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.

When I Think of Research...

This course has both refreshed and increased my frame of reference by providing me with a more in-depth explaination of the research process. I have learned new topics and ways to create and implement such aspects of research as: data collection and most importantly the differences between quantitative and qualitative research. Due to the knowledge I have acquired during this course, I have learned how to proprerly conduct research. Through the utilization of research techniques such as direct observations, interviewing and sampling; any future research that I conduct will be better implemented. Some challenges that I found included narrowing my my hypothesis and redesigning my research simulation according to the topic of the week. I found that these challeges to be difficult especially while redesigning my research as my knowledge about research increased.

I believe that as I further my education, experiences and career(s) in the early chilhood field, I will continue to look at this field with multiple sets of lenses. As I incorporate research with my perceptions of the field, my respect for the field and researchers increases as research is a vital role in the field. I will also continue to remain abreast of any new research to continue to learn.

Research Around The World

Early Childhood Research in Africa continues to help not only the children and families in Africa but also teaches others, such as myself, about the plight(s) of children and families who reside there. I found that the Early Childhood Development Virtual University in Sub-Saharan Africa students researched consisted of similar topics of research held in the United States such as: father's roles in early childcare and development, quality and training of early childhood staff, and parental and educational collaboration.

Although, I have studied the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Africa, I am surprised with one specific study that involved grandparents being the primary caregivers for their grandchildren under the age of eight, who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. I am also familiar with the millions of children affected and how they become orphans due to their parents dying from the deadly disease themselves or placing their children in an orphanage due to not being able to care for their children. I was impressed with the number of grandparents taking care of their affected grandchildren and admired their tenacity to ensure that the children were with family and being cared for.

Information that I found noteworthy and that I researched further is the University of Victoria. Although, this University is based out of Canada, it addresses the field of early childhood by using various approaches along with allowing students, specifically those in Africa to learn and teach based on their culture.

Research that Benefits Children and Families

One topic that has recently piqued my interest is Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; andobstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. (www.cff.org).

In my current profession, I have participated in trainings that include meeting the medical needs of children with Cystic Fibrosis and how those working with these children and their families can become better educated and trained to effectively assist this population. This training also taught me how to become a positive support for these families. Until I became in a working relationship with families who are affected the disease, I had no frame of reference about this disease. I know can state that I am knowledgeable of the financial responsibilities, proper use of medical equipment, different types of medication, diet regimen and physician visits that these families have to attend.

If I possessed the means and knowledge to conduct research studies on Cystic Fibrosis, I imagine some positive contributions from these studies include: finding a cure for the disease (as there is no cure) and helping to create national resource programs that would better assist families who are affected by the disease to better manage the daily tasks associated with this disease. I would also develop alternative medical equipment and medications that are more cost effective for these families.

My Personal Research Journey

My research topic is Poverty and its developmental effects on young children. I chose this topic due to my past and present experiences in working with children and their families. This topic is a passion near to me as I am dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life. I am a firm believer that all children should have equal chances in education, health among other factors. Observing the socio-economic differences between children, I have also observed the differences in social, emotional, motor, educational development within children as well.

I found my recent topic to be somewhat easy to come with however, the subtopics were difficult to me as I found many subtopics that deal with children and poverty. I felt a intimidated when I read the title of the course because it has been almost a decade since I have formally conducted any research. However, within this past two weeks, I have found it fairly easy to locate information especially from the Walden University Library and books that I have read in the past.

At this point, I would like to ask my colleagues to provide any information on websites, resources and also their personal and professional opinions on my research topic of poverty.