Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

As early childhood educators we are encountering changing demographics and differences in culture and as such we must encourage understanding which is a necessity to valuing diversity in our society.  Ramsey (2004) “To teach children to be aware of their world, we, as adults, need to develop a critical consciousness” (p. 19).  As teachers/caregivers we must confront our perceptions and ask ourselves relevant questions and truly examine the way we put our beliefs of others into practice.  “We need to recognize the content and sources of our own expectations” (p. 20). 
                                                                                                                                               

In interviewing friends and family race was most often mentioned first, “The scientific consensus in that race in this sense has no biological basis—we are all one race, the human race” (Derman-Sparks, & Edwards, 2010, p. 77).  Language, ethnicity, foods, clothes and religion were also mentioned in regard to culture as well as diversity.  In considering diversity these were additionally mentioned age, gender, socio-economic status, and education levels, and family structure—married, divorced, or single, children, children or no children.  No one specifically mentioned rules of behavior, values, or beliefs—other than religion which was most often associated with specific religious dominations.                                                                                                                                      

In thinking about others perceptions of culture and diversity it brought to mind the deeper aspects of culture and how “we typically absorb these rules very early and very deeply so we live by them with little conscious thought” (Copple, & Bredekamp, 2009, p. 10).  Our culture and diversity are the essence of our individuality and help to define us.  Although understanding differences can sometimes be a challenge, it reiterated that we must strive to recognize and appreciate the actions, behaviors, and attitudes of the children and families we serve as well as their hopes and aspirations for their children.  These differences also include opinions that differ from our own beliefs which are often times harder to accept.  We are not required to agree on everything but we must consider all aspects of differing opinions within the context of mutual respect for others.     

References

Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8 (3^rd ed.). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Ramsey, P. (2004). Teaching and learning in a diverse world: Multicultural education for young children (3^rd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press

My Family Culture

My Family Culture

In imagining a major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of our country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. My immediate family and I have survived this catastrophic event.  However, we have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. We are told that our host country’s culture is completely different from our own, and that we may have to stay there permanently. We are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, we can only take 3 small items with us. We decide to take three items that we hold dear and that represent our family culture.                                                              

The three items that I would choose are my Bible, photo album, and a mobile device with language translator application.  My first choice is the Bible which has been a constant source of inspiration and reassurance which has been life altering for me in reading it.  The Bible is God speaking to me and building a more intimate and personal relationship with Him as well as to others and has given instruction and correction.  Reading my Bible—the Word of God encourages me to integrate this knowledge into my life helping to keep my priorities and perspectives in focus and my eyes upon Him.  The Bible allows for me to clearly see the sacrifice that was made by Jesus on my behalf although I can’t understand His love for a sinner such as I—I am now justified through this ransom.  This single “BOOK” has provided hope and purpose to my life.                                                                                                                                            

Second the photo album which provides an insight into the past and tells the story of my family’s history.  We have all heard the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” (Unknown).  Having pictures of the people we love is a way in which to honor them so we can remember them at varying stages of their life.  I love looking at pictures of my mother and father when they were young and so vibrant.  I cherish these pictures of my father, my grandparents, my great-grandparents, friends, my nephew, my uncles and aunts and loved ones that have now passed from this life.  To be able to see my children when they were babies and to share pictures with their children is life affirming.  I have pictures that have been pasted down from generation to generation and being the only granddaughter they were given to me to preserve.  Photos of family and friends bring back so many memories of those that are to quickly gone.  The photo album tells so much about my family which I want to be pasted on to my grandchildren that will hopefully evoke feelings of love and sweet memories.                                                                                                                   

Next, a mobile device with a language translator application would be really helpful in this situation. We all know the importance of being able to communicate and arriving in a new country not knowing the language would be extremely difficult.  “The language barrier has been described as the personal mountain that the immigrant children and families must overcome” (Keat, Strickland, & Marinak, 2009, p. 20).  Unable to speak the language would make even accomplishing simple tasks a struggle, finding employment would be almost impossible and would isolate your family from others in the community.  Having a device that would help you to communicate with others and overcome language barriers would prove to be invaluable.  Language and communication are essential elements in adapting to any new environment.                                                                                                                                                               In being forced to give up two of these items after losing so much would be devastating.  Yet, the most important thing would be having your family.  The one item that I would keep is the Bible because it has been a source of continual strength throughout the ordeals we have experienced and the loss of loved ones.  God’s Word provides hope and restoration even when our lives have been shattered and gives courage to face new realities even in the darkest hour. Our Father is bigger than any tragedy.                                                                                                                  

The insights I have gained in response to this assignment is priorities what I would be willing to give up in my life and what I could not because they bring meaning to my existence—God and family.  The importance of being with family in such a situation would be paramount it would provide connection and consistency and a sense of belonging.  Christian (2006) “the family includes interconnected members, and each member influences the others in predictable and reoccurring ways” (p. 2).  It also made me think about being a refugee in a country unable to speak the language and the hardships one would endure.  Additionally, it brought to mind the young children and families in our program that do not English and possible feelings of isolation.     

References

Christian, L. G. (2006). Understanding families: Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. Young Children, 61(1), 12-20. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/printviewfile?accountid=14872

Keat, J. B., Strickland, M. J., & Marinak, B. A. (2009). Child voice: How immigrant children enlightened their teachers with a camera. Early Childhood Education Journal,
37(1), 13–21. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6164/Week%202/Resources/Resources/embedded/KeatEtal2009.pdf