“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”

~ Dr. Haim Ginott

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

I saw a couple of scenario's where microagression played a huge part. The one that stood out the most was when I attended the Black Friday sale at Walmart. I was in the line for a Nabi 2 tablet for my little girl and there was a white lady in fornt of me that was really rude. At ten o'clock which was the time the tablet went on sale the crowd got a little rowdy. There was pushing, yelling, and cursing. When we finally got our tablets, and purchased them I heard her tell her husband that those black people would mess up a wet dream. I was very outraged, insulted, and embarrassed. I did not know if I should respond or just get my purchase and go. This was clearly an example of micro-racism.

This affected me in so many ways. It showed me that here in Mississippi things have not changed. I don't want to be one of those people that keep racial hate alive, so I forgive those people and move on with my life because if I spend my time worrying about things that I cannot change, then I allow those things to take power over me and my life and that is not an option.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Danielle : Culture is a group of individuals with various differences whether it be race, religion, gender, or etc. Diversity is a variation of culture.

Phil :  Culture is social moreys, traditions, and tabu's of groups. Diversity is the acceptance of differences within your society or culture.


Generally everybody feels the same about what culture and diversity mean. Basically it's the many different things about us individually that makes us who we are. What I have learned is that Culture is the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. There are a few things that have been ommitted about culture. They left out that culture is defined as the shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization. When I look at thier definitions it makes me think about the way I define culture. My definition of culture is  inherited ideas, beliefs, values, and knowledge, which constitute the shared bases of social action.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

My Family Culture

The three items that I would take to keep me in touch with my culture are very important to me.The first thing I would pack is the Bible. I dnt know where I will be sent and if they will have the same beliefs as myself and my family. I would never want them to forget about thier faith. The second thing I would take is my photo album. I don't ever want to forget my family and friends and the good times we shared. The third thing I would take is the baddest pair of high heels in my closet. I love shoe and even if I don't get to wear them again, just looking at them is enough.

If when I get to where I am going and I have to give up two of my items it would devestate me. I had to think long and hard about which items I just couldn't leave behind and to be told that I still have to eliminate two of my items would make me really angry. I would be furious, probably irate.

I have learned that my reliegon is the most important thing in my life. If nothing else I would take my bible because it is the most important when it comes to my culture. The values I share with my family are important to me.