The name of “your” family’s country of origin
I am unsure of my family's original country of origin, however I will assume that because of my culture's history that it is a country within Africa.
At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family
To prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family I will:
Research the country's heritage/history; display some of their country's notable figures (flag, famous people, president, etc.); learn about their favorite cuisines and share them at group meetings; learn about their religious practices and any biases or stereotypes that this group faces and or may be presumed.
A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family.
I hope that these preparations will be beneficial in that we will be able to find a common interest so that our cultural differences will not be detrimental to our potential professional relationship that we are trying to form. I hope they are able to see my great attempt in taking interest in their culture and I hope to learn more about them so that I will be better capable of communicating with people of different cultures
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.
I have experienced bias and prejudice situations in my life, however I want to talk about some of the biases and prejudice situations that I have witnessed someone how holds the highest office in our nation, President of the United States. There has been so many situations where Obama has been disrespected or critized because of his race. I can recall one instance when someone made a comment that the White House is white for a reason and Obama did not belong in it. Some even said that now it should be called the "Black House." A more recent situation is when Fox Network did not air the President's address; this is total disrespect and is a clear act of prejudice. Never in our President of Presidents' history has a major network ignore the address of the President.
In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
It diminished equity in that Foxs' actions makes it seem as if that it is okay to show bias if someone has a different opinion than yours. Just because Fox does not agree with the President they should have showed him the respect to have America hear his address to the American people.
What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
I was sad when I learned of this event, just when you think things are finally getting on the right path something always happen to make us realize that we have not came as far as we would like.
What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
Everyone...it begins with parents. Parents have to teach their children that, yes their opinion matters however if your neighbor has a different opinion; there's matter too. Just because someone is different and or thinks different from you does not make them wrong or you right. The main thing is coming to an agreement that pleases both parties.
I have experienced bias and prejudice situations in my life, however I want to talk about some of the biases and prejudice situations that I have witnessed someone how holds the highest office in our nation, President of the United States. There has been so many situations where Obama has been disrespected or critized because of his race. I can recall one instance when someone made a comment that the White House is white for a reason and Obama did not belong in it. Some even said that now it should be called the "Black House." A more recent situation is when Fox Network did not air the President's address; this is total disrespect and is a clear act of prejudice. Never in our President of Presidents' history has a major network ignore the address of the President.
In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
It diminished equity in that Foxs' actions makes it seem as if that it is okay to show bias if someone has a different opinion than yours. Just because Fox does not agree with the President they should have showed him the respect to have America hear his address to the American people.
What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
I was sad when I learned of this event, just when you think things are finally getting on the right path something always happen to make us realize that we have not came as far as we would like.
What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
Everyone...it begins with parents. Parents have to teach their children that, yes their opinion matters however if your neighbor has a different opinion; there's matter too. Just because someone is different and or thinks different from you does not make them wrong or you right. The main thing is coming to an agreement that pleases both parties.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?
My husband is a football coach and we (as in our kids and myself) attend every Friday night football game. At one particular game a white lady came up to me and said, "you have a well behaved baby." I smiled at her and said, "thank you." However, I then thought to myself...how are kids supposed to act? Is it because they are black children that they are expected to be misbehaving? Before I had children I never liked to see them running around in public without displaying self-control. So when I had mine I made sure that when we are out and about that they act like they have at least a little home-training; it is also unsafe they could be just one step away from falling down the bleachers and breaking an arm. My children who are currently three and one years of age sit and watch the entire game, my one year old falls to sleep my half-time but my three year old enjoys watching his father coach.
The context of this microaggression was microinvalidation, I am sure she did not mean any harm by her comment nor did I take it as a personal attack. She seemed to be a very nice lady who doesn't go around making comments to hurt others; I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.
In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people
I still have the same perception on the effects of discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes of people because have been on the receiving end of all of these. However, due to Dr. Sue's video I was able to gain insight on how other races are affected by these intentional/unintentional attacks on their culture/race. He also made several good points about how the individuals who make these comments minimize it to make the recipient to be too sensitive. I thought only my culture had these feelings about racial/cultural microaggressions, glad and sad to know that others understand my feelings.
My husband is a football coach and we (as in our kids and myself) attend every Friday night football game. At one particular game a white lady came up to me and said, "you have a well behaved baby." I smiled at her and said, "thank you." However, I then thought to myself...how are kids supposed to act? Is it because they are black children that they are expected to be misbehaving? Before I had children I never liked to see them running around in public without displaying self-control. So when I had mine I made sure that when we are out and about that they act like they have at least a little home-training; it is also unsafe they could be just one step away from falling down the bleachers and breaking an arm. My children who are currently three and one years of age sit and watch the entire game, my one year old falls to sleep my half-time but my three year old enjoys watching his father coach.
The context of this microaggression was microinvalidation, I am sure she did not mean any harm by her comment nor did I take it as a personal attack. She seemed to be a very nice lady who doesn't go around making comments to hurt others; I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.
In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people
I still have the same perception on the effects of discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes of people because have been on the receiving end of all of these. However, due to Dr. Sue's video I was able to gain insight on how other races are affected by these intentional/unintentional attacks on their culture/race. He also made several good points about how the individuals who make these comments minimize it to make the recipient to be too sensitive. I thought only my culture had these feelings about racial/cultural microaggressions, glad and sad to know that others understand my feelings.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Perspectives on Diversity and Culture
Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?
The aspect of culture and diversity that I have studied so far in the course were somewhat received in the answers from the three individuals that I interviewed. It was mentioned that culture included the things they include in their regular daily activity. Another person indicated that culture was something passed down from generation to generation that alters their daily decisions. This was a really good response in that she mentioned that her family is big on education and careers so all throughout her life she knew that she was going to be a doctor because it was something her family drilled in her from age three. Diversity was described to be a combination of cultural ideals and beliefs; understaing that everyone is different and respecting the differences.
Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?
One of the aspects that was omitted was the magnitude of abilities that exist when discussing culture and diversity such as ethnicity and economics; body language, how we make eye contact and how we perceive the world; race ethnicity; language ability; religion; parenting patterns; lifestyle and immigrant status.
In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?
Thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity has influenced my thinking about these topics in that I would like to ensure that my children have a better understanding and respect for their culture and other people's culture as well. I believe that if everyone did this that their would be less hate crimes and other senseless acts of random violence. It has also made me ponder on my own thinking about these concepts and to ask myself am I receptive of other people cultures; which I believe I am. I truly respect the ideas of others.
The aspect of culture and diversity that I have studied so far in the course were somewhat received in the answers from the three individuals that I interviewed. It was mentioned that culture included the things they include in their regular daily activity. Another person indicated that culture was something passed down from generation to generation that alters their daily decisions. This was a really good response in that she mentioned that her family is big on education and careers so all throughout her life she knew that she was going to be a doctor because it was something her family drilled in her from age three. Diversity was described to be a combination of cultural ideals and beliefs; understaing that everyone is different and respecting the differences.
Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?
One of the aspects that was omitted was the magnitude of abilities that exist when discussing culture and diversity such as ethnicity and economics; body language, how we make eye contact and how we perceive the world; race ethnicity; language ability; religion; parenting patterns; lifestyle and immigrant status.
In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?
Thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity has influenced my thinking about these topics in that I would like to ensure that my children have a better understanding and respect for their culture and other people's culture as well. I believe that if everyone did this that their would be less hate crimes and other senseless acts of random violence. It has also made me ponder on my own thinking about these concepts and to ask myself am I receptive of other people cultures; which I believe I am. I truly respect the ideas of others.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My Family Culture
A description of the three items you would choose.
The three items I would choose is my bible, my cell phone and a basketball.
How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you.
I would inform my peers that through my faith in God that we will prevail, in order to find strength I must meditate on His words by reading the bible. My cell phone will keep me connected to other members of my family. I talk to my mother every night, through her encouraging words I know it would help me through a difficult time such as this one. A basketball represents my family's love for athletics, we are very competitive and love a good game of any competitive sport. I also like to stay in shape so this is a great way of exercising and enjoying the company of my family.
Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you
Initially I would feel sad but I would soon get over it; the item I would keep is my cell phone. My device has the bible application so I believe I would be okay with just my celluar phone.
Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise.
Well, I did learn that I do not have an attachment to any item besides my cell phone. My family's culture is not defined by any physical item but the eternal love that we have for each other. My items did represent my culture because we love to talk to one another and gather periodically for social activities.
The three items I would choose is my bible, my cell phone and a basketball.
How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you.
I would inform my peers that through my faith in God that we will prevail, in order to find strength I must meditate on His words by reading the bible. My cell phone will keep me connected to other members of my family. I talk to my mother every night, through her encouraging words I know it would help me through a difficult time such as this one. A basketball represents my family's love for athletics, we are very competitive and love a good game of any competitive sport. I also like to stay in shape so this is a great way of exercising and enjoying the company of my family.
Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you
Initially I would feel sad but I would soon get over it; the item I would keep is my cell phone. My device has the bible application so I believe I would be okay with just my celluar phone.
Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise.
Well, I did learn that I do not have an attachment to any item besides my cell phone. My family's culture is not defined by any physical item but the eternal love that we have for each other. My items did represent my culture because we love to talk to one another and gather periodically for social activities.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
When I Think of Research...
What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
Even though I still do not care for research that much, I have learned some helpful tips about research from taking this course. I have learned how to develop a research design, or at least the basics of do so, in addition to several terms involving research that I did not know before taking this course.
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
My ideas about the nature of doing research has not changed, I still prefer not to do research. There are so many elements that comprise research that I still do not feel I have grasped completely.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
The lesson about planning, designing, and conducting research that I learned was to be more detailed and precise. These two elements cost me several points on my application 2 assignments, I felt that I was giving detailed and precise information but when explained to me I was not.
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
I encountered several challenges, a few of the challenges were adding detail to my work, including citations and providing examples of variables (independent and dependent). I met them by reading the professors comments and applying them to my assignments. I also used a variety of online sources to ensure that I had the right understanding of terms used.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
The research portion of the early childhood profession is very critical to all parties involved. There are a lot of minor details that have to be carefully looked at to ensure that the study is carried out in an ethical manner. Without research it would be impossible to improve the lives and education of our children, it is an integral aspect of this profession. Even though I will not be the one performing research to help our field, I am very thankful for those that will and are currently researching different topics within the field.
Even though I still do not care for research that much, I have learned some helpful tips about research from taking this course. I have learned how to develop a research design, or at least the basics of do so, in addition to several terms involving research that I did not know before taking this course.
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
My ideas about the nature of doing research has not changed, I still prefer not to do research. There are so many elements that comprise research that I still do not feel I have grasped completely.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
The lesson about planning, designing, and conducting research that I learned was to be more detailed and precise. These two elements cost me several points on my application 2 assignments, I felt that I was giving detailed and precise information but when explained to me I was not.
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
I encountered several challenges, a few of the challenges were adding detail to my work, including citations and providing examples of variables (independent and dependent). I met them by reading the professors comments and applying them to my assignments. I also used a variety of online sources to ensure that I had the right understanding of terms used.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
The research portion of the early childhood profession is very critical to all parties involved. There are a lot of minor details that have to be carefully looked at to ensure that the study is carried out in an ethical manner. Without research it would be impossible to improve the lives and education of our children, it is an integral aspect of this profession. Even though I will not be the one performing research to help our field, I am very thankful for those that will and are currently researching different topics within the field.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Research Around the World
After exploring the links that were provided for this week's blog assignment I found several international research topics, some topics favored the current status of children, families and women's issues in the particular country. Some of these topics include:
"The Status of Coordination and Supervision of Early Childhood Education in Ghana"
"A Community-driven Rural Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project, with Emphasis on Culturally and Developmentally Appropriate Exploratory Learning Concepts"
"Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development"
"Improving the Quality of Childcare Through Parenting Enrichment and Training of Trainers: The Eritrean Model"
Exploring this international early childhood website gave me insight on some of the concerns and ideas other Early Childhood Professionals have pertaining to either current issues that prey their program or helpful avenues on how to improve their program. When children are raised with both of their parents they tend to be better off, receiving the type of care and support needed to grow and develop. In Nigeria it has been discovered that only and small amount of fathers participate in their child's early childcare program. The Nigerian cultural is somewhat similar to the ideas and customes of the US, women in Nigeria are mostly responsible for the care of the children; men are the providers. I also learned that is polygamy is legal in most African countries that this has left far too many baring the weight alone of raising their children.
Other noteworthy information I found on this website was about the African Learners SSA-1, which consists of 27 ECD professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa. These leaders have and those who are still living are working hard to improve the quality of education children receive in their area. They are very much concerend with each participating country and advancing the ECD community. The ECDVU works deligently to engage all ECD leaders in building initiatives supporting child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development (ECDVU, 2005).
Reference:
Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU), 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Retrieved December 1, 2011 from
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php
"The Status of Coordination and Supervision of Early Childhood Education in Ghana"
"A Community-driven Rural Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project, with Emphasis on Culturally and Developmentally Appropriate Exploratory Learning Concepts"
"Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development"
"Improving the Quality of Childcare Through Parenting Enrichment and Training of Trainers: The Eritrean Model"
Exploring this international early childhood website gave me insight on some of the concerns and ideas other Early Childhood Professionals have pertaining to either current issues that prey their program or helpful avenues on how to improve their program. When children are raised with both of their parents they tend to be better off, receiving the type of care and support needed to grow and develop. In Nigeria it has been discovered that only and small amount of fathers participate in their child's early childcare program. The Nigerian cultural is somewhat similar to the ideas and customes of the US, women in Nigeria are mostly responsible for the care of the children; men are the providers. I also learned that is polygamy is legal in most African countries that this has left far too many baring the weight alone of raising their children.
Other noteworthy information I found on this website was about the African Learners SSA-1, which consists of 27 ECD professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa. These leaders have and those who are still living are working hard to improve the quality of education children receive in their area. They are very much concerend with each participating country and advancing the ECD community. The ECDVU works deligently to engage all ECD leaders in building initiatives supporting child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development (ECDVU, 2005).
Reference:
Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU), 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Retrieved December 1, 2011 from
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php
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