Welcoming Families From Around the World
Lately I have been looking into my family tree. This class on diversity has catapulted me into wanting to know all about my ancestors.
So, for this assignment, I would pick that my family would be from either Sweden or Germany.
The five ways I would prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the family are as follows:
1. Start at the library and gather as much information on the country of Sweden and Germany.
2. Learn to read and speak in their native tongue (as much as possible, until I could become proficient)
3. Ask friends and family if they knew anyone that migrated from these countries so that I could get a first hand account of what it may have been like in their country
4. Speak with colleagues that belong to organizations that are in Sweden or Germany.
5. Attempt to gather as much information on their home land, especially in regards to the other races, ethnicities, and social classes that exist in their individual towns and cities
The most important benefit of my preparations would be that I would make the families feel welcome in our country. I would hope that my understanding of where they come from would easy the transition period and make them feel that we in the United States do in fact care about their home land. Also, communication for the families would be easier if I was able to speak and read/write in their native tongue. Furthermore, I would hope to show the families that I have an in depth understanding of their culture, customs and ethnicity. All of these aspects would greatly benefit me because I would feel that I am encouraging the families to feel comfortable and wanted here in the United States.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
Of late, the most influential situation regarding prejudice was in the movie, The Help. If you have seen this movie, you know what I am talking about. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to watch it with an open mind and open heart.
The movie is based on a book that was written by a white author, however, the stories in the book are all told by black "maids" from the South in a time when segregation was still abundant.
With that said, you can imagine the types of prejudice, bias and oppression that were described and acted out in this movie. From major racial slurs, to out right mean and hatred for black people is all riddled throughout this movie.
For the most part, I cried during this movie. I have never seen such a moving expression of how people can be so unloving and hurtful to another human being just because of their race. These "maids" were made to use an outhouse to relieve themselves, eat in the kitchen and never with white people, and basically take abuse and racial slurs from their bosses just to keep their jobs.
Usually when I watch this type of movie I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and shame that my "white" ancestors would treat other human beings this way. I know it was another time; another world. However, it does still exist today in some parts of our country.
I can only hope that a movie such as this was an eye-opener for others. I can only hope that we are a country can learn to love and respect each others differences.
Of late, the most influential situation regarding prejudice was in the movie, The Help. If you have seen this movie, you know what I am talking about. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to watch it with an open mind and open heart.
The movie is based on a book that was written by a white author, however, the stories in the book are all told by black "maids" from the South in a time when segregation was still abundant.
With that said, you can imagine the types of prejudice, bias and oppression that were described and acted out in this movie. From major racial slurs, to out right mean and hatred for black people is all riddled throughout this movie.
For the most part, I cried during this movie. I have never seen such a moving expression of how people can be so unloving and hurtful to another human being just because of their race. These "maids" were made to use an outhouse to relieve themselves, eat in the kitchen and never with white people, and basically take abuse and racial slurs from their bosses just to keep their jobs.
Usually when I watch this type of movie I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and shame that my "white" ancestors would treat other human beings this way. I know it was another time; another world. However, it does still exist today in some parts of our country.
I can only hope that a movie such as this was an eye-opener for others. I can only hope that we are a country can learn to love and respect each others differences.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
The microaggression that I experienced this week:
My friend was actually telling me "stupid women" jokes. It was very offensive to me as a women. However, the surprise really came when the male friend said that he heard the joke from his female cousin. When I realized that a women was the initiator of the joke, I felt even more disrespected and violated. I was highly insulted that another women would think that jokes like that are funny and would even care to repeat them.
I'm sure there were other forms of microaggressions this week that I missed. With that said, I feel that I had an extensive amount of growth during this week's topic. I realized that, although words are said with unintentional hurt, it can scar a person and be psychologically damaging. I have also learned that I will never quite understand what it means to be discriminated against because of the color of my skin. And no matter how hard I try, I will never fully understand the types of prejudice and stereotypes that others may experience.
Furthermore, I have also learned that people do in fact have some major issues in regards to stereotypes and discrimination. I think it is hard for some people to be self-aware. In conjunction, I have serious doubts that most people want to change their perceptions about others. Unfortunately, I wonder if there will even be a world without prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination.
The microaggression that I experienced this week:
My friend was actually telling me "stupid women" jokes. It was very offensive to me as a women. However, the surprise really came when the male friend said that he heard the joke from his female cousin. When I realized that a women was the initiator of the joke, I felt even more disrespected and violated. I was highly insulted that another women would think that jokes like that are funny and would even care to repeat them.
I'm sure there were other forms of microaggressions this week that I missed. With that said, I feel that I had an extensive amount of growth during this week's topic. I realized that, although words are said with unintentional hurt, it can scar a person and be psychologically damaging. I have also learned that I will never quite understand what it means to be discriminated against because of the color of my skin. And no matter how hard I try, I will never fully understand the types of prejudice and stereotypes that others may experience.
Furthermore, I have also learned that people do in fact have some major issues in regards to stereotypes and discrimination. I think it is hard for some people to be self-aware. In conjunction, I have serious doubts that most people want to change their perceptions about others. Unfortunately, I wonder if there will even be a world without prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Perspectives on Diversity and Culture
Perspectives on Diversity and Culture
One person wrote that they think culture equals tradition. And that diversity is a bunch of different cultures coming together.
Another person wrote that diversity is a bunch of different things, people, places... but that culture is about traditions and the way a certain community does things.
The third person was more literal in their definitions but expressed that diversity means different races and ethnicities coming together and that culture has to do with how people treat one another.
Obviously, the simple definitions of the terms are presented here in what people think diversity and culture means to them. However, I think that people fail to see the importance of why we have different cultures and why diversity is so important in today's society. I also have to point out that I posted the question: What is diversity? What is culture? on my Facebook page so that I would get a lot of replies. Sadly, I only got the three replies. This led me to wonder if people are afraid to talk about cultures and diversity, as if these topics are taboo.
I felt that the biggest omission was the conversation that should have taken place about the topics of diversity and culture. I was surprised that with the diversity of my friends and the variety of different cultures that exist among them all, that there was no conversation or sharing going on on my post.
Mainly, I felt that people may be so busy in today's society to even see each others different cultures and share about our diversity.
One person wrote that they think culture equals tradition. And that diversity is a bunch of different cultures coming together.
Another person wrote that diversity is a bunch of different things, people, places... but that culture is about traditions and the way a certain community does things.
The third person was more literal in their definitions but expressed that diversity means different races and ethnicities coming together and that culture has to do with how people treat one another.
Obviously, the simple definitions of the terms are presented here in what people think diversity and culture means to them. However, I think that people fail to see the importance of why we have different cultures and why diversity is so important in today's society. I also have to point out that I posted the question: What is diversity? What is culture? on my Facebook page so that I would get a lot of replies. Sadly, I only got the three replies. This led me to wonder if people are afraid to talk about cultures and diversity, as if these topics are taboo.
I felt that the biggest omission was the conversation that should have taken place about the topics of diversity and culture. I was surprised that with the diversity of my friends and the variety of different cultures that exist among them all, that there was no conversation or sharing going on on my post.
Mainly, I felt that people may be so busy in today's society to even see each others different cultures and share about our diversity.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
My Family Culture
My Family Culture
I'm sad to report that the only item I would take with me and keep is my computer. Within my computer lies the past, present and future of me, my family and extended relatives. I would begin by scanning and saving all of my family photos that are still loose or in photo albums, so as to keep these memories with me as well.
I'm sure we all notice that our lives revolve around the computer. Our photos get stored here, our homework is stored here, our personal papers and things like budgets are stored here on our computers everyday. Most importantly, the computer has given us all the tools to communicate and keep in touch with our family, no matter where they live in the world. Social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace have offered us tools to IM with our family and friends, send emails and update the status of not only our daily doings but also our daily whereabouts. We have other forms of communication, such as Email, Instagram and even Twitter to allow us to be connected every minute of everyday of our lives.
Needless to say, this may seem like a cliche to some. However, all I have our photos to remind me of my family and friends. I wouldn't go so far as to call myself alone, but my mom lives one place, my dad another, and my best friend in another! Without my photos and social media sites, it would be hard to keep up with the daily going-ons!
Although I am lucky to have strong bonds with family and friends, it is unfortunate that my family is not heavily into a "culture." I know that I am some German and some Swedish. One set of grandparents comes from Massachusetts and another set came from Illinois. Beyond that, I do not know much about my family origins or the culture in which they came from.
My main insight when it comes to family culture is: I question whether or not my relatives did not carry on their culture, what ever it may be, because they came to the United States as foreigners, were made to assimilate and were stripped of their cultural differences.
I'm sad to report that the only item I would take with me and keep is my computer. Within my computer lies the past, present and future of me, my family and extended relatives. I would begin by scanning and saving all of my family photos that are still loose or in photo albums, so as to keep these memories with me as well.
I'm sure we all notice that our lives revolve around the computer. Our photos get stored here, our homework is stored here, our personal papers and things like budgets are stored here on our computers everyday. Most importantly, the computer has given us all the tools to communicate and keep in touch with our family, no matter where they live in the world. Social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace have offered us tools to IM with our family and friends, send emails and update the status of not only our daily doings but also our daily whereabouts. We have other forms of communication, such as Email, Instagram and even Twitter to allow us to be connected every minute of everyday of our lives.
Needless to say, this may seem like a cliche to some. However, all I have our photos to remind me of my family and friends. I wouldn't go so far as to call myself alone, but my mom lives one place, my dad another, and my best friend in another! Without my photos and social media sites, it would be hard to keep up with the daily going-ons!
Although I am lucky to have strong bonds with family and friends, it is unfortunate that my family is not heavily into a "culture." I know that I am some German and some Swedish. One set of grandparents comes from Massachusetts and another set came from Illinois. Beyond that, I do not know much about my family origins or the culture in which they came from.
My main insight when it comes to family culture is: I question whether or not my relatives did not carry on their culture, what ever it may be, because they came to the United States as foreigners, were made to assimilate and were stripped of their cultural differences.
Friday, June 28, 2013
When I Think About Reserach...
When I Think About Research...
Oddly enough, the biggest insight I have had from taking this course is that actually doing the research project would have been easier than the simulation. Although, in doing "only" a simulation for this class, I gained a new respect for the class that I took as an undergraduate that required we do an entire research project, including the 20 page paper!
It was with great excitement that I dove into doing the research simulation because I, in fact, do love reading others' work. I was surprised that some of my colleagues had mentioned that they had never read a research article before taking this class. I wondered, "How can one go on working for years in a specific area like Early Childhood and NOT read a research article?" However, with this reality came a reminder that as I forge into my career once again, I will be sure to riddle my staff members and colleagues with research articles.
For the sake of argument, I think research is wonderful. It maybe not always be easy to read or understand, especially once the statistical significant results are thrown into the mix. However, it is a great feeling when I have an idea/concept that I think will work great for the children in my classroom or will be helpful in engaging parents to spend more time in the classroom, and find articles that discuss the pros and cons of the very same ideas and concepts.
Research is all about trying things out. What works and what does not work? Furthermore, I think that by doing the actual research project for this class, I would have had better answers to some of the questions we were asked to provide. I am not good at guessing the answers. I am much more inclined to search them out by collecting data and analyzing my results.
Oddly enough, the biggest insight I have had from taking this course is that actually doing the research project would have been easier than the simulation. Although, in doing "only" a simulation for this class, I gained a new respect for the class that I took as an undergraduate that required we do an entire research project, including the 20 page paper!
It was with great excitement that I dove into doing the research simulation because I, in fact, do love reading others' work. I was surprised that some of my colleagues had mentioned that they had never read a research article before taking this class. I wondered, "How can one go on working for years in a specific area like Early Childhood and NOT read a research article?" However, with this reality came a reminder that as I forge into my career once again, I will be sure to riddle my staff members and colleagues with research articles.
For the sake of argument, I think research is wonderful. It maybe not always be easy to read or understand, especially once the statistical significant results are thrown into the mix. However, it is a great feeling when I have an idea/concept that I think will work great for the children in my classroom or will be helpful in engaging parents to spend more time in the classroom, and find articles that discuss the pros and cons of the very same ideas and concepts.
Research is all about trying things out. What works and what does not work? Furthermore, I think that by doing the actual research project for this class, I would have had better answers to some of the questions we were asked to provide. I am not good at guessing the answers. I am much more inclined to search them out by collecting data and analyzing my results.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Research Around the World
Research Around the World
European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA)
www.eecera.org
European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA)
www.eecera.org
- What are some of the current international research topics?
- Early Education for diversity: starting from birth
- Companionable learning: mechanism for holistic well-being development from birth
- The dynamics of early childhood spaces: opportunities for outdoor play?
- Children and the outdoor environment
- Introducing children's perspectives and participation in research
- Breaking methodological boundaries? Exploring visual, participatory methods with adults and young children
- What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?
- I was highly surprised to see such a vast array of research topics to look at on this website. I also felt it was interesting that the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal groups together topics for special issues. This seems to be an easy way for reference on a specific topic and is a helpful way to share information with parents and staff. Furthermore, the journals incorporated articles and research from other countries, such as China and Australia.
- What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
- I found it very helpful that some articles had free access to them and all topics included the abstracts. Both are always very helpful when doing research and searching for specific information on a topic.
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