This week we were asked to imagine that we are experiencing some type of “ism” at work, and we are to share our reactions from those around us.
I am pretending that I am struggling with racism. A family in my class is from India, and I have unconsciously avoided speaking to this child’s parents in the afternoon when he is picked up. The parents have not verbally said anything to me because they are responding back with stereotypes. They sent me a Valentine’s Day card that was written in Spanish thinking that I speak Spanish because I look Hispanic.
While I am experiencing this “ism,” the people around me are suffering. The child is also most likely feeling uncomfortable in my class because he is mimicking his parent’s stereotypes. He does not want to talk in class because he must feel that he is not that important because I do not make time to talk to his parents daily. The parents most likely feel shunned and feel that I do not value their opinion or even their presence. After receiving the Valentine’s Card, I also feel a little down to because I wish I could speak Spanish, but I do not. I also feel offended that people continue to assume that I speak this language simply by the way I look.
My struggle with racism has left a lot of people including myself feeling unimportant. My “ism” has interfered with my parent/teacher communication, and it has taken a toll on my student. As early childhood professionals, we need to take time often to self reflect how we really feel about diversity. Do you treat people differently because of the way they look or what they do for a living? We need see ourselves for who we really are, and then we need to make changes to become anti-bias. We need to set a good example for our students!
Hello Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your example, it seems like a very common problem that as you mention, creates misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Feelings that limit our work and communication with the children and families we work with.It is so easy to bring our own biases, believes and values to the classroom. To the point that we forget that we need to accept, values and respect all views and differences even if they differ from our own.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteYour example of an “ism” shows the ripple effect that a bias creates. One comment can lead to hurt feelings causing the offended to react in a way that leads to more hurt feelings. Your suggestion of self-reflection is an important component to being aware of our beliefs, views and actions and should help in breaking a cycle such as you described.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Isabel and Jackie, this is something that happens everyday in classrooms all around the world,we must be positive role models and set good examples for our young generation.
We must always self reflect, I learned that early on in this program, which has made and help me with many issues.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI relate to your example about receiving a card in Spanish because you look Spanish. I have not been the victim of this, but was the offender. Your comments made me stop and think about the things I assume about the people I work with. They are all Hispanics, but from very different cultures and countries. I have learned a great deal about my own person bias. Thank you for your comments.
Stacy,
ReplyDeleteI can actually relate to your example. I have been asked on several ocassions if I am Russian because I have blond hair and blue eyes. I was often offended by it because I did not understand why others judged me by my looks rather than by who I am. On the one hand, I don't think that being Russian is something bad but at the same time, it is not my culture or who I am. I was reminded that we should not judge others by what they look like but by what they do.