Practicing Awareness of Microaggression

One example of microaggression that I have detected this week took place right in front of me at work. A little girl was sitting and doing her work with her grandmother right beside her because it was almost time for school to dismiss. Suddenly, another little girl who has been stereotype as being a troubled child came over and shouted out loudly in the girl's face. In defense of her granddaughter, the grandmother replied openly by shouted, 'move away, you good for nothing ugly dirty girl and let fly pitch on you because you are in their category'. By  echoing those words the little girl ran to the other side of the classroom. Right there and then the teacher turned around and address the matter. When the little girl that did the act was asked why she did what she had did, she replied by saying, 'I was only playing with her, she is my friend and now I am sad.'
Based upon what I viewed as the microaggression took place, I personally believed that it was a childish act displayed by the little girl's grandmother and as a mother she should not have done that because what if someone else did that to her grand child I am sure she would not have liked it. It was very obvious that she had hurt the child's feelings.

My observation experiences about micraggressions this week has definitely taught me that everyone has feelings and in life we should think before we act and measure the words that are use to speak to others. It has also taught me that I should never ever try to solve a problem when I am angry but rather do so when I feel calm about a given situation.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week's assignment was indeed an interesting and informative one. I had the privilege  of asking four persons about what culture and diversity meant. These are the answers that I received:-

Mrs B.Anderson ( former teacher, 65years old) stated that when she thinks of the term culture she strongly believes that it has to do with one's way of living , doing and expression of self in terms of their culture, religion, ethnic beliefs and values. While diversity has to do with the similarities and differences that exist round one's beliefs and values from a worldwide perspective.

Mr. S. Bramwell (22, chef) argued that culture has to deal with one's beliefs and family values. While diversity has to do with the world itself and how one interacts with it and others.

Miss. Powell (32, lecturer) stated that culture has to deal with person's way of living and beliefs that exist and is executed by family members so as to meet the needs of the dominant society at large. She strongly believes that diversity has to do with how one sees, operates within the family and the society.

Mrs Lazo (British, nurse, 45) outlined that culture is ethnicity that exists in regards to one's gender, race, religion,beliefs and values. While diversity to her means the inclusion of family culture and the society's culture that works and upholds similarities and differences.


Based on what I have been exposed to in this course about culture and diversity I can say that the answers that I have received are somewhat near as the persons seem to have an idea and clear understanding towards the terms of culture and diversity. For example Mrs Lazo is from a different culture from the other persons that were asked the questions. Yet her answer was very profound and similar to what the others had to say. I also liked the definition that Mr.Bramwell and Mrs Anderson gave as they terminologies were clear and precise.

As I reflect on what was done this week, I can truly say that I have proven that though I may share similar social identities with others we do not necessarily share the same viewpoints at times I have also seen that everyone is unique in his or her way and depicts the whole matter of culture and diversity in the manner in which these aspects are executed in their family culture from an early stage in life.

My Family Culture

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.


If I had to decide on three items to take with me that I hold dear and represent my family culture would definitely be my bible, family album and my navel cord. These items are very precious and dear to me. First, for my bible, this is very valuable from a child growing up as well as it a way of keeping in touch with God. It is also keeps me focus and relax regardless of what is going on around me. Second, my family album which holds most of my family happiest moments spent together. It also upholds photos of older family members that I do not know. Third, my navel cord, this is very special has it upholds a great bond between my mother and I. It is where I got all my nourishments that were needed for me to develop properly from within my mother's womb.,


If upon arrival I was told that I would not be capable of taking all three items but rather one I would be very devastated. This is because all three items play a significant role in my life as well as towards my family culture. Secondly, I would be so confused as it would seem as if someone was taking my breath away from body. I definitely would feel like the whole world has turn upside down and I am beneath it. However, if I was really caught in the position wherein I had to choose I would definitely choose my bible. This is because Jesus is the center of my life and without him I am nothing. Secondly, without Jesus I would not have a family neither would I have a mother to give birth to me. 


From doing this exercise, there are definitely insights that I have gain about myself, family culture, diversity and/ or cultural difference. I have gain that both family culture, diversity and cultural differences do intertwine and work collaboratively. Therefore, if one part is damage then it has an impact on the other factors that exist. I have also gain the insight that there are times when we are face with certain situations wherein we have to make a sudden decision to save our self.