Cultural Diversity in Communication

I work with children, parents, and other educators.  As a result, I realize that I communicate differently with different groups.  I tend to be more standardized when I communicate with educators.  I use one strategy and try to be professional at all times.  When I communicate with families, I tend to treat all families the same if they share the same culture.  However, different families have diverse needs even when they are from similar cultures.

To improve my communication, I will apply the Platinum Rule.  This rule helps me to communicate with people the way they would like to.  I also plan to start using other orientation with my communication.  My final change would be to avoid cultural myopia in communication.

Character evaluation and communication

This week, I watched my favorite show, "Dallas", with the sound off and on.  The first time I watched show, I watched it with the sound off.  I could tell by the actions of the characters that they were upset or having fun.  After watching the show, I rewinded it and played it with the sound on.  I was correct in assuming that the characters were upset based on their facial expressions.  However, what I thought was fun was actually a scheme to stop JR from drilling oil on South Fork. 

Based on what I have learned, I realize that nonverbal communication is not always straight forward.  People can smile when they are scheming or happy.  Frowns and hard looks are typically associated with anger or mistrust; however, not all emotions are communicated through nonverbal communication.  Therefore, I have learned to pay attention to facial expressions, distance, and character behavior, and I understand the importance of nonverbal communication.

Competent Communicator

One of my favorite communicators is the director of my agency.  Mrs. Lloyd is a competent communicator because she addresses all members of the organization.  Mrs. Lloyd uses inclusive language to ensure that no one is excluded.  She also provides information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.   There is a range of diversity in the organization; however, Mrs. Lloyd manages to communicate with everyone.  I also like her open door policy.  If anyone has trouble understanding information, Mrs. Lloyd takes the time to explain further.  Therefore, she is my role model as a competent and effective communicator.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have for diverse families is that all families receive the highest quality education for all their children through respect and advocacy from educators.

One goal I have as an early childhood educator is to provide the highest quality education and to be an advocate for all families.

I woud like to personally thank  everyone for their contribution to my blog.  I look forward to working with all of you in the future.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I would prepare to welcome a child and family from Australia.  I have never worked with a child or family from this part of the world.  Therefore, I would prepare by:

1.    Researching the country

2.    Researching the language

3.    Learning about the culture

4.    Gathering facts about customs and the country

5.    Learning about the culture, religion, and beliefs of the family.

 

 

I believe that preparing to work with the family will help me to establish strategies for communicating with and working with the family.  Understanding the cultural background, values, and beliefs of the family will enable me to establish a productive relationship with the family.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

In one personal experience, I was the target of bias and prejudice.  I was about twenty years old when I tried to get my first apartment.  The day I went to get the apartment, I was very excited about getting my own place.  I had talked with the manager on the phone, and was told to bring a security deposit and one month's rent.  The manager scheduled the meeting at three o'clock and I was there on time.  When the manager saw that I was an African American, he told me that no apartments were available.  I complained that I was told that there were three apartments open.  Finally, the manager stated that the tenants do not want "you people" in the apartments and it would be best for me to go somewhere else.

This was a common practice in Mississippi, so I did not pursue a case.  If I had done so, the manager would have said that my credit was not good enough or the apartments had been rented before I came.  In this type of situation, the manager would have to change for the situation to be positive. The manager was racist and his attitude was negative toward African Americans.  Thankfully, this does not occur in my hometown anymore.  People are less prejudiced and the laws ensure equity in housing.  However, this incident haunted me for years, and made me feel like less than a citizen.

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.