Welcoming Families from around the World

The country I would choose would be India.

The five ways I would be culturally responsive to the incoming family would be:

First, learn about the country of India what the climate is like, what the cities are like the people live in. etc. to get a sense of what life in general is like.

Second, become familiar with the national celebrations which ones are similar to those celebrated in America and those that are very different.

Third, begin to learn the language especially general greetings as well as phrases to assist with easing the transition to the American program.

Fourth, explore their food and diet differences. Learn about what the flavors and foods are look to incorporate some dishes to allow other children to explore the new family’s culture.

Finally, get to know the family as a whole. Learn about what is important what their goals are for their child in the program and how they would like to grow as a family in the new land.

By preparing for the family in the above order I will be able to get to know the family deeper than a general get-to-know-you conversation. Immigrating from a different is difficult enough to learn the new country alone. Feeling as though they are welcome and important. Also for the family to know their family culture and way of life is valued.

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.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Today I was at Hobby Lobby, I highly enjoy walking around looking at the sales and getting ideas for my home, generally you do not see many men in the store. Today there was a man there who was helping his fiancée with table arrangements for their wedding. The couple was excited and had another person with them possibly a family member, however the comments continually came from the lady who was their wedding planner. She would make comments about how she couldn’t believe that he would be interested in something like this or would not listen to his input on the situation. I found myself lingering wanting to stick up for this man. After three to four off hand comment the bride caught one and told her “I am a lucky one to caught a man who puts us first”. I wanted to high five her. I could see his whole demeanor change after his bride to be defended him. I wanted to tell him props for caring and wanting to be a part of the process, however I smiled the other person with them saw me and smiled back as I walked away.

I find that through this observation we need to be continually reminding ourselves to get to know those around us and be careful with the words we saw. Being aware of what others are going through in important to know why they are doing what they are doing. In this case today it was a man showing the woman of his dreams that he loved and supported her. Did he care about those floral arrangements and the colors possibly, but more than likely he wanted to be there to show her he loved and supported her.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Rebecca (friend and colleague)

Culture is the pieces to our everyday puzzle that make us who we are. It is our religion, language, race and so on that shape us who we are.

Diversity is the differences in society’s cultures allowing for people to be able to be different. It is a part of our life that can create issues of allow for us to learn about others depending who we utilize the information gained.

Amanda (friend)

Culture is our religion, race, ethnicity, language anything that defines our beliefs and values we hold dear to us.

Diversity is the differences within groups of people.

Joel (Husband)

Culture is our language, religion, ethnicity, and background of who we are and where we came from.

Diversity is the variance of groups of people.

While asking for the definitions of what is culture and diversity there was hesitance each time as they began to define the term. Each person is from a different economic, religious, gender, age, abilities, and social class.

I find the answers I received from the participants did mirror with the definitions of culture and diversity, which are:

Culture is groups of people and how they live. It includes everything that is valued, beliefs, language, and religion (Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O., 2010, p.55).

Diversity is the unique differences within people and their culture (Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O., 2010, p.55).

Each individual omitted the parts of culture that can include abilities and economic social standings. These are important parts of cultural differences to create identity.

Reflecting on what others definitions of culture and diversity are just continue to prove the broadness of the topics. The meanings of the words are different to everyone some are more precise and others believe it to be less diverse. Being able to learn more about culture and diversity will greatly impact me as an early educator giving me more insight to better be able to serve those in the programs I am a part of.

Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Learning about culture, language, & Fairness. In Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves (p. 55). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Family Culture

The first item would be a family picture we have of a homecoming that includes a majority of my and my husband’s side of the family. It represents love and who raised us to be who we are today. Second, a bible to carry on the beliefs we have through our faith and continue to learn and grow from. Believing in a higher power something bigger than us is important to know to our family. Last would be the necklace I wear around my neck holding a cross and a ring. The ring is the gold from the wedding rings of my grandparent’s wedding bands signifying the love to hold for others. The cross is in it represents the faith I have.

If I was told I could not keep all three I would feel as though part of me was lost with the other two. Being able to choose one the family photo would be the item I would hold on to. Sharing the photo with those around you can help identify and share the values and beliefs held and instilled within.

            Through this exercise I have learned the value I hold on my family and the values and beliefs they have instilled in me. To me family is everything blood or inherited through friends or marriage. Being able to have and hold those and be reminded of their importance is of high importance to me.