The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

My one hope is that families of diverse backgrounds will sense my genuine desire to know what is essential to their family, their beliefs, and dreams for their children. I want to develop relationships that breed friendships and honesty by being honest. Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) both agreed that:” Ensuring that every family feels welcome and comfortable creates a crucial foundation for mutually respectful relationships” (p.37). The understanding developed from this course impressed me that all children and their families are diverse. Each family and their children have a unique culture which is distinct and demands respect from me.

My goal for the issues in ECE in diversity, equity, and social justice is to accept and respect the differences of my colleagues, children, and their families. I will be alert for opportunities to encourage and stand up for any who cannot stand for themselves. I hope to be a voice ushering social justice in the classroom, and into the future of early childhood. Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) explained that:” Anti-bias education work in early childhood is shaped by a deep-seated belief in the importance of justice, the dream of each child being able to achieve all he or she is capable of…” (p.9). Every parent has a desire to see their children succeed, and I want to be a part of helping them achieve their ambition.

To all my Colleagues,
Thank you for sharing your stories, your dreams, your challenges, and triumphs, they inspired me. "Perspectives on Diversity and Equity" has been a hard course where we were called to remember and share our hurts, and disappointments. This course forced some of us to realize we were products of internalized privilege or internalized oppression. However, we became aware with the knowledge giving us the power to change bias, accept diversity, and to stand up for social justice. I pray that we all learn and grow from all we have discovered

Welcoming Families from Around the World

 The family's country of origin is Argentina. And I have no previous knowledge of the country. First thing I would do is to research the country, find out their language, climate, history, education, transportation, of the rural, and suburbs. Next, I would find out exactly where this new family originated in Australia and all the same facts about it that I learned about the country itself. Hopefully, I can find a translator if they do not speak English, who would know their dialect. I would be interested in the foods they eat, the clothing, their holidays, and their religion. I would learn some simple words of greeting in their language, maybe more if time permitted it. I would get some books in their primary language, and some with translations. I would have the school's handbook printed in their language, information about the school, as well as a personal note of greeting from me.

My goal for this surface preparation is to make them family feel valued. To show respect for their culture, and to show we are willing and able to converse in their language. While researching their country I would learn a lot about their history, and how their education system works, what foods are a part of their diet, what they might like to drink. And everything I learn will help me to build a relationship with this new family and their child(ren). If I show enough care and concern to take the time out to find out these things, perhaps it will show the family that I genuinely would like to learn all they are willing to share with me.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Walter Scott, 50 years of age was shot in the back and killed. Antwon Rose 17 years of age was shot from behind and killed. Daniel Hambrick 25 years of age was shot from behind and killed. All three were shot by Police Officers who are sworn to uphold the law and protect citizens.

These incidents show a specific bias that killing Black men, young and old is still happening after all the ones who were lynched and outright killed for no reasons other than being Black, even in the 21^st century. Equity means impartiality, fair play, justice, and there is none when shooting a man from behind.

These ongoing incidents break my heart that life can be cut short so quickly by Police Officers when no violent crime has been committed. Black men are killing each other, and killing White men, and all of it is wrong. But I expect criminals to commit inhumane acts, but not the ones who are charged to protect. I feel like we are living in a mad, mad world, where love is “waxing cold.” These incidents bring to mind the innocent black men who were beaten to death, lynched because they looked in the wrong direction, or were in the wrong place.

The only thing that can change these incidents into opportunities for doing good is the changing of hearts.  For the Police Officers, the Black and White men to value life. To realize that each person has someone who loves them and hopes for them to become the best they can be in their life. People need to acknowledge that taking someone life who is not trying to take your life or someone else life is a crime and a sin. Like I said a change of heart is the only solution to this ongoing travesty.

In July 2018, a White man at a wedding was shot and killed by a Black teenager who was trying to rob him. This teenager did not value life; there was hate or indifference in his heart. The family is devastated, as am, I. Wrong has no color of skin, we have a nation with a lot of sick hearts. We have to find a way to overcome the desensitized minds capable of killing. All life matters!