Microagression

I can recall during various moments in school (including college), times when I would overhear some people say that you better get an Asian friend if you want to do good in any of your challenging classes or get a good grade period. This classic case of racial microagression falsely recognizes that all Asian students naturally excel in all academics regardless of the subject matter and who they are as individuals. I have never identified with this stereotype. Like many other harmful misconceptions, this is totally untrue and lessens the credit deserved for the strong work ethic and dedication that many people of Asian descendent possess when it comes to wanting to make a better life for future generations.

I also remember the shock of some students when they found out there were no magic tricks that Asian students had to just getting the answers right (Big Surprise, Right!!!). It actually took a lot of self discipline and devotion to studying to earn some of the top ranking scores in the class. In retrospect, whenever there were students of Asian descendent that didn’t have the highest of grades, comments (including those from teachers) would then be made referencing them being different from others in their race (so inappropriate) and I'm sure also damaging. 

Taking the time to reflect on the importance of knowing what microagression is and moments of it that I have witnessed in the past, has caused me to be even more mindful of my selected words during my conversations. Even when harmful assumptions are made unintentionally, the ramifications can still have the same affects as if they were done with malice intent. I am thankful for my insight. 

 

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Different Perspectives

What is your definition of culture and diversity (in your words)?

Response One: Culture is the style which you were reared as a child, your upbringing. Diversity is the differences amongst all people and their cultures.

Response Two: Culture is food, is religion, your clothes, it’s a part of you passed down from generation to generation. Diversity is a variety of differences, people, races, and nationalities all together.

Response Three: Culture is the core fiber to the fabric that makes us into who we are. It’s everything all around us all the time. Diversity shows us the unique ways we are different from one another. Language, style of dress, choice of worship, and who we love (opposite or same sex) are all part of how diverse our worlds can be.

All the responses above reflect areas consistent with what I’ve learned both culture and diversity to be. Of course, not every part of my friends and family members’ definitions contain the many textbook versions of what culture and diversity are, however, collectively they covered many of the facets and mentions of religion, parenting, clothing attire, cuisine, language, and even love. Since I only asked them for their definitions of culture and diversity, there was no lead way to add how dominant culture typically makes the rules of what is deemed appropriate and allowable in society. Actually seeing the facial expressions and hearing their responses reinforced for me how we (people) may approach things from different angles, however, still accomplishing the exact some goal.  

Maintaining Family Culture

Having to decide on only 3 small cherished personal items to represent (as much as possible) a person's entire culture is extremely difficult to fathom. Until face with such a problem, you can't even began to image the heartache that must be involved. As I have thought long and hard on this particular question, I have concluded that the following items would be in my possession;

• A Reference of Our Spiritual Faith and Beliefs
• A Family Photo Album (the oldest and most completed)
• A Family Narrative of the Journeys of Our Previous Generations

Spiritual faith is a major pillar in our family and has been a primary source of maintaining a strong foundation for as long as I can remember. As time passes, it would be delightful to have moments when the family can come together where the youth learn from the experiences of the elders.

A nostalgic family photo album allowing us the opportunity to put faces with names is priceless when recollecting the various encounters and hardships that previous families members have overcome to afford the next generation their chances for advancement and a better future.

The family running narrative is for a similar purpose like the photo album heirloom, to review in its entirety, the details of what brought our culture to the point where is is now. On various Christmas Eves, a review of our family journey and accomplishments were read aloud to remind everyone of their greater purpose due to the sacrifices of those before us.

All the items selected are of precious priceless value to me. If forced to give 2 out of the 3 up, I honestly would try to keep the family photo album. Special care would have to be given to ensure that the practices of our faith and reminiscing of triumphs over trials that are included in the family narrative, would continue. The family photo album gives a more tangible account of the people being spoken of. If I hadn't been challenged with this particular task, I probably wouldn't taken the time to consider something like this. However, in retrospect, there are people who experience these hard decisions on a daily bases because of where they live and other obstacles beyond their control. These are the times I truly recognize being so incredibility blessed.