Practicing Awareness of Microagressions

Now, that I am aware of microagressions and how they can easily develop but go undetected, there are so many I have experienced and witness throughout. One of them is back in high school, there was this particular spot where all the Latino students which were not many back in the days, would get together between classes hang out and chat.  I remember walking with my friend who is Caucasian and she said: "Oh that is the Mexican spot, don't go there because then people will think you are like them". I remember not saying nothing to that comment other than, ok and walking away. At first I thought maybe I should really not relate to them since I am not Mexican and I want to have her as a friends but it did not work out that way. Things started changing once I became friends with many of the girls in that group, that girl stopped talking to me. It felt very comfortable for me hanging out with them not only because they were good friends but also I was able to speak in Spanish.
This week's topic has been such an eye opener and increase my knowledge and awareness even more. I have done some searching around microaggressions on the web and you will be amazed on how many stories there are in regards to the topic.
                                                 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

What is Diversity to you?
What is Culture to you?

These are the questions asked to three acquaintances and here are their following responses:

The first person said that culture for her was the food, traditions, music, values, beliefs from her place of origin. She defined diversity as differences among people. 

The second person referred to culture as something every individual or family has. Families have their own culture within a culture. Diversity was referred to as group of people with different backgrounds.

The third person referred to culture and diversity together saying that when she came over to the US, she found herself in a not much diverse place, in other words there were not many like her therefore she felt as an outsider. She brought her culture with her meaning her traditions, values, morals, beliefs and language. For her that was her representation of  culture.

By doing this assignment it was interesting to see the reactions to my questions of what they thought about culture and diversity were, as if I was asking something out of the ordinary. Reflecting in their answers , it just validates how superficial culture can be defined as. Whereas Diversity was also just generally referred as differences of people's ethnic backgrounds.

How interesting would it had been if the questions would be, What do you think about other cultures in general? I wonder what answers I would have received.

                                                
                                                     

My Family culture

If a catastrophe would strike my home, the three things I would take which would remind me of my culture would be: family pictures, folkloric music, a folkloric item.
I would take family pictures because it would remind me of who and what we did. Remember all the great times we had back in our home. Remember the places we went to.
I would take folkloric music  
because it will remind me of our beautiful music from my home. Music is something that I grew up with, I remember doing plays in school where we danced our music.
The third item I would take are folkloric item such as one like these 
 or something like these which is a Peruvian textile blanket. My reason would be because it would keep us warm wherever we went and will have a part of our culture with us.

If I am given the option to keep only one item, It would be a very hard decision to make but I would keep my blanket because it would be something representative about my culture. Our memories would always be kept in our minds and wherever we would be, we will make new ones.

By doing this exercise, it reminded me when I came to this country for the second time at the age of 16. I remember bringing a folkloric backpack and a hat in the plane and wearing them both. For me it was so significant and special. Up until now, whenever I get a chance I like to buy or order things from my country or ask my family who travels back and forth to bring me items I can put up in my home.