Course: EDUC – 6164 – 2

Week 6 Blog Assignment

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Joanne E. Lynch

Saturday 12^th October, 2013.

     Each person is entitled to respect, because of his or her distinctive and boundless value. As a matter of fact, sometimes people are being criticized by the way they look, without anyone trying to see them for who they really are on the inside. Actually, appearances can be misleading, but we have to learn to look into people’s heart to see their goodness and beauty.

    Stemming from this, is an issue I have recently heard about, which pertains to bias and prejudice at one of the government’s elementary schools in my country. This had to do with a female parent, who was unfairly treated while seeking to enroll her daughter at the school of her choice, for the new school year. First to begin with, this parent is residing outside the zonal area where the school is located. Secondly, her disheveled appearance, plus, she often carries her down syndrome son everywhere she goes, even made it more difficult for the administrator of the school to be very hesitant in enrolling her daughter at the school. Obviously, this lady and her children were discriminated against.

      Eventually, the matter had reached the macro level (Ministry of Education), but she was told by an educational official that the child’s name was not on the final list that was submitted by the school to the ministry of education, and she needs to go to the community in which she lives to register her child. However, this parent insisted that her child must attend the school she so desired, and took the courage to muster her strength; by acquiring the confidence to do what she believed was right. To be more precise, on the first day of school, the child was well attired in the school uniform, carrying her book bag on her back, and was placed by her mother, in the classroom which housed all the new entrants. As revealed by observation of Greek philosopher, Aristotle, people become brave by doing brave acts. What he really meant, is that, they may not feel very brave when they do something which requires courage, but in the act of doing it, they become brave and courageous.

      However, the bias and prejudice in this incident has diminished equity, because such action by the school administrator clearly illustrated that knowledge and understanding are lacking, about how unfair and hurtful treatment can undermine a child’s development. Likewise, the administrator needs to revisit the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child, as well as the Education Act of the country, since this can assist him or her in comprehending what it is like for treating children more fairly and affectionately.

      Consequently, this incident has brought about a feeling of empathy, which gives me the ability to know how this lady felt after being discriminated against, and to share her feelings of pain, and emotions as if they were mine. Nonetheless, I felt how to treat children more fairly and caringly, by obtaining the awareness of promoting children’s chances to blossom and succeed.

     Certainly, the administrator will have to change in order to turn this incident to an opportunity for greater equity, because, as a leader of an elementary school, he or she will desire all children grow up in a world that is not confined to bias and prejudice, so as to thrust for their ambitions or wish, and feel that whatever they want to achieve in life is viable. Also, making children endure being loved and included, than experience the pain of refusal or exclusion.

Reference

Wright, C. (2000). Values for today. Great Britain: Heinemann Educational                      

                 Publishers

Course: EDUC – 6164 – 2

Week 4 Blog Assignment

Practicing Awareness of Micro- aggression

Joanne Lynch

Date: Saturday 28^th September, 2013.

     Tyrique is a Grade One student who lives with his grandmother in a small community on the outskirt of the city in my country, since he was a baby. He is very hyperactive, but extremely loving, and likes to play a lot with other children while he is at school, because he is the only child that is living in the house hold, and has no one to play with at home. As a matter of fact, this child’s method of play is exceptionally rough, in that, he always hits other students then run.  Undoubtedly, Tyrique is not an aggressive child, in view of the fact that, his intention is not to hurt his classmates, but as most of them do not understand his technique of playing, they often think that he is bullying them, hence, the numerous complains the class teacher receives from their parents relating to this issue. However, he was spoken to by the teacher concerning the strategy that is used when he is playing with his classmates. Likewise, his grandmother was asked to talk to him about his behavior.

   Consequently, instead of Tyrique’s grandmother cooperating with the class teacher, she became angry, and was engaged in a behavior that threatened and demeaned the teacher of such a communication. To be more precise, she stated that she was tired of hearing the teacher complaining about her grandson, for he is not the worst child in the school, and that she was going to transfer him to another school. As a matter of fact, I thought that this assertion being used by Tyrique’s grandmother to the teacher, contain demeaning meta-communications or hidden message (the teacher and classmates do not like Tyrique). However, I felt that this grandmother possesses biased thoughts, attitudes, and feelings that harmed the teacher.

     Obviously, from observation experiences, my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes on people is that they have generated an unfavorable and invalidating climate for people, reduce their spiritual and metaphysical energies, and their cumulative nature which can result in melancholy, frustration, fury, outrage, loss of self-esteem, and apprehension.

                                                             

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). "Micro-aggressions in Everyday Life" [Video                             webcast]. In Perspective Diversity & Equity. Retrieved from                  https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCoursse   26id%3D_3468047_1%26url%3D

Course: EDUC – 6164-2

Week 3 Blog Assignment

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Joanne E Lynch

Date: Saturday 21^st September, 2013

     

       Individuals have perceived the notion of culture and diversity in varying but common ways. They also claimed that both (culture and diversity) are intertwined. It followed that I had the opportunity to interview two of my colleagues (one male and one female), and a relative (a female who was the youngest of the three), about their definition of culture and diversity. In fact, the various responses that were given are listed below.

Definitions for Culture:

1.      The way of life of a particular society or group of people.

2.      Anything that relates to a country’s historical background.

3.      The norms, practices, rules, values, language, and the general way of life of  people in the society.

Definitions of Diversity:

1.      Differences in the culture of the people.

2.      Conditions of the inhabitants’ lifestyle in society, which are different from each other.

3.      Dissimilarities in people’s lifestyle in society.

      Undoubtedly, the initial stages of this course focused on the comprehension of diversity and culture via social identities. The focal point was on the family in society, as well as, incorporating aspects of the early childhood field of education. Admittedly, the responses obtained from the interviewees reflected the dominant culture. For that reason, the concept is that members of society are the mass, or who swing more powerful than other groups. Likewise, it is shared or accepted without opposition by the majority of the population. For example, for families to feel valued and inclusion, the home culture and dominant culture will be created between both cultures (home and dominant).

      Furthermore, I have realized that people in the society are reared with traditions which are virtually difficult to be conscious of, hence, finding it harder to adjust to. In fact, this deep culture is comparatively slow to change, for instance, the people’s attitude towards life, religious and philosophical beliefs, and values in human relationships. However, although the definitions, given by the interviewees are descriptive and general, aspects of surface culture was omitted, because nothing was stated about the artifacts, costumes, holidays and food, since these are easily observed, taste, and defined.

      To be more precise, other people’s definitions of culture and diversity have influenced my own thinking about these topics, since it is very important for me as an early childhood educator, to consider the cultural background of children and their families, in relation to how feelings and emotions are expressed. Additional, positive attitudes and behaviors will be demonstrated by me, which will enable me to work effectively, cross-culturally, and value diversity.

                                                        Reference

Derma-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2012). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and

Ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Course: EDUC – 6164-2

Week 2 Blog Assignment

My Family Culture

Joanne Lynch

Date: Saturday 14^th September, 2013.

       A major catastrophe has devastated the infrastructure of my country, and I was in the position as a surviving citizen. I was told by the emergency government that I have to evacuate to another country to seek refuge permanently, but I have to take only three small items that I hold dear, as well as, representing my family’s culture. Indeed, I would have taken my passport, debit card, and family will.

      Undoubtedly, these three small items are of great significance. For that reason, being a patriot, my passport will be one of the most important forms of identification, and an official document that is issued by the government which I have possessed as a national, permitting me to travel abroad. On the other hand, the debit card (also known as bank card or check card) is a ductile payment card which is more or less rectangular in shape, and endows me to electronic access to my bank account(s) at a financial institution. Moreover, the will which is my legal instrument that sanctions me, the testate, to clearly set out my wishes for the distribution of my assets after death.

      Certainly, each of these items is fundamental to me in various ways. For instance, travel security measures have increased, and it is almost impossible to travel without a passport, since it is connected with the right of legal protection abroad, and the right to enter one’s country of nationality. Likewise, it is a symbol of travel, and a basic requirement for me to make the trip outside of my country. In addition to that, is my debit card which is used as a more convenient way of spending money, than simply carrying cash around at all times. By using the debit card, instant cash can be withdrawn at the Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), as well as, it can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted. Most importantly is the will, which assists in dictating the smooth transaction of the family assets, and minimizing tensions among survivors.

      Admittedly, if I were told upon arrival that I can only keep one of these personal items, for sure, I will give first preference to the debit card. For that reason, the passport would have already allowed me to physically enter the country, giving proof of my identity. The will would have been a fixed legal document, since it possesses certain required elements that are clear, legally valid, and up to date. Besides, it would have been prepared by an expert, ensuring that all assets are protected and distributed according to my wishes.

      Undoubtedly, when one has to integrate into a new society, it could be difficult to live and function according to a different and sometimes mysterious set of norms, likewise, to be dependent on people you are not familiar with. Hence, the reasons why I have decided to give my debit card the first choice. Due to not being employed at the moment, I will need enough money to be comfortable in my standard of living; for example, to buy food, for travelling purposes, in the case of illness, or during an emergency.

      Obviously, having the debit card will enable me to live to the fullest, and not being dependent on anyone. Indeed, the debit card is linked directly to my bank account, and immediately deducts the amount of the purchase or withdrawal from the account. In fact, there is a growing abundance of Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) around the world, which makes it easier to access the local currency.

      However, the insight I have attained, is that when an individual lives in a new culture, he or she has to remain open to become aware of similarities and differences, to learn rather than to judge. It can be exhilarating, personally rewarding, intellectually stimulating, and above all very frustrating. More importantly, it can be difficult to adapt to the behavior to the customs and expectations of the host country.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer).  (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic

interactions..[Video webcast].  In Perspectives on diversity and equity . Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_3468047_1%26url%3D

Passport- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport.

What is a debit card? (2013, May28). Retrieved from

www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-debit-card.htm.

What is a will and why do I need one? Retrieved from

www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/what-is-a-will-asp.