Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I talked with about three different types of people: a Caucasian lady in her 40s, an African American Man in his 30s, and an African American lady in her 30s; because I wanted to get different point of views.

In the discussion of culture, I received answers like it’s a person’s background, ethnicity, sex preference, values and how a person was raised. I informed them that those answers are correct, but culture goes further than we have imagined or thought we knew. As we discussed diversity; they mentioned ages, races, sexual preference, religion beliefs, abortion, and many other common things that we would consider a diverse issue. One of them said diversity is just that, diversity because it means different.

As we were discussing it, we mentioned similar things in relation to both culture and diversity. It was an interesting conversation.  I learned different views from them concerning culture and they learned new things from me. I told them that our dialect and even the type of television we watch is considered culture all of them were surprised, but as we discussed it.  They could see how they could be considered culture. I have learned that the topics are so broad and this class has taught me so much more already.

My Family Culture

If I had to take three items they would be (1) Bible, (2) Family Pictures, and (3) Computer.  I would take my Bible, because it contains the stories that I grew up on and it contains the lessons I try to apply to my daily life.  I would take a family picture, because I would like to cherish the memories of my family and be able to look at their faces.  I would take a computer, because I should be able to access the World Wide Web (WWW).  The internet would keep me in tuned with the most current events.

            If I could only keep one item, it would be my Bible.  Even though I also chose a family portrait and a computer; in my eyes the Bible would outweigh the both of them.  This is due to the fact that the Bible is the connection to God, and God is the head link to everything.  He will help you get through anything else that you are lacking in life.

            I have always known that family is important, but I am now learning that importance of family culture and how things are done by different individuals.

My Supports

    I am surrounded by plenty of support systems, which include: my family, close friends, and my job. My family supports me by being there emotionally, socially, and many times financially.  I have three boys who are very active and I really have to take a "me" break at times.  My family helps me out with my children. 
     I have a few friends who are like "heaven sent", they are shoulders to cry on or someone to just hang out with.  These friends are really near and dear to my heart.  I am blessed to have them.
     My job is another one of my supports. It is also a very important part of my life, because I have to provide the financial means for my children and our lifestyle.  All of the above mentioned supports are a critical part of my life.

My Connections to Play

“It’s better to play than do nothing.” Confucious

“Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.” Miles Davis

I was the only child home when I was growing up, because my siblings were much older than me, so I had to play with other children in the neighborhood. My parent’s didn’t stress outside play too much, because they did not want me outside alone if I did not have any company.

            As I child, it was more outside play than today, because it was before the age of video games. I have a 10 year old that complains about it being too hot to play outside in the summer and too cold to play outside in the winter, because he wants to stay inside to play his video game. I monitor his video gaming, because of his homework and getting outside playing for the interaction with other children. Social skills are very important and should be concentrated on just as much as academic skills.

            As we grown into an adult, we do need to mature but we should also have some downtime and relax. The issues of an adult’s life on a regular are very stressful at times. We have to step away at times, because stress will work on our physical and mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relationship Reflection

Relationships and partnerships are important, because they are the foundations to establish other things.  You must have a relationship or partnership to work with or communicate with other people.  People feel more comfortable when they have developed repoire with another individual whenever business is involved. I have several positive relationships and partnerships with many people including: my family, co-workers, classmates, and business people.

 In order for relationships and partnerships to remain and positive, all parties involved must trust each other.  Trust is a very important factor in relationships/partnership.  I have learned that you have to handle each relationship/partnership differently.  You can’t talk and or trust all people with some information.  Friendships are something that have to be invested in to determine the worth of them.

Researching

I have learned that accurate research requires time and a variety of sources to gain some beneficial information.  I have gained my best research from interviews and talking with people in the profession.  The information seems to be more realistic and you can relate to it more.  When I did a schedule of when I would observe the children, talk with the adults, and read my research documents; I was able to get things in an order and organize my project.  I had initially just started researching websites and journals without any order and I became very frustrated.  So I took a more organized approach and received better results.

When I observed and interviewed in the classrooms some of the teachers and students did not accept it well.  I explained to the teachers that I was doing research for an assignment and I would try not to bother them for long. As I was completed the interview, I thanked them for their time and help.  I have become even more interested in the early childhood field, because I have read about a lot of things that I did not know about in the advancement of the Early Childhood field

Early Childhood Australia

 I chose to review the Early Childhood Australia website.  The research topics on this website include:  “Push for reform as parents pay more for early childhood education and care”, “Extension for preschool funding welcomed”, and “Professional development fund a board to early childhood sector”.  In 2013, the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) celebrated 75 years of continued services to Australian children.  It is a non-profit, non-government organization.

            They have three branches that are integral parts of the organization; they help identify issues and priorities for state and national action and influence position statement concerning young children.  The branches are a great source of professional support for Early Childhood Australian members with great networking opportunites.