Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Burma

The name of the country that my student and family would be a native of is Burma, It is located in Southeast Asia and is bordered by China, Thailand, India, Laos and Bangladesh. In preparation to welcome this family, I would begin by familiarizing myself with Burma’s educational system. Next I would be able to pronounce the country’s official full name “Republic of the Union of Myanmar.” I would familiarize myself with the culture of Burma, which encompasses its language, ethnic groups, religions, cuisine music, dance and theater. I would become knowledgeable of the economy of Burma, the country is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia. I would familiarize myself with the history of the country and the human rights violations that have occurred in this country such as genocide, the use of child soldiers, systematic rape, child labor, slavery, human trafficking and a lack of freedom of speech.

Having knowledge of these things will help me be able to effectively communicate with the child and family. This knowledge will deter me from offending the child or family and understand their behavior in certain situations. This knowledge will help me create a classroom that reflects the family’s culture. This knowledge will also help be build partnership with the family so that I can better serve them.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and 0ppression

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and 0ppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and oppression or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and or oppression?

I witnessed prejudice against my stepfather who was severely burned over 90 percent of his body, he had this handicap since age 7. After working for a company for 25 years he was laid off, due to budget cuts. This left him having to go out into an environment where he was stared at and rejected at times. I can remember him receiving phone calls for interviews and being eagerly pursued to be employed. However, he would return home from those interviews saddened because the minute he entered the room the eagerness of the interview panel would fade. Although he was well qualified to fulfill the positions as custodian, he knew he never received a full interview or call back due to his handicap. Eventually the only way he got a job was through an influential friend.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

My stepfather who was well qualified lost jobs to those with lesser experience. Our family lacked and struggled because of this bias and prejudice against him because of his disability.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

This incident brought up feelings of anger because of the way he was treated. It also caused me to feel sadness because of my love for him.

What or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

My stepfather, he would need to see this as an opportunity for growth. He always felt shy, and kept to himself because of his appearance. This would be a great opportunity of personal and private growth for him.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggressions happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggressions or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggressions?

 

My friend and I went to eat lunch together this week. She came in complaining about a new bright orange uniform shirt that all office employees were told that they had to wear on Friday. She stated that none of her co-workers liked the shirts.  Her boss had picked the shirts out with no input from the office workers. While they were complaining to their boss about the shirt, a worker that did construction on the streets came in and my friend’s boss commented to the worker, laughing “They look like they don’t work in an office, but outside with you all.”  The boss and the office staff workers laughed.

This was a microinsult. My friend’s boss implied that working in an office was more important or greater than construction work.

I was hurt for the construction worker, because no one seemed to recognize that they were belittling the construction workers clothes. Mr. C by laughing and the office staff by laughing along with him when he said it.

 

In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effect of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people.

I am now more aware of what these –isms have on people. Not just the targets but those who are the participants in discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotyping. The effects on the giver and receiver are very destructive. The part I found most disturbing is that most individuals are not even aware that they are participating in microaggression.