Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Teacher, Student

        Microaggressions occur throughout many interactions.  I observed several when my oldest daughter visited.  They were directed toward my younger, teenage daughter and were not meant to harm her, but they did none the less.  The microinsults and microinvalidations were said in jest, but you could see the impact on my youngest daughter’s face.  She was hurt by them and quickly tried to hide that she was hurt.  When I observed this, I began to hurt for her.  I did not realize what the impact was on my daughter.  I did not know how to respond before now.  I have a better understanding of what to watch for now.  So, it is more prevalent in the observations and experiences I have.  Experiencing them myself this week, I have become more vocal in identifying them towards the person who has made the microagression.  I am pointing them out and holding the person responsible for what they have said.  It is uncomfortable but necessary.                My observations this week have op

I asked three people whom I know to provide me with their definition of culture and diversity.  The following are their responses.  Kathy: (65 year old, Caucasian, female) Culture is can, be the cast system, the environment you are brought up in.  The way you do things. Diversity is the differences in culture, more than one portfolio.  Tina:  (38 year old, Mexican American, female) Culture is the beliefs and traditions carried by people. Diversity is the integration of varying cultures. James:  (30 year old, African, male) Culture is the way I live and the customs and traditions I grew up with.  The music I listen to, the food that I eat and the clothes that I wear. Diversity is the blending of people who are different in the ways they look act and live.  Based on the answers I received and what I have studied in this course the answers are basically correct, culture is made up of our environment, the way we live, and the traditions and beliefs we carry with us.  It is

If a major catastrophe happened and I had to be evacuated to another country, I would take a picture of all of my children together, a baby blanket, and my Kindle.   The photo of all of my children together is a reminder of all of the people I love and will miss because they will not be with me (two of my children are grown and live outside of my home).  The baby blanket provides a sense of security when things are difficult for me, and because I have shared the blanket with all of my children.  The Kindle is so I can read and escape the uncertainty of what is going on around me.  It also has a photo gallery with all of our trips and family get-togethers so I have access to memories.  It provides a sense of focus and control when the world around me offers none.   If upon arrival into the host country I was informed I could only keep one item, it would be very difficult to decide   The photo provides a visual for all of the memories I hold dear.  The blanket provides a sense of secu