Being
tolerant is an action that should be articulated from members of the
society. This is so as we are living in a society that is diverse and
uphold different beliefs, practices and values. Therefore, I would
respond to a parent/family member who informed me that they did not
want anyone who was perceived or reported to be a homosexual or
transgenic to be caring for, educating or interacting with their
child by stating to them that individuals who might or is pursuing
such practices have a right to express their own beliefs. Secondly,
its not everything that one perceives about another means that it is
so, sometimes its just allegations that are passed about what him or
her thinks about that particular individual. Third, not because the
person who interacts with your child or is educating your child lives
a particular lifestyle does not means that he or she will impart such
acts on your child/children or family. Fifth, even if such
perceptions are correct what should be the focus is that of the
educating of your child/children because when it comes to be a
professional one has to think about displaying cohesion among all so
as to get the best results as possible. Sixth, cohesion, is an
important factor in generating a positive group temperament, or
climate, in which members take pride in the group, treat other with
respect(O' Hair & Wiemann, 2012).
On
numerous occasions I have heard homophobic terms being used as an
insult by adults to a child as well as from a child to another child.
From these experiences I can see the hurt and pain that develops of
such instances. I can recall a colleague doing thus and the child has
grown with the fear of others as he walks on the street . Sometimes
he hides and wait until it is dark before he goes out. He has grown
with so much stereotype wherein he doe not have enough friends
because he is disliked. Therefore, in doing thus I strongly believe
that it poses a very negative influence on all children.
Reference
O'Hair,
D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real Communication: An Introduction.
Bedsford, St.Martin's
Hi LaToya,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I was saddened by the story of the child who is afraid to go out and walk on the street and it is so sad for him to not have any friends. I can not imagine. Thanks for sharing.
Amy
Hello Latoya,
ReplyDeleteI think that your post was heartfelt. How often did this child receive these homophobic slurs? You said that the child was afraid to go out and didn't have many friends as a result, did he have an understanding of the homophobic slurs? Did anyone every intervene, and did the child have anyone to be supportive of him, and help him understand that everyone is different. I am interested to know what happened.
Hello Latoya,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog post. I enjoyed it. One thing that I thought about after reading your post is the effects on children when adults use homophobic terms abusively on children. I want to believe that the pain is much felt by the children and the effects last longer on them. As adults we need to be careful with our words when teaching and discussing with the young ones.
Thanks for sharing.
Shola Ogunjide