Microagressions and Their Impact

Microagressions and Their Impact

Microaggressions have the ability to be the most harmful.  I am sure we have all been in situations that resulted in someone taking an undeliberate “jab” towards our gender, race, culture, or ethnicity.  Some of the ladies at work were talking about hair extensions, and hair weave.  The group of ladies consisted of two Caucasian women and myself.  During the conversation one of my coworkers turns to me and ask “why do you guys wear so much hair weave, and have such crazy hairstyles?”  The question caught me completely off guard considering that I have never worn weave before in my life.  However because I am African American I would just automatically know.  To me they were saying that all black women wear hair weaves.  In addition because I am Black I should know the answer to their question.  They are leaving out the fact that many races wear hair weaves these days.  I felt very alienated, confused, insulted, and shocked.

This week’s assignments has made me realize how a comment can really make someone feel inferior or signaled out.  The assignments have made me want to be very aware of any microagressions that I may have been guilty of in the past.  I am a part of a marginalized group and learning about and how to be more aware of microagressions has made me more sensitive and empathetic to other marginalized group.  Learning about microagressions is very import to the field of early childhood education.  As educational professionals we have to be very careful not to use microagressions towards our students.  Our job is to make each child feel like they belong, they are relevant, and sense of security.   

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Oleksiy Lavanstivitch is a white immigrant who is originally from the Ukraine, he speaks Russian, and moved to Canada in his teenage years:  Oleksiy defines culture as different foods, languages, customs, and beliefs. 

Oleksiy’s definition of diversity “is how people are different from you.”  Oleksiy says that “he would base diversity more on race.” 

Erica James is African American and was born and raised in Brooklyn NY.  Erica went to high school at Brooklyn Tech.  Erica said that her school was mostly filled with Asians.  Erica says, “Culture to her is religion, beliefs, food, customs, and ancestry.” 

Erica says that, “diversity is race related to her, people’s skill levels, the way they dress, talk, interact with each other all falls under diversity to her.”

Ebi Lee is an African immigrant from Nigeria.  Ebi moved to the United States in her early 20’s.  Ebi says, “Culture to her is language, foods, and clothing.”

Ebi says, “That diversity to her is how everyone is different even when it comes to people from the same place.”  For example in Nigeria they have people who are from different tribes and they speak different languages, and have many different family customs.

Oleksiy, Ebi, and Erica mentioned many of the examples and answers that were addressed in the resources from this week’s assignment.  I like that Erica brought up ancestry.  A lot of the customs, music, food, clothes, and traditions get passed down from our ancestors.  Ancestry makes me think of artifacts, pictures, and family treasures that are passed down through generation to generation.

My Family Culture

My Family Culture"3 Things"

  

We get so use to our life as we know it.  If I had to face a major catastrophe and could only bring three items to my new world, it would be; a picture album, iPad, and credit cards.  I would have the photo album as a memory of my friends and immediate family during happier times.  I believe that this is what would keep my spirits up.  These memories would give me the strength to know that we will see happy times again.  A photo album would be a great reminder of the life as I knew it.  It would be a great way to tell my story to others too!

My phone or iPad would be a helpful tool to have.  These little tools hold so much information.  I would have access to the internet.  I could use my iPad/phone to job search, keep up with current affairs, and it would be a great resource gate to my old life.  I would also have access to all my contacts in hopes of reconnecting with some people one day.  I would bring a credit card.  I would try to immediately pull all cash off my card.  I am sure money will make being in a foreign land a lot easier.

I would keep my iPad if I was told that I could only keep one item.  My iPad would be my greatest resource to the life that I would be leaving behind, and the new way that I would be beginning.  My iPad would still have pictures, contacts, banking information, means to getting a new job and finding a place to stay.

I realized that I love memories.  I like to reflect on where I have been, where I am at in that moment, and where I strive to be.  Considering that I would choose my iPad is a great reflection on my world’s reality.  I do think that there is a lack family culture when it comes to my family.  My family’s culture aligns with the United States dominant culture.  Our ancestry goes back to times of slavery.  In those days your last name, customs, and beliefs were those of your masters; which in today’s society would be considered the dominant culture.  My ascribed categories are the best display of my diversity.

When I Think of Research

When I Think of Research

This class was a wealth of information when it comes to conducting research.  I learned about the validity of sites when it comes to retrieving information online.  This was very helpful even in regards to everyday life.  I have a good handle on what a quantitative design is and a qualitative design. 

When doing research;   now I know now how to break my research into parts.  I know how to decipher between my different types of variables.  This helps me decide which constraints I would like to put into play when it comes to my research pool.  I also understand the emphasis on ethics, especially when it comes to the field of early childhood education.

When conducting research I see that each project starts with a question or theory.  From that question or theory you need to consider different techniques you will choose to collect your data.  When formulating your pool you need to consider your variables. 

The tricky elements of equality in research are very new to me.  Equality can lead to many constraints and brings into to play many extraneous variables.  Equity leading towards justice and fair is easier to obtain than just equality as it stands alone.  Of course your research pool will have to have evidence of some constraints in order to keep its validity.  When it comes down to it you have to choose what variable you need to take into consideration, and remember to be just and fair when it comes to picking your research pool.

I have learned that there are so many professions that you can pursue when deciding to enter the field of early childhood education.  I feel that researchers can be the fields biggest advocates when they conduct studies and prove what you believe is the greatest benefit to early childhood education.  This course has thought me that a lot of thought, studies, and careful consideration goes into formulating ideas, and processes for early childhood education.

Research Around the World

Research Around the World               

                               

I chose to discuss some of the practices that early childhood researchers and professionals are discussing in Australian.  Some of the trends, issues, and research topics that are listed on the early Early Childhood Australia site are:

Belonging, Being and Becoming

School readiness and children's transitions

Sustainability, global warming and climate change

Baby and toddler sleeping

Child health and childhood obesity

Educators in uncertainty over Early Years Quality Fund

Qualifications matter in Early Childhood

Australia early childhood professionals and advocates seem to be facing the same issue and concerns that we face here in the United States.  Funding for quality early childhood programs is a constant fight.  Australia educational professionals are pushing for inclusion as well.  Reading some of the information provided on this site was just like reading one of the reputable sites here in the United States dealing with early childhood issues, events, and politics.   

There’s a huge push to educate young children on global warming and its huge effects in Australia.  I feel that this is a topic that is not discussed with our young as much here in the United States.  Global warming is going to get worse over the years.  The effects will be greater on the children now who will be adults dealing with this issue then.  If we instill good habits and educate young children then they can become more aware and begin at an early age learning how to preserve the environment.

Early Childhood Australia, (2013). Retrieved from

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/resource_themes.html

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories Option 1

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

A large population of the scientific community focus on preventive health care that helps improve the ability to treat childhood diabetes and childhood cancer, and the ability to prevent childhood infections through immunization.  The medical community is stating that they “know a lot more about almost all diseases, and armed with this information we have improved the care of children worldwide” (Clements, 2007).

I chose to focus on how research has benefited children with type 1 diabetes.  My goddaughter Samara was diagnosed adolescent diabetes at age 3.  Up until the age 8 she was getting daily shots of insulin.  Samara was very self-conscious about having diabetes.  All the other children would ask her questions, and teachers seemed very uneasy and always on edge.  The OmniPod Insulin Management System has   made Samara’s life so much more enjoyable.  The thing that Samara loves most about the pod is that it lets her be more self-sufficient and it doesn't bring as much attention to her.  Samara is able to be more flexible in what she eats and her daily activities.  This pump has daily dosages pre-programmed, that can also be changed based on what she is going to eat.  Instead of getting pricked in the finger and getting her blood tested the pump is keeping constant tracks of her levels.

The pump was introduced to the medical community in the 1970’s so of course Samara wasn't a part of any huge study.  However Samara and her mother are very thankful and happy for those children who originally tested out the OmniPod.  Samara’s doctor still monitor, and ask Samara detailed information about how the pod makes her feel emotionally, and physically.  I am one to vouch for her being a happier and more confident child in terms of the pod verses the use of the traditional tester, and needles.  I’m thankful too because I felt horrible every time I had to give her a shot.

Reference

National Center for Biotechnology Information, (2010).  The OmniPod Insulin Management System: the

latest innovation in insulin pump therapy.  Retrieved from

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118276/

Research Simulation General Topic to Subtopics: Part 2

Research Simulation General Topic to Subtopics: Part 2

I would like to learn more about the policy maker’s contribution when it comes to early childhood programs.  On a personal level I am interested in finding out how do policy makers come up with the criteria that would make someone eligible for assistance when it comes to the early educational programs.  I felt that myself and many other middle class citizens fall between the cracks too often.  Middle class families often run into the problem of making too much for assistance and not making enough to pay for quality early childhood programs.  I want to find a way that loosens up the guide lines so that more families will be eligible for assistance, however minimize fraud!!!

I find that the simulation process helps you stay focused on your topic of choice.  It teaches you the building steps and assist you in writing a paper that is based on true facts, and organization.

I am asking and hoping that my classmates will reference anything that is relevant to my topic of choice.  Things that supports a stronger middle class and resources that oppose it.  Most importantly the role that policy makers play in deciding who is eligible for something and who is not.