Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

     A vivid example of microaggression (microinsult) that I remember as a child is being ostracized in a church setting while visiting my grandmother in North Carolina.  My brother and two cousins were sent to Sunday school ahead of the adults and since we were different ages, I being the youngest, were separated and sent to individual classes.  Once I entered the class all heads turned and whispers began.  Once the teacher turned her back all the kinds started to giggle and make comments about me being white and not welcomed near them.  One particular child was so bold to say, “She’s an albino and we don’t like her”.  For a young child, at six or seven, you feel hurt, confused and offended that others could feel and say those things to you without remorse.  I remember immediately running to my brother crying about the nasty things said to me.  Not only was this entire situation terrible but I do not recall any of the adults consoling me or reprimanding the kids during or after this ordeal.

     As we entered Thanksgiving week, I was keenly tuned into myself and others regarding their perceptions of biases and/or stereotypes of others.  As the family gathered throughout the week and I ventured to another state, I was delighted to not witness any prejudices.  Everyone I came into contact with was very friendly, approachable and kind.  What a better world this would be if we all continued on this pattern of interacting with everyone, showing kindness, compassion and humanity, regardless of their or our own disparities.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I spoke with three individuals regarding the definition of culture and diversity.  They are stated below:

1.    My friend, White female, defined culture as who and what we come from and how we were raised.  Her definition of diversity is working, socializing or inclusion with a group of people different from your own background.

2.    My brother, Black male, defined culture as everything that shapes a person into adulthood (how they behave, what they eat, their beliefs, etc.).  Culture includes a person’s religion, experiences, and personal preferences and who/what a person is accustomed to being around.  Diversity is just differences in a common environment, as an example different groups with different beliefs attending the same school or college.  Diversity allows people to see other perspectives.

3.     My colleague, Hispanic female, described culture as the set of traditions, beliefs, values, ways of life, and ways to speak.  People pick up their culture heritage while growing up and this becomes a part of them.  Diversity means variety, people with different behavioral patterns coexisting on common ground.

The aspects of culture and diversity reflected in the above answers from friends, family members and colleagues include the social identity identified throughout Kay Deaux’s Social Identity.  It was interesting that no one related specifically to social representations or stereotypes but to the idealistic explanation, in their words, of both.  Most stated and understood the importance of family involvement with culture; however, no one stated the dominant culture and their connection to politics, economics, or gender.

Listening to others views on culture and diversity makes me more interested to learning and becoming informed on learning about others.  It makes me appreciate all differences and acceptance of others cultures (beliefs, attitudes and behaviors).  But most importantly, it makes me acknowledge that we are all unique and should be understood and grateful for our differences. 

My Family Culture

     The unthinkable has transpired and the thought of having to leave all your special and personal belongings compounds the fact that you must evacuate the place that love.  The three small (WOW) items I would choose to carry with me are:

1.   A family portrait of my immediate family taken several years ago.  This photo is one that I treasure because it includes my father, who passed away from cancer. In this photo he is holding my youngest son, whom he adored but never really got to see him grow up and become a fine young man and is often told he looks like his grandfather.

2.   Several Christmas’ ago, I gave my mother a Circle of Love necklace that she returned to me stating that it was an article she wanted me to have.  This necklace reveals the love I have for my Mom and always keeps her dear to me.  It is through this necklace that I feel close to her and I feel receives her wisdom and encouragement.

3.   The DVD, Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.  I can and have watched this movie endlessly and always find a touch of something that I have missed before.  Through this account of her life, I see someone who eloquently never forgets where she came from and would not allow those around her to forget the struggle.

     It can be seen that through the items chosen how much I love my family and how significant they are in becoming the focal point of my life.  Everyone who has been a part of my life has nurtured and supported me, making me the person I am today.  These three items only show a small part of the love I have for them. 

     If told I had to give up two items, I would be devastated but would quickly keep the family photo.  Without the necklace I would feel empty, as if I was missing a part of myself (in turn my mother.) and would hate to give up treasured items, but they are just that items-material things.  The family photo could never be replaced. 

    This experience has made me reflect upon what is important to not only me but to my family.   It instills in me that family traditions build strong connections amongst each other and encourage a sense of identity to the younger generation and something for them to look forward to, if not pass along.