I have experienced racism in both
my professional and personally life.
When racism occurs in my personal life, it definitely can bleed over
into my professional life. In a recent
discussion I talked about how difficult it can be for me to form relationships
with families who may demonstrate a bias or make insensitive comments. One reason I feel this is difficult is I
automatically bring in the feelings I have when I have been discriminated
against.
These experiences have had a great
impact on the children in my centers. When
I feel hurt or discriminated against, I tend to withdraw and become very
quiet. It makes be doubt myself and the
work I do for others. I’m sure children
can pick up on my insecurities and I am afraid it might also cause me to be
slow to react should I see something in a classroom that is inappropriate. This is an aware of concern for me and
something I know I need to work on.
It is hard to keep an open mind at times when a situation affects you personally. However, at least you are able to be aware of your bias and are more conscious of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Dalhia. I know how unsettling it can be when you feel like you have been personally attacked. It's almost harder to know that you must be a professional and not let it affect your work and most importantly, the children. Your honesty with regards to this is much appreciated. No worries, I believe that it is something that we all struggle with. At least, I know that I do.
ReplyDeleteIt is really hard to try to do a good job when you have so much on your mind. I admire the fact that you know what you need to work on to try to make the situation better and that you are willing to do what it takes to work hard to overcome your problems and do the best you can for your students.
ReplyDeleteI have taught all my children a corner stone philosophy on racism that you used to describe the people that do it. "Insensitive" is exactly what people are that use language or thought processes that demean another. The media is insensitive even in this nation of social correctness due to lack of sensitive notions. We have to start telling kids its OK to be sensitive, this idea of a kid being too sensitive is bunk.
ReplyDeleteDahlia,
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you are aware of this concern you have and are working towards this bias, I believe that is the first step in fixing things. It is a horrible feeling to be discriminated against and looked at differently and I can very much relate. I am a homosexual and my lifestyle is not accepted by a whole lot of people. The looks, stares, comments, and stereotypes that accompany me at times is horrible and like you said you become very withdrawn and quiet. It's hard to overcome feelings like this but I know the journey you take in becoming confident in yourself and the work you do will be a successful one. Thank you for sharing your story1