Personal side of Bias, Prejuidce, 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?

When working at the center in Alaska we had a family that the father was from the Dominican Republic and the mother was German. The family struggled with many issues such as the home language to speak, which religion the children should be, the foods to be served to name a few. Within the center the family was quick to be judged based on the issue that the children had major speech delays and some caregivers were unwilling to help. Many did not understand the want for the parents to want to instill both cultures deeply. Some would not want the family or the children in their classroom due to the added work of the delays and the frustration the parents had with one another on raising their children. Accommodation for the diets was also made for the children the mother felt as though they should only eat fresh fruits and vegetables. I had both children in my care both children were wonderful children their parents were both great just had different ways of parenting. When we worked with the parents with the expectation from what they wanted from the center we saw an improvement in the children as well as better communication within the center walls with the parents.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

The unwillingness others had of getting to know the family, particularly the parents, to understand the desire they possessed on not loosing their own personal cultures. Being able to communicate with the family and gain an understanding of their wants and needs helped with lessening the inequity.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

Frustration was the major feeling along with sadness. I was frustrated for the parents who wanted high quality care for their children and faced resistance. Sadness for the children who were being excluded due to their differences and delays.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

The parents who had the different beliefs and being not as accepting of one another and their own values and beliefs along with those who were resistant to learning about the family and their cultures within the center. Not being willing to accept others and set aside personal beliefs is difficult, however we must remember to educate ourselves about others and their beliefs and values not disregard them.