Silent Assumptions

I chose to watch a sit com on a network we don’t normally watch. Without sound, I noticed a lot of body language and facial expressions. There seemed to be some tension within a group of assumed friends, with eye rolling, arm crossing and one friend stomping away at one point. As the show proceeded, the characters came to a moment where they slowly warmed up, going from arms crossed to a smirk then a smile and finally a hug.

In watching this program again with sound, I had assumed correctly that these were friends having a conflict. Both girls liked the same boy and were jealous of one another. They came to realize that he wasn’t as important as maintaining their friendship.

I found that I felt familiar with this schema as my daughter is a Disney Channel watcher and although this isn’t a network we typically watch, the layout of the sitcom was much the same as other shows we regularly see. Actors on a sit com are typically quite animated making it easier to “read” their non-verbal body language. The progression of conflict to resolution is common and thus easily recognizable.

My A-ha moment came when I realized I was depending on a pre-conceived schema of pre-teen sit com content. I hope to be much more aware of my dependence on assumptions; based on previous experiences. My assumptions may be confirmed like in this sit com or I may find myself off-base, making it difficult to be objective. Dependence on schemas can affect my ability to authentically interact with others, which is essential for both personal and professional relationships. 

Competent Communication

My pastor is an effective communicator and someone I would like to model myself after. Pastor Steve has a way with words. He captures my attention with interesting stories, making them come alive. He goes on to make the connection to scripture in a practical way that allows me and over 500 others to introspectively consider the condition of our heart and our commitment to living a godly life. He carries himself with a mix of confidence and humility; the most authentic person I know. He is bold in the delivery of every biblical-based message. He communicates a deep concern for us as his church family and becomes tender hearted and emotional at times. Sometimes his emotion causes him to pause in a way that makes us pause too, considering what power-filled words moved him so. He stands in the middle of the stage without a podium so he can edge freely to the right or left; balancing his attention across the auditorium. His eyes are always looking upon us, slowly scanning the faces of friends, but never lingering so long that it becomes uncomfortable.  Hand gestures add emphasis without becoming a distraction.

I would most definitely like to emulate the communication style of Pastor Steve. I believe in speaking honestly, boldly and sensitively, with authenticity as the foundation. A good sermon may be remembered briefly but consistently strong messages from the mouth of a respected leader can be life changing. 

Professional Hopes & Goals

Hope

My greatest hope for my work with children and families of diverse backgrounds is that I will never grow complacent about what I have learned and experienced in this course. I know that I will never again be ignorant to the diverse needs of people but I hope my passion never fades to the point where I ignore or avoid opportunities to assist or advocate on behalf of children and families.

Goal

A personal goal for my own work with equity, diversity and social justice is to take every opportunity to educate those around me. I am in a position to work alongside other professionals in the field, teachers and home visitors, multiple agency representatives, and families. I encounter many opportunities to influence and enlighten others. In addition, as part of my annual training schedule, I commit to provide professional development targeted to issues of diversity, equity and social justice.  

Thanks!

I am so grateful for the quality interactions and networking I have experienced these past eight weeks. I have easily learned as much from my peers as I have from my course work. I have grown to respect and value the unique contributions of each one of you! My life and work in this field is forever changed. 

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcome!          වෙල්චොමේ!

 

A family from Sri Lanka, an island off the southern coast of India, is joining our center! To prepare our program staff, we are gathering some pertinent information on that country. One of the first things we need to do is learn about the language(s) used in Sri Lanka. We were able to find several websites with common words and phrases in Sinhala, the main language of this country. We will learn some basic vocabulary for use in the classroom and in communication with mom. With the help of Google Translate and Google Transliteration, we can learn to properly pronounce words in Sinhala as well as label areas of the room with dual language.

http://mylanguages.org/sinhala_vocabulary.php

http://www.sri-lanka-tour.com/travel-guide/language.htm

In addition, we found a website with other valuable information on Sri Lanka culture, customs and etiquette, including how to properly meet, greet and wish farewell.

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/srilanka.html

This website also includes information on the main religions in Sri Lanka and food preferences to be aware of based on religion. Of course we cannot assume that this information pertains to this family, it provides a springboard to ask the right questions in order to respect this family’s culture best. One example; gift giving, may not normally be considered, but with ethnic/religious considerations, it would be important to know not to give flowers as they are a sign of mourning and the colors black and white are intended for funerals and mourning. Muslims avoid pig products and Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. There is even a proper way to offer a gift; with two hands to demonstrate graciousness and gifts are generally not opened upon receipt but saved for later.

Language is not the only consideration with regard to communication that an early childhood professional should be aware of; Sri Lankans are said to be very non-confrontational in their communication style so it is important to be able to read between the lines. The website advises that a Sri Lankan may say one thing but mean another and it is up to the listener to work out the message. Signs of discomfort in communication might be long pauses, avoidance of eye contact and blatant tactics of evasion; similar to responses in many other cultures.

It would be important to know what brings this family to America, especially if the decision was the result of violence, civil unrest, tsunami, or some other stressful event. The move into a new culture in itself would be stressful, but compounding that with ongoing or single stressful events would make it necessary to consider this child and family’s mental health. In addition, we would want to know what types of supports are in place for this family here in the states; to help connect them to needed services if desired and appropriate.

Our aim is to be both responsive and respectful in our efforts to welcome this family to our site. We look forward to getting to know them personally and learning about their home culture. As with every child, we strive to meet their unique developmental needs. We invite them to join us in aspects of American culture while we commit to carefully preserving and integrating their Sri Lankan culture. We consider this opportunity a privilege; to expand our knowledge and understanding as early childhood professionals and offer enlightenment to the children and families we serve here.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? 
When I was very young, I would say about 4 years old, my big brother and I were in the front seat of a vehicle with our uncle. We had gotten a small toy like the ones from a bubble gum machine and as we rode along, I had the container in my mouth. When he finally noticed, he said, “Get that out of your mouth, some nigger might have touched that at the factory.”  I took it out right away.

I have such vivid memories of this incident; I know it impacted my small spirit. I tried over the years to justify his response, understanding that he had been in an area heavily involved in race riots around Detroit. Many in my extended family are prejudiced but my uncle is the most vocal.

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

This incident with our uncle was blatant racial discrimination. It wasn’t against any one elusive factory worker but against all black people. His careless comment instilled a sense of fear in us and unfairly judged a group of people to be unclean and unworthy of our respect.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

At the moment of this incident, I remember feeling afraid, wondering what kinds of germs I had gotten. My feelings have matured over the years; spanning from disgust to pity. My uncle is obviously stuck in his hate.  I have categorized his behavior; and do not identify with his prejudicial views.

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

I would love to see my uncle have a change of heart in his old age but I am not going to hold my breath. He is as judgmental as ever and our family avoids discussing anything that might bring out these types of prejudicial comments. I can, however, use the information I have learned in this course to positively impact my own children, nieces and nephews; to ensure a legacy of acceptance and equity, breaking the cycle of prejudice.