Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Start seeing Diversity Video” Blog: Gender, Gender identity, and Sexual Orientation

Some of the ways you notice that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children includes books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools. I believe the child’s environment dictates more of the homophobia that what the world does. When children go into the stores the toys are arranged in a certain order. The boys toys are altogether and the girls are separate. We as parents sometimes do not think outside the box and think this is just for the girls and this is only for the boys.  The video “Start Seeing Diversity Video” Blog: Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation. I thought about how little boys and girls can view various toys. Children honor what they see and are taught. I think a child can play with any toy and not necessarily be label as taking on another sexual characteristic.  Early childhood centers should have a wide range of toys for all genders. Children should be able to relate to all toys if that is their chose.

 

How would you respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and /or interacting with their child. I would let the parent know that the center or facility is an equal opportunity employer and that would be considered discrimination. I would explain they could take it to the next chain of command if they were not pleased with the information given by me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Multimedia: "Learning from Another's Life Story"  Tina

 

Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Gender"

 

Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation"

 

 

 

 

Professional Hopes and Goal

I hope that I will be able to influence and motivate all the staff, children and families that I will be working with in my professional quest of early childhood. I hope that I will be able to touch all diverse cultures and add a better quality of life to each and every family.

My one goal is to be successful in being able to understand and relate to all diverse cultures. I want to be able to respect and always be available to lend a listening ear for needed services to all that I may come involved with.

A very special thanks to all my peers that have been so helpful in getting needed feedback to assist me in my journey in this course!!!

Welcoming Families From Around The World

The name of my family's country of origin is South Africa.

I will prepare myself culturally by:

1. learning more about how my family operate, feel, and the way in which they live.
2. Let them realize they are individuals and human beings.
3. Communicate with cultural sensitivity.
4. Be aware of the specific needs and try to respond appropriately.
5. Allow them to plan and relate to their culture and background as as well as my own.

           I believe that all of the diversity, I have learned in this course has made me understand the importance of relating to other cultures. I will  be able to utilize the knowledge and understanding to assist my family with enrichment of my country and culture. They will also be able to enrich my knowledge of their country and culture.

The personal side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression.

 

I can remember an incident when a friend of mine was looking for housing. The individual that had the rental property stated to my friend that the house was available for rent. This was all communicated through a telephone conversation. My friend went to see the rental property and after seeing my friend was African American, she was told the property was no longer for rent. My friend later telephoned back and spoke by phone again and was told the property was available for rent. The landlord was unaware that this was the same individual that had gone to see the house. 

 This made us very aware that this property was not available to be rented to an African American. This was not an example of how equality should be.

  This is an incident to let society know that racism is still alive some of society has not adjusted to the diverse changes that should have occurred centuries ago.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

I was in an out of town store and wanted to look at some jewerly. I went to one of the sales people to let them know. They stated someone would be with me right away. The sales person came and asked no question. He saw another race at the counter and ask if she needede help? He later came to assist me after helping the other person.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three definitions of culture I received:

Culture is like a system of knowledge by various people

Culture is the way we communicate

Culture is the learned behavior of a tradition that comes from generation to generation.


Three definitions of diversity I received are:

Diversity sets individuals apart from one another.

Diversity is people with different backgrounds and various opinions that may include their political and religious beliefs and their life experiences.

Diversity can be having a wide range of interest, experience and backgrounds.

       All of the answers I received were studied in this course. Most all of the definitions on culture and diversity were stated to come from one's environment. The answers were that various beliefs were handed down from generations to generations. One example would be the religious beliefs that vary from one individual to the next. I really see no omissions that we have studied. Culture and diversity cannot be streamlined to a specific definition. People may have various ways to define the definition, but it all comes back to be a individual view of who or what they believe.

        These various views have made me more aware of how our culture and diversity in these United States can be different. Our next door neighbor can have a completely different standard of living. Their view and culture if not understood can cause conflicts. We must learn to respect others views and living standards for society peace.

2 blog post I responded to: http://elisavasquez10.blogspot.com
http://audrey-earlychildhood.blogspot.com