Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week, I took the time to really observe my surrounding looking for microaggressions that occur all the time.  The main one that stood out for me was beyond obvious and I have to share it.

At lunch today, I overheard a group of people that were on their way to pick up food.  It was a group of men and women, about six of them and there was one black man in the group of whites.  When deciding what to order, the one guy said to the black guy "We're thinking Popeyes cuz we know you brothas love fried chicken."  and they all started laughing.  The black guy laughed too, but I couldn't help but wonder if he was just laughing on the outside or if he was genuinely un-offended. 

What I do know is that although it seemed unintentional and they were all clearly friends, it was an insult nonetheless.  I felt bad for the guy and thought how bad that sounded out loud.  It was nuts!  This example was clear as day, but I now know that I am more in tune with the racism that goes on around me and I am aware of the damage it does on a persons self-image, self-esteem and self-worth.  We really have to stop the madness and start thinking more before we speak....only then can change begin!

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I decided to use social media for this blog entry and posted the question "What is your personal definition of culture and diversity?'  I thought this would be a great way to get different perspectives from a lot of my family and friends of different genders, races, class, etc.  Here's what I got:

Culture:  1) Origin, customs from our place of birth, foods, behaviors, beliefs & traditions.
               2) Something you grow up with...events that make you who you are.
               3)  The beliefs and traditions of one's nationality, how they dress, behave, eat, and speak.
               4)  Rituals and beliefs passed down from generation to generation

Diversity:  1)  Acceptance of the cultural differences in everyone.
                  2)  A mixture of different cultures, a melting pot.
                  3)  Blending in with different cultures, living together and sharing traditions, melting pot.
                  4)  Different mixes of things and people.

I think these definitions were definitely part of what I have learned in this course so far, especially the definition that number 3 gave of detailing how people dress, behave, eat and speak as being a culture.  Not only your background.  I agreed with all of their definitions and particularly liked "the melting pot" used by two different people when defining diversity.  It's a good way to think about all cultures blending or mixing together to form this diverse world we live in.

My Family Culture

If I had to be evacuated to another Country and I could only take three items with me, other than a change of clothes, it would be:

1)  My Childhood Memories Scrapbook
2)  My grandmother's ruby earrings
3)  My wedding ring

I would explain that these things have special value to me.  My childhood memories scrapbook is a book I put together that has many pictures of my three children, my husband and myself through the years.  This is dear to my heart because I plan on passing it onto them when they grow up.  My grandmother's ruby earrings are an heirloom that she left me when she passed away and I plan on passing that on also from generation to generation.  It is one of my most prized possessions as it came from someone that I loved so much.  Lastly, my wedding ring is a symbol of the love my husband and I share and the commitment that we've made to eachother.  I've never EVER taken it off since he gave it to me and there's no way I would leave it behind.

Now, if upon arrival in this new country I was told that I could only keep one of these personal items, I honestly don't know what I would do.  Each has it's own sentimental value to me.  Each is equally important.  I guess if I had to, HAD TO pick one, it would be My Scrapbook.  I would have to keep that because it has pictures of my three pregnancies, and baby shots, etc., it's irreplaceable and it's something that they have to see when they grow up.  I'm sad just thinking about it!

I realize through this exercise this week that I am very attached to things that are emotional and that I want to pass on to my children.  I think in any culture, family is important and children are at the center of that.  I guess I'm very attached to things and am looking forward to sharing things with them in the future from my past.  Very interesting.....  I love learning about ME!  hahaha

Thanks for reading my post!

Jeannette