me to write about my journey to this new land. Thirdly, I would take my scriptures which are comprised of stories that teach and explain ideas, values, and beliefs that have guided my family, extended family, and me through the years.
I hold these items dear as they represent parts of my innermost feelings, beliefs, and values. They are my connection to meaningful relationships. They contain stories from ancestors that have helped to motivate and guide me in my life journey.
Mixed feelings of fear, anger, and sadness would fill my soul if I was asked to give up two of the three representations of myself. I hope they would give me a little time to ponder and offer a sincere prayer asking for guidance in this decision.
This assignment has helped me to understand how connected I am to my culture and how I define myself. It has opened the door to a deeper appreciation for those and especially children who have had to give up much in the face of adversity. Most of all it has given me knowledge that culture resides within my being and cannot really be gaged by material possessions. They can take away my genealogy book, my journal, and my scriptures, but they cannnot take away my beliefs, values, or my memories as they are imbeded in my heart and soul.
Culture goes deeper than a person’s hair, eyes, or skin color. It comprises their deepest feelings and intimate beliefs and values. My extended realization is the fact that my culture is imbeded within me and taking away material cultural items cannot take away my what is in my heart and in my soul.
Mahatma Gandhi said it this way, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
My initial thought is to take my family genealogy book as a continued link to the past that supports my roots and where I came from. Secondly, my journal which has written details of my life thus far and will allow me to write about my journey to this new land. Thirdly, I would take my scriptures which are comprised of stories that teach and explain ideas, values, and beliefs that have guided my family, extended family, and me through the years.
I hold these items dear as they represent parts of my innermost feelings, beliefs, and values. They are my connection to meaningful relationships. They contain stories from ancestors that have helped to motivate and guide me in my life journey.
Mixed feelings of fear, anger, and sadness would fill my soul if I was asked to give up two of the three representations of myself. I hope they would give me a little time to ponder and offer a sincere prayer asking for guidance in this decision.
This assignment has helped me to understand how connected I am to my culture and how I define myself. It has opened the door to a deeper appreciation for those and especially children who have had to give up much in the face of adversity. Most of all it has given me knowledge that culture resides within my being and cannot really be gaged by material possessions. They can take away my genealogy book, my journal, and my scriptures, but they cannnot take away my beliefs, values, or my memories as they are imbeded in my heart and soul.
Culture goes deeper than a person’s hair, eyes, or skin color. It comprises their deepest feelings and intimate beliefs and values. My extended realization is the fact that my culture is imbeded within me and taking away material cultural items cannot take away my what is in my heart and in my soul.
Mahatma Gandhi said it this way, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
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