Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week we have been asked to observe microaggresions around us or think back to a time when we have observed microaggresions. 

I have chosen to write about a microaggression from the past that I have observed.  Being that it is summer and we are remodeling out home,  I haven't been out and about with many people the past few weeks.

Last summer, my family and I visited Disney World for the first time.  Something that was made quite clear to us was that being an English-speaking American there put us in the minority, probably for the first time in our lives.  When we were in line, everyone around us either was speaking a different language or had a foreign accent.  I have to admit that at first, it was a little bit of a shocking feeling.  Never had I been in my own country and felt like the minority.  In hindsight, it was good that I was able to experience what this felt like.

One thing that became apparent were was that since we were there in July, it was a heavy season for tourist groups.  There were many groups from South America.  They traveled around the parks in groups pf 20 or more.  They were quite vocal, would sing out loud in line and quite often would walk right in front of a picture or cut in line with no regard to others.  I have to admit, that after several days of this, my husband and I became quite annoyed.  There was obviously a difference in culture going on.  However, at the tale end of our trip, we encountered the same type of tourist group, although this group seemed to be of Asian decent.  They were quiet in line and didn't push or shove.  My husband made, at the time, what seemed like a compliment.  he said "Look how wonderfully they are acting considering they are tourists."  I went right along with his comment, nodding my head in agreement.  What he was saying was intended to be a compliment towards that group.  However, it ended up being much like Susan's comment in our discussion assignment.  It is obvious that the two groups of tourist s were from different cultures.  We had just deemed the other group as "rude". 

Knowing what I know now, I can see how this was a microaggresion.  We needed not forget that we were tourists there too.  I'm sure many Americans visit foreign places and our culture clashes with theirs.  I believe I understand now to be mindful that just because someone's behaviors our different than ours, that it doesn't necessarily translate into rude behaviors. These unintentional types of comments can be quite hurtful, especially when a person has to hear them again and again over time.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Definitions of Diversity and Culture:

 Ben, age 37, married, no children, nursing student, agnostic:

 Diversity "Being willing to accept and respect other's cultures and beliefs that are not like your own."

Culture: "The expression of one's learned behavior as it pertains to social or ethnic group."

 Terri Lynn , age 50, in a domestic partnership, clothing and jewelry designer, Buddist:

Diversity: "My definition of diversity is inclusion. A variety of opinions, backgrounds, cultures and skin colors. Being exposed to people different than ourselves enhances our lives and learning."

Culture: "My definition of culture is the customs and beliefs of a people. How they live in their daily lives, how they dress and what they eat. And again, being exposed to different cultures enhances our lives and learning."

Sarah, age 35, married, mother of three boys, Christian:

Diversity: "Differences between an otherwise similar group of objects or people."

Culture: "The accepted norms, standards and way of life of a group of people."

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

I noticed that the anwsers I received about diversity definitions included more than just accepting someone's ethnic group or race. Terri also made mention of their opinions and that being exposed to other cultures enhances our lives.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

I did not see anything mentioned about cultures changing or any opinions about what it is like to not be from the dominant culture.  I noticed the ansers were geared more toward the "acceptance of others".  Terri probably came the closest to including more of what we have learned, but from reading the information I gave on her, it is easy to see that she is not a part of the dominant culture and that may be why.

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

One thing that stuck out to me was that Ben and Sarah had to really think about what diversity and culture meant to them.  However, for Terri, who is predominantly not from the dominant culture, the answers came more thouroughly and with less hesitation.  I am noticing now, how little about diversity I really knew before this class.  If you would have asked my definition of diversity, I would have mentioned including all races and cultures.  My cultural definition would have been what people are raised to celebrate or their religion.  I am now fully aware that these definitions are off-track.  I am glad that each week I am discovering that there is a lot more involved in being diverse and culturally aware.

My Family Culture

Having to evacuate to a new country with a totally different culture would be quite scary.  If I had to immediately choose three items, I know what I would bring.  First, I would bring a photo album.  I would probably bring the most current one I have.  My family, friends and my memories of them are so very precious to me.  Next, I would bring my Betty Crocker cookbook.  My mother gave it to me when I left home.  She had one just like it that her mother gave her when she moved away as well.  I feel that food and the sharing of it are a big part of my culture. Finally, I would bring my miniature Christmas tree.  Christmas is a very important holiday to me and reminds me so much of family and my special memories and traditions we share.

Now, if I was told upon arrival that I could only keep one, I would keep my photo album.  In those photos I could see those I love and remember all of the special times we've shared.  I would be very upset to have lost the other two items as they are special to me as well.  However, memories about gathering together and sharing good food would still be alive in the pictures I was able to keep.

After reading over what I would pick to keep, it becomes apparent to me how dear i hold family and the special times we share in my culture.  The times when my family gathers together are some of the most precious memories I have.  Not to mention that there is always an abundance of food involved!  I hadn't really made the connection that those items that I hold dear are such an important part of my culture.