Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week, a coworker told me that she wished that she could eat Thanksgiving dinner at my house.  She said that she knew that I would cook a great meal because I was raised in the country.  My coworker went on to ask me if I was going to cook some chitterlings.  After the comment, she started laughing.  I immediately realized that she had committed a microagression against me.  I was embarrased and I felt that I was being demeaned because of my background.  I did not reply to the microagression; however, I wish I had made my views known. 

I have learned that people make microaggressions intentionally and unintentionally.  I know that my coworker was only joking around; however, my feelings were hurt in the process.  I realize that microaggressions can hurt and they can be insults or assualts.  This has helped me to be more conscious of  how I speak with families and how I work with others. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I asked two friends and one family member about culture and diversity.  When asked about culture, most of the people shared that culture includes the values and beliefs that a group of people share.  One friend explained that we have multiple cultures.  She stated that the culture in our family may be different from the culture in the workplace or in society.  As a result, some of our beliefs can be conflicting; however, they are acceptable in different contexts.  Overall, everyone agreed that culture is a part of life and it influences what people believe in and how they act.

When asked about diversity, I received conflicting views and opinions.  Some believed that diversity was the differences between people.  One person believed that diversity was based on race only.  After reviewing these definitions, it is obvious that the people did not see diversity as deep as it is covered in the course.  Diversity is based on any differences within and between groups.  Diversity is about differences; however, it can include different views, different cultures, and different races. Diversity can include different talents among employees.  Therefore, I feel that people have a better understanding of culture than diversity.

My family culture

Based on my family’s culture, I would choose items that can clearly explain what we believe in and items that exhibit our cultural values.  My family is very religious.  As a result, I would choose to take the Bible to show my religious beliefs and to educate others about Christianity.  The second item I would take is a photo album of my family.  I can use this album to show others my family and my heritage.  The third item would be a quilt that has been passed down through the generations.  Quilting is a hobby that has become part of my heritage and culture. Many of the older women quilt; therefore, I would continue to teach this to future generations.

The Bible is the most important item because it is the core value in my family.  Religion is about spiritual and cultural connections.  Plus, the Bible contains scriptural knowledge that can be used to teach future generations.