Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week we we asked to share an example of a microaggression that we have witnessed or that has happened in the past. We are aware that microaggressions occur daily and that they are the source of various negative emotions to their victims. One incident in which I observed this week occurred when I was in a passenger in the car with a Caucasian male friend and we stopped at a store to purchase items before going to a mutual friends home. After went purchased our items, we retreated back to the car. As we fastened our seat belts, there was a group of young black males who appeared to be walking past the car. My friend quickly looked his car doors with what I automatically assumed was "fear." The males walked past the car and into the store without incident. I immediately began to discuss this matter and his actions. He began to state that his actions were a "natural reaction." As I began to questions his feelings and thoughts as to why this behavior was natural to him, he stated that it was a behavior that was learned from his friends and family. I further questioned his childhood and questioned his feelings, emotions and behaviors if these behaviors were directed towards him because he is a homosexual. At this time, he has yet to answer me but did text me to apologize for his actions. I responded by accepting his apology but he was further informed that he and I would discuss this matter more thoroughly.

I wanted my friend to understand that treating others differently based on their looks is wrong. I also wanted to discuss his experiences as a gay male. I hope he realizes that the microaggressions, discrimination and prejudice that he becomes a victim of are the same microagressions, discrimination and prejudice that he displayed in front of me.

This observation conjures of experiences that I have been involved in and assists me in having empathy for the victims and anger/pity for those who committed the offense.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

In obtaining perspectives on culture and diversity, I received information from a 30-year-old African-American female who is involved in a domestic partnership, a 45-year-old, single African-American female who with a school-aged child and a 21-year-old involved in an interracial relationship.

The first interviewee states that culture is "your ethic background, history and beliefs and diversity is being able to adapt to other cultures, races and beliefs.

The second interviewee states that culture is "a set of beliefs, attitudes and ideas from a group of people and diversity is the knowledge, attitudes and relationships with those whose cultures differ from one's own culture."

The final interviewee states that culture is the "practices and behaviors of one's background and diversity is being open to difference whether it be individuals or a group of things."

Collectively, I believe that all of the interviewees understand the general definition of culture and diversity. There similar idea of culture being a way of life, behaviors and attitudes and similar to what I have learned thus far. I would also add the food people eat, the music they listen to, and other daily aspects of their lives that are influenced by their culture. The interviewees discussed diversity in terms of acceptance of others and their culture. Diversity does involve acceptance of others, their culture, beliefs, attitudes, opinions and etc.

In reading and interpreting other's perspectives of culture and diversity, I believe that understanding both topics is a matter of learning and growing. I also believe that culture and diversity will be are essential in learning about human nature and most importantly, one's self.

My Family Culture

If my immediate family and I were evacuated to a host country with different cultures, three items that I would bring with me include: my Bible, a cookbook and a picture of my immediate and extended family. I would choose these three items as they are items that keeps my family together. My Bible is the foundation of the family and through God and our faith we understand that God is with us at all times. I would also share our family scripture, Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." This scripture after every prayer at all family events; as it is recited by my 90-year-old great-grandmother, so it is very near and dear to me. Although, it is may seem simple, a cookbook is important because it will bring memories of how my parents have taught me to cook and also bring memories of family cook-outs, dinners and any other celebration that brings the family out from their busy schedules. Being with family is very important to me and food is a way that we show our love and appreciation to one another. Two recipes that I would share are my grandmother's strawberry cake and my mother's baked macaroni and cheese. My last item that I would bring is a picture of my immediate and extended family. We are a small family so extended family is also considered immediate family. This includes my uncles, aunts, cousins, and nephews. I would point out every family member and explain their relationship to me and the importance as each person holds a very special place in my heart. If told that I could only keep one item and I had to give up two items I would be very upset to the point of crying hysterically and then anger but knowing that my memories will help me remember my family and culture, I believe that I would eventually come to terms with this rule.

One insight that I have learned from this exercise is that all the things that I make important in life such as a phone or computer are not as important as I think they are. I also learned that my values, beliefs and relationships with my family are more important than any device and have long-lasting effects on me which I can then teach others.