1.
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?
I was teaching a Spanish
class one summer to inner city youth in my area. Over 80% of my class had some
sort of Spanish background. I remember the kids who were Puerto Rican, Dominican,
or Cuban, always made fun of the kids who were Mexican. It was an everyday occurrence.
I would hear “It’s because he’s Mexican” or “Don’t listen to him, he doesn’t know
what he’s talking about, he’s Mexican!”
2.
In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice
and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
In this case, equity was
diminished by the other kids making the Mexican students feel that they are not
important. This could lead to internalized oppression for the Mexican students.
If they are constantly put down by their peers because of their ethnicity, they
may try to disown their heritage and their culture.
3.
What feelings did this incident bring up for
you?
This incident made me upset and I
felt sorry for the Mexican kids. I did not understand why the other students
felt this way about Mexicans. Everyone in my class spoke Spanish at home and
they had this in common. I just did not understand.
4.
What and/or who would have to change in order to
turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
I
think that the mindset needs to change. The non-Mexican Spanish students should
not feel that they are entitled or better than the Mexican students. Everyone
should have an equal chance. They should celebrate all the things that they
have in common.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteAs adults we have to educate our young ones that people can be insulted and seriously hurt by what we say and do.Diversity, like a beautiful rainbow has many colors, each color is unique but together they compliment each other. Diversity illustrates a variety of cultures, opinions, attitudes, beliefs, religion and ideas. People must learn how to co-exist with other people who do not dress, look or even speak the way they do. Many of us have become so used to dealing with one group that we forget that others exist and have feelings too.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI have heard Panamanians, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans talk about Mexicans and each other. I am curious as to why they do that. I think it is important that we instill in our youth that everyone deserves to be respected, no matter their differences. Teaching equity in the classroom would be a good thing. What did you say to those students who were making fun of the Mexican students?
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteIt is surprising and saddening to read that, even though they can speak the same language, they are being so prejudice against the Mexican students. I also do not know why they would talk that way as, like you said, they have a lot in common.
As adult we must let our children know that words can hurt and that they should not intentionally hurt or i unintentionally hurt people. This class as well as the assignments made me think alot about how the things I do and say can hurt people.
ReplyDelete