Awareness of Microaggressions

Microaggressions can be hurtful both intentionally and unintentionally. It is important for people to think before they speak and realize that your words can affect the person receiving them. I have had many experiences where words and actions were harmful and hurting towards me. When I was taking my core courses in college, I remember an incident in the bookstore. I heard two females talking about hair and one of them was trying to get the other to ask me about my hair. Well, I turned around and the Caucasian girl asked me if all my hair was mine. I responded and said yes and asked her if she would like to check for tracks (weave) because she gave me an “are you serious” look. She responded and said no but touched my hair anyway. She said my hair was silky and straight and I must be mixed. I told her no I am not and both of my parents are Black. I really took the conversation offensively and the girl caught on because she seemed apologetic and walked away but never really apologizing. After the conversation I felt that since I am African American I cannot have nice hair. I have had several incidents regarding my hair even when I was in high school, not just by people outside my race but also those of the same race as me.

This week’s lesson has taught me that anybody can pass microaggressions intentionally and unintentionally, that is why it is so important to think before you speak and to treat others the way you want to be treated. I also learned about the different types of microaggressions, which I was unaware of. I enjoyed this week!

WEEK 2

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I talked to three different friends and below I will share their definitions on culture and diversity.

Kendri McCracken is a 36 year old female, she shared her views about culture and diversity.  She says, “Culture is the way you look at life and how you live your life according to yourself and others around you, it is your beliefs, religion, language, gender, etc.  Diversity is the inclusion of all races and each individual working together to form groups of people.”

Ronrico Green is a 30 year old male that will share his beliefs on culture and diversity. He says, “Culture is morals guidelines and ways in which you were taught as a child and even ways in which you have developed as an adult. It is not just race but it is everything that makes you the person you are.” “Diversity is the individual make ups that are in a common place like work or school.”

Eric Small is a 18 year old male that will share his thoughts on culture and diversity. He says, “Culture is your language, beliefs, morals, rules, food, etc. It is everything that makes you who you are and where you came from.” “Diversity is sharing who you are with others that are different in any way. It is getting to know others.”

Each person had their own definition but they said similar things. They talked about culture as if they are taking this course with me. Their views on diversity are about the same as each other.  I really enjoyed talking to different people about their thoughts and beliefs on their definitions of culture and diversity.

Week 1

My Family Culture

If I had to leave the country due to a major catastrophe I would take these three items:

1.    My Bible because of my religion and faith in God and through his word I know everything would be great.

2.    Family photos, I want to keep my family close at all times. Pictures hold special memories that I would not want to lose. I have pictures stretching back several generations.

3.    My wallet would be another item I would take. Having money and my ID would be very important. I would need some type of funds to start my life over and to get settled in a new country.

If I had to choose one of thing to take it would be my family photos. The Bible would be hard to let go but it is dear to my heart and I know my faith in God will never change. I have memorized scriptures that are very dear to me but it would be hard to let it go. Having my family photos would help me through the lonely times and keep me strong. I love looking at photos and reminiscing on the great times and other times. I would continue to pray every day and know through God and my faith everything would work out accordingly.

Through this assignment it made me realize how important my family is to me and my culture. My family has always taught me to put God first and through Him I can do all things. If this was to every happen I would not forget my culture, I would embrace the new culture that is around me and respect their beliefs.