When I think about early childhood education and diversity, I think of getting to know the families, working as partners in whichever workplace of choice and learning the ways to make our families of diversity feel appreciated and welcomed. As they are the way that we learn about or differences besides other's experiences and text.
One goal that I would like to set for all early childhood education professionals is the ability to continue to learn whether or not we think we are fully knowledgeable about issues related to diversity. Continue to ask questions because, even on issues not related to early childhood education, everyone has different perspectives to bring to the table and therefore a new way of thinking. I encourage us all to collaborate.
Thank you to all my colleagues for their posts, shared insights and experiences. It has been my pleasure to be among some of the brightest, wise most intelligent people so early in the little time that I have been studying in this field. Everyone, I wish you the most success on all future endeavors.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Welcoming Families From Around the World
For this blog assignment we were to find a country that we know nothing about. The country that I chose is Brazil based on the fact my daughter and I love to watch the movie Rio and Rio2. For the most part I have no knowledge on what their culture is about besides the basics shown in the movie, which cannot fully represent their culture to its fullest extent.
Five ways I would prepare myself:
1. I would take the time to learn the basics of Portuguese since that is the native language that is spoken, just in case there are some language barriers to ensure that there can still be good communications which in fact will make the family feel accepted and not misunderstood.
2. Place emphasis on the family structure. Family is very important to people in this country. Most are not as close to extended families as Brazilians are and they tend to be very close with family members and have strong bonds.
3. Learn common gestures used amongst men and women. Common features used generally among men are hand shakes; among women are kisses on the cheek starting with the left then moving to the right cheek.
4. Culture/ way of life. People of a higher class standing do not mingle with people of lower class and always keep the two separate.
5. Etiquette. One should not show up to an event empty handed. A small gift should be brought like a glass of wine, flowers (avoid purple and black they represent mourning) to show gratitude. It is always important to be overdressed and not more casual and arrive early. If doing business there are other etiquettes to keep in mind.
These will help for a smooth transition and make their culture feel as accepted especially some one took the time to get acquainted with their culture and way of life
Five ways I would prepare myself:
1. I would take the time to learn the basics of Portuguese since that is the native language that is spoken, just in case there are some language barriers to ensure that there can still be good communications which in fact will make the family feel accepted and not misunderstood.
2. Place emphasis on the family structure. Family is very important to people in this country. Most are not as close to extended families as Brazilians are and they tend to be very close with family members and have strong bonds.
3. Learn common gestures used amongst men and women. Common features used generally among men are hand shakes; among women are kisses on the cheek starting with the left then moving to the right cheek.
4. Culture/ way of life. People of a higher class standing do not mingle with people of lower class and always keep the two separate.
5. Etiquette. One should not show up to an event empty handed. A small gift should be brought like a glass of wine, flowers (avoid purple and black they represent mourning) to show gratitude. It is always important to be overdressed and not more casual and arrive early. If doing business there are other etiquettes to keep in mind.
These will help for a smooth transition and make their culture feel as accepted especially some one took the time to get acquainted with their culture and way of life
Sunday, October 12, 2014
The Personal Side of Prejudice, Bias and Oppression
Unfortunately I have had many occurrences with bias prejudices and oppression. One lady that I work with made a very racial comment as she always does. It was just in the store after closing it down, and she says, "I'm sorry I don't mean to be ugly,but I hate how these black women have those big braids and then wrap them in a big 'ol bun and put on top of their heads like that and then put that big 'ol bow in their heads on top of having all that hair pinned on top of their head already. I'm sorry, but black women all follow the same trends." I just told her, " well, I actually think that it is pretty cute, but I don't like all of my hair pulled off my forehead." I mean clearly I have worked with many diverse people, not meaning diverse based on dominant culture, but diverse among each other. I have worked with black,white Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Indian, Asian and atheist people, to name a few. At the moment it was said I brushed it off. She always makes comments and I normally brush it off, and now I'm getting fed up with hearing those comments about blacks and especially black women. Black women usually are the target and I happen to be well educated and carry myself in a manner where I'm respectful of everyone's difference and sometimes I exemplify internal oppression especially when it is something ridiculous. However, She is an older white lady in her fifties and was raised in a Time where schools were segregated for a period of time while she was growing up, which may reflect some of views that she may have but I do not think that makes it alright.... I'm not sure how I should respond the next time it happens, as I am already annoyed at the fact. Any suggestions?
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