Team Building and Collaboration

I think that high-performing groups would be a little difficult to leave because you were able to get along well with everyone involved and was actually able to establish a relationship with your team.  Norms may be a hard to leave to because the group was ran as a business and the primary goal was to accomplish the goal.  I have not experienced any closing rituals when completing an assignment with a group.  I guess we should have, we should have gotten refreshements when we completed the assignment;  to kind of celebrate our accomplishement.  Upon completing this master's degree program I imagine I will adjorn from the group by informing my colleagues that it has been a pleasure working and learning with them and I wish them the best in the rest of their life's journey.  Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork in that it allows each group member to say thank you to one another, it is a way of displaying your appreciation for the others hardwork.  It can also give someone the confidence needed to keep working hard in future team work situations.  Members may also opt to maintain friendships even if they will no longer be working together (O'Hair & Wieman, 2009).

Refrence:
O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

 
Well, being married with two young children can always provide an opportunity to form an argument with your spouse.  When my husband and I have a disagreement I try to first approach the situation as kind as I can, then I try  to view it from his perspective.  Using these two strategies helps to diffuse the  problem, if I approached him with a raised voice and using mean words the problem can easily get out of control.  Then viewing it from his perspective allows me to see why he responded the way he did; allowing me to gain valuable insight on the matter that can help prevent future arguments.  The principles that were discussed this week could actually be used in my day-to-day conversations and disagreements that I have in  my personal life. 
 

Who Am I as a Communicator?

 What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week?

One thing that surprised me the most was that two of the closet people in my life indicated that I resort to character attacks when I am not in agreement with the views of others.  I also learned that I have very high anxiety levels when I am faced in situations where I have to speak to small and large crowds of people.  However, others are not able to depict my anxiety while I am engaging in such communication with others.  I thought this was really good because I get really nervous when talking infront of people, whether I know themor not. 

Communication and Culture

Sometimes I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures because I realize that we are from different backgrounds and would like to ensure that they are fully understanding my intended message.  For an example, I I would not speak to white people, Asians, Hispanics, Puerto Ricans or even people from my own race the same as I would my own family and friends.  Some of the jokes or comments I make to the people in my inner circle may not understand the intended comedy or become offended.  I believe that since we all come from different backgrounds that it is quite difficult to speak to someone from a different background the same way you would speak to people who are personally connected to you.  After I have gotten to know the person it will be a lot easier for me so engage in a conversation that is similar if not identical to the conversations I would have with my family and friends.

Communication Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

• What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?

The show that I watched was "Gun Smoke" with James Arness.  The characters in this TV show were friends and some were enemies.

• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

They were expressing feelings of anger in most parts, they were fighting in the saloon because they had too much to drink.  The alcoholic beverage was not severed to their liking.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?

The assumption I made was that when it comes to their quality and price of alcohol that they wanted their monies worth; if their needs were not met a fatal fight will break out.

Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

Yes, I would have been familiar with the personalities of the characters and would have been able to be able to explain the TV show throughly; with and without the sound.

What Is Communication?

When I think of someone who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context I think of my best friend Posha Morgan, who I met the first week of undergrad.  When engaging in a conversation with Posha she always maintains eye contact and repeats what you say to make sure that she understood exactly what you said.  She is a great listener and can be very empathetic and sympathetic when need be.  I would like to model some of my on communication behaviors after this person because she is very clear and direct when communicating and as I indicated before, she is a great listener. 

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

I hope that I will be able to approach each family equally, without displaying biases from by prior personal experiences with individuals from various backgrounds. 

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

One goal I would like to set is to include all children from a variety of backgrounds and disabilities in their programs, as well as to make sure parents are included.  If we were only focusing on improving the children and not the parents it will not be as effective.

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

This has been one of the hardest courses, however I learned a lot about diversity and it has been great to have support from classmates.  I thank everyone for sharing such positive and honest opinions about the biases they have and or biases that have been displayed towards them.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.