Communication and Culture

By utilizing the learning resources this week I have gained ways to effectively communicate with others from different cultures, religions, genders and political groups. The ways in which I communicate differently from other of different cultures may include language, the wording of verbal communication, the non- verbal communication cues are different and I have learned to be sensitive in the way I communicate with others.

Strategies I can use to effectively communicate with others are to use the “Platinum Rule”, do to others as they themselves would like to be treated. Build strong relationships that are truthful and positive. Also I should be precise and detailed when communicating with others to make sure that I am understood and that others may understand.

 

References

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

 

Observing Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

The experience I gained from watching the show with no volume is that I had to rely on non-verbal communication and cues to gain understanding of what the plot of the show is about.  I had to pay attention to body movements, gestures and facial expressions to gain an understanding of the show. This process of observing non-verbal communication requires more time and all of your attention must be given, to the show you are watching. I misunderstood several scenes in the show and gathered my own thought of what was going on. Later I realized my assumption of what was happening was incorrect.

 

Once I began to watch the show with the volume on I was able to gain true insight of what the show was about. Verbal communication skills are important to us as individuals in many aspects of our lives. We are able to know what is being said and also understand the reasoning for the characters actions. From verbal communication I was able to gather that the plot of the show was that you should never judge a person for their pass because you never know when secrets from your pass will come to hunt you and cause you to loss and hurt the people you love. Listening plays an important role in communication as well you are able understand, learn, analyze, evaluate, comfort and enjoy what is being said.

I enjoyed this assignment it made me realize how important verbal and non-verbal communication are to us as individuals and how we must rely on them to function in life.

 

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Competent Communicator

I have an aunt that is a metro council member for district five in the state of Louisiana. Ronnie Edwards has served her district faithfully for the past five years. She listens to her fellow citizens that make up the district where she serves. Ronnie Edwards hold community forums monthly, visit churches, schools and businesses to hear the voice of the people.  She is a very effective communicator.

Ronnie Edwards exhibits behaviors of being a verbal and non-verbal communicator. Advantages serves her well when communicating with a diverse audience. She adjust to the needs of others while effectively getting to a good result. Ronnie Edwards believes that mutal respect is a key element of a conversation

I would like to model some of my own behaviors after my aunt. In every community and council meeting she is complimented of how well she relates to others and how productive she is throughout her district. Every event held is for the betterment of the people throughout district five. She is invited to attend and speak at other functions that are held outside of her district to support uniting citizens of the Greater Baton Rouge area. Ronnie Edwards is a good listener as well as an effective community with all who comes in contact with her.

Professional Hopes and Goals

During the Perspectives Diversity and Equity course I have gained new and helpful insights pertaining to diversity, social identities, microagressors, isms, equity, and social justices. One hope that I have when working with children and their families from diverse backgrounds is that they will be treated equally by everyone. Every individual should be afforded the same opportunities as others.

One goal that I would like to see enforced in the early childhood field regarding diversity, equity, and social justice is that every child and their families would receive the same fair and equal treatment at all times. As an early childhood professional I would not let bias views, discrimination, race, ethnicity or religion hinder my ability to create a nurturing and environment successful outcomes for all children and their families.

I would like to thank my colleagues for the feedback they have provided me with during the Perspectives Diversity and Equity course. I appreciate the insight and ideas you have shared during this period. My wish for you as a colleague is to fulfill your desires in life on your professional journey.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I chose Paraguay as my family’s country of origin. I have never heard of this particular country before. Our nation is made up of many cultures and diversities.  Ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the Paraguay family is to first recognize my own culture so I will be able to understand my family’s culture.  Then I would take steps to examine my attitudes toward people different than me. Next, I would gather information about Paraguay family’s culture, values, beliefs and traditions to be able to communicate with the family to find out more. I would implement strategies to bring rich cultural content into my classroom and teachings to expand their knowledge also incorporate their interest.  Finally, I would help children and families develop their own culturally sensitive skills to be successful in our diverse and global world.

I hope that the family from Paraguay and I would benefit by gaining a better understanding of cultures, values beliefs and traditions. This knowledge would provide an opportunity to further develop my internal biases and inform my relationship with others while helping the family to develop their own skills to be success in our nation.

 

References

Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC

Miranda, E. (2010). Going global in Arlington, Virginia. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development 4(2), 219--226

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The movie “Queen” by Alex Haley had examples of racial prejudice in it. In the movie there was a biracial girl name Queen that is the daughter of a slave and slave owner. She is being mistreated by the slaves and slave owners family because of her color and position.  When Queen turned five years old her slave owner father moved her to the main house so she could learn to serve and be a lady’s maid. The slave owner’s wife didn’t accept that his daughter from a slave would be living in the same house and being treated the same as them. The daughters grew up as playmates queen also served her half- sister until her death. Everywhere Queen went she was resented by others.  Towards the end of the movie Queen ended up going crazy and having a break down because she was so busy trying to please and be accepted by others. Queen’s grandfather died and she wanted to bring her children so they would know where her life started at. There were still negative comments by the slave owners family member towards Queen so she told her children” that home is where you are loved.”

 

The racial prejudice treatment that Queen received because she was a black slave diminished equity when she approached some slaves because she was hungry. They made fun of her because of the way she ate and because she knew how to read and right.

There was an incident where she met two ladies that hired Queen to work in their home because of her qualifications. Once she started working with the ladies they tried to push their religious beliefs on her and wanted her to stop attending her church and attend theirs.

This movie brought back how there are still prejudice people in the world today of every race. There are still organizations that represent the klu klux klan in the south. Parishes in Louisiana within the last five years just started holding High School Proms and taking senior trips together.

We as a people should become more united to bring about a change. We as a nation would have a greater equity if we can come together for the good of the people. Learn to get along, share views and ideas to bring a greater chance for change.

Reference
Haley, A. (1993). Queen

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

The conversation I observed between two students in my class identified gender microaggression.  A girl and boy student wanted to assist in putting up nap cots. The boy student told the girl student she could not pick the cot up because she was a girl and did not have any muscles. The boy student felt because the other student was a girl she was not capable of lifting the nap cots.

My feelings toward gender microaggression are that it is wrong to have preconceived standards of any individual. Children model adult’s behaviors and actions and begin to develop microaggression that they may hear or see other do

The observation between the students show me that at a young age we start to develop and gain prejudice biases against particular groups, sexualities, genders, disabilities and race. We as individuals build relationships that are supportive of our children and their families without any biases.