Assignment: Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
Running head: REFLECTION JOURNAL:WHO AM I?
Running head: WHO AM I?
Week 7: Reflective Journal: Who Am I? The Journal Continues
Alexis Lowe
Walden University
Professor Wendy McCarty
EDUC 6164: Perspectives on Diversity & Equity
August 12, 2020
Throughout the previous weeks, I have undergone various changes which have reflected my professional and personal growth. This is revealed through week two,where I was able to accept the perspective of diversity and equity in the community. My experience as a black American female or even a feminist was not that pleasing, but through my entries I have changed my perceptions towards some issues. As mentioned earlier, the changes are of importance to my career and personal development as well.
I can safely and truly say that I am very much different from the last seven weeks in various ways. I have realized that the government should ensure that people are employed irrespective of their gender, sex and race. This is a way of promoting equality in the community and appreciating all people in the society. This has changed my perception towards diversity and equality hence changing my thoughts compared to the thoughts I had before the entries as I strongly believed as according to Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) acceptance of diversity is very essential in every profession.
When starting the reflection, I considered myself as a black American who has no power and authority over other people. This was diminishing my profession and personal growth. After changing the entries on a weekly basis now I can consider myself as a different personnel. I have realized that diversity is all about having different people within a certain region or workforce belonging to different cultures (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). All these people require respect as they have different behavior and aspirations. Other people need to acknowledge my diversity to avoid tension and conflict. Thus, the reflection on how I relate to diversity today.
Furthermore, taking this course has helped me to understand how wonderful diversity is in helping me to enlighten and enrich other people’s culture and background. Taking this course on diversity perspectives and equity have helped me to see my own personal prejudices, microaggressions and discrimination towards others cultural groups. Considering my increased understanding of diversity, the way in which I would want to modify my professional goals I articulated in the reflection assignment of week one is to refrain myself from any prejudice and discrimination as it does no good for anyone; except destroy cohesion in co-existence of people (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). The second way to modify my professional goals is to practice self examination of my personal biases and assumptions. After learning about microaggressions and stereotypes, I must strive to learn how to communicate with others. Being more conscious of what and how I say things to others’ helps me to refrain from generalizing and making assumptions about others different from me without first getting to know them.
Conclusion
Upon reflecting back on when I first started this course, I must admit my idea of diversity has definitely broadened. Paying close attention to the cultural experience of other individuals, especially our students is extremely important. It is important for those we encounter to feel comfortable around us. As educators we want our students to feel culturally accepted and not be afraid to share their culture with others. This course has made me realize that everyone has their own personal biases, prejudices and discriminations. However, after doing a self-assessment my views on certain aspects of our diverse world has changed. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly, equally and with respect despite my attitudes on race, ethnicity, gender, social class, religion, sexual orientation, racism, sexism, or ageism.
References
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).
Hunt, V., Prince, S., Dixon-Fyle, S., & Yee, L. (2018). Delivering through diversity. McKinsey & Company Report. Retrieved April, 3, 2018.