Week 4 microagression

 This week was an interesting one.  I was waiting for my boyfriend for happy hour at a local bar in center city Philadelphia.  As I was waiting there with some teacher friends a group of men starting to talk to us.  Fun conversation, they were a bit drunk.  My boyfriend who is black came in and came over to us.  The one guy who was talking to me when introduced to my BF hits his chest saying whats up big boy.  It was so derogatory and simplistic.  It made me sad that there are so many un enlightened people in this world.  I am not sure if it is about jealousy or fear when hatred thoughts rule your being. 

wk 3 - culture and diversity

 The first person I spoke to about culture was my sister.  My sister is very religious and defines culture as the traditions of her family and ancestors.  I am what my mother and her mother where before her.  She believes that the most important part of culture is her identity.  Her definition of diversity is that diversity is what makes up the differences between us.  

The second person I spoke to about culture was my father.  He explained culture is your being.  It is the fabric of your family and the tying bond that exists to all that belong.  Culture is a sense of belonging.  Diversity in his opinion are the characteristics that define your individuality and highlight the wonder of differences.  

I then spoke with my niece who was home visiting from college.  To her culture was expansion.  Her perspective on culture had alot to do with the levels of cultural identity.  She felt that one's culture was the parameters to their being but their chosen identities pinpointed the importance of cultural differentiation.  Within one's own culture the determining of the importance of certain traditions is what keeps a culture flowing and in existence.  

So far the resources that have been presented in this course represent many of the perspectives like the ones I have shared today.  I believe that diversity and differences are beautiful and the sooner we can teach that to our children the better off we will all be. 

week 2 - Perspectives on Diversity

 If I was told that I had to leave my home with only three things I would choose my collection of pictures, my grandmothers china and my mothers opal necklace.  My pictures could tell the story of my life and well as all I love.  My grandmother was a very important part of my life.  She came over to American when she was 24 with 3 children 2 weeks before Hitler took over Latvia.  Her china made it through the treacherous boat ride and has always been a staple at any holiday meal for as long as I can remember.  My mothers opal necklace is over 40 years old.  Since I was a very little girl I can always remember loving the necklace.  When I graduated college she gave it to me.  It means the world to me.  If I was told that I would have to give these things I would be devastated.  Being taken away from your home is tragic enough, but when you have to give up a piece of your hope that is when a soul can be broken.