Self Reflection

REFLECTION PAPER #1 1

Reflection Paper

Psychology, Cultural Diversity and Social Justice

Saiear Gray

University at Albany

Who am I ? Every time I get asked this question I seem to get stuck. Not because I don’t know who I am but, because I am still trying to figure out who I am. For now I am Saiear Da’ja Gray, I am 19 years young, a sophomore at the University at Albany who will be a future anesthesiologist.

I am trying to learn who I am my values, interest , life missions and goals, strengths and abilities. My interest which includes my passions, hobbies or anything that draws my attention such as, cosmetology. Cosmetology interests me because I am very feminine or in other words very “girly”. Cosmetology includes hair, makeup, nails etc… everything you think of when you think of beauty in a female aspect. Reflecting deep down I feel as if cosmetology can be used for a better cause such helping burn victims or people who don’t think they are naturally beautiful. One burn victim in particular inspired me to want to help burn victims get their self-esteem up or back and that was Shalom Blac. Not saying the Natural beauty isn’t beautiful because, I love myself naturally. In todays world sadly beauty has standards and some people struggle with their perception of themselves, which goes back to the burn victims and their scars. Some of these victims were burned in fires and eve by acid and some of these people are usually insecure about them.I feel that I can use cosmetology towards a better cause which can really help others to become more comfortable in their own skin for at least a day.

I believe I am quite privileged, I’ve had a few struggles but overall my life has been far easier than most. This isn’t a bad thing or something I am ashamed of but I am definitely aware of my advantages and I work to help others who don’t have them. I am privileged in many different ways. Never having to hide my sexuality having to worry, or having to worry about being accepted for my sexuality or being called any derogatory slur for homosexuals. Even though it is sad and we should accept everyone no matter who they choose to love it just the sad truth of the world we live in today. Im thankful because I have never have been threatened because of my sexuality. Another way I am privileged is being able to have my parent pay my bills and never having to worry about making rent. Even the little things like being able to attend summer camp as a kid, attending a private school and of course being able to attend college. Listing all of these examples I realize that I am extremely privileged and I appreciate it because they're are people who wish they could’ve done half of things that I have listed.

“The state of being subject to unjust treatment or control.” This is one definition of depression, Oppression is a type of injustice. Am I oppressed? Well, I am apart of two minority social groups that society views a “lesser” in a sense. Personally, being an African American woman, in my 19 years of living I haven’t really or can’t remember I time where I felt wasn’t getting an equal opportunity. Just because I haven’t felt it doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened to others in my social group. African Americans are denied opportunities and equality under law just because of their race. It started with our ancestors and unfortunately continued on into todays society. African American at as criminals and uneducated, when are we gonna learn that the color of our skin doesn’t define who are. This creates nothing but hatred between racial groups. The civil rights movement was 1954-1968 when we fought to receive equality. Yes, oppression of minority groups have decreased since then we were successful in reducing the amount of oppression but, failed in creating universal equality. Gender is also a hugely debated oppression topic because males are seen as better or to play a more dominant role. Women have been held back from receiving full equality since forever. On average women make 30 percent less than a man, and women of color make even less for the same job ! This a little taste of systematic oppression against oppression against women. Women are stereotyped in the media as sexual objects. The way women are portrayed in todays media and world is actually disgusting and, it is very degrading to just be looked at for you body as if that is all you have to offer. What about our mind, brain interest and ideas. We are encouraged to fit into stereotypes but discouraged when we try to take on independent roles. Feminist today still fight for equality to this day hopefully we will receive it one day.

The United States is the most cultural diverse country there is. We have people from all over the world in America cultural diversity is great because it helps us to interact, respect and understand others and their cultures. Cultural Diversity in the United States should mean listening and welcoming people and their ideas and beliefs even if they are different from your own. Instead in the United States (I’m not saying everyone) we still choose to judge others if they don’t look like us, believe in the same values , or even sound like us. We are the most culturally diverse country but still we don’t know how to accept other cultures. The United States still leaves individuals feeling as if they don’t belong here or are not wanted. The U.S. has labeled Hispanics as Rapist and even Muslims are labeled as terrorist and that is not the case but, this is America. What some people don’t realize is that people who come from different countries don’t usually come to attack us, they come here because they want the “American dream” we are all trying to achieve.