I can distinctly remember when I was ten years old
and my family moved to Hawaii. It was definitely a different environment than
what I was used to. I had spent my ten year prior in Germany where there are
also a variety of cultures, however that acceptance of diversity is far
greater. On my first day of school, I was ridiculed by my peers who were
considered “locals”. The local kids had many names for my kind and I became
known as “whitey”. While I knew what prejudice was, I had never experienced
firsthand, and I certainly was never a victim of if before. I can remember
feeling so miserable and pretending to be sick so I could stay home from
school. I did not have any friends and I was criticized daily because of the
color of my skin. Luckily my parents only wanted to stay a year and we moved
back to Germany. Although at the time it seemed like an awful experience, I am
grateful that I went through it. I see prejudice in such a different light and
I have become more appreciative of cultural and ethnic diversity. While my
experience was not as awful as what others have gone through, I can understand
the importance of equity.
Amanda:
ReplyDeleteBeing the victim of prejudice is very hard. Thank you for sharing your experience. I too was victimized by prejudice as a child. I can remember that my siblings and I wanted to play with other children of different ethnicities in the neighborhood. On one particular day, I unsuccessfully tried to enter their play group as some of the children used racial slurs to convey their feelings regarding my presence within their playgroup. Their statements severely dehumanized me. My self-esteem was affected for days because I could not understand how children could be so cruel. I have learned in the course that racism in a learned behavior that is learned early in life. As an educator, I am committed to diminishing the effects of racism in my classroom and beyond. Once again thanks for sharing your colorful insights.
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience when I moved as a child also. It was not due to mu race, but due to my ethnic background. I did not have an Italian last name or look Italian last name so I was ostracized for a very long time.
Hey Amanda!
ReplyDeleteThis week I thought the blog assignment was very interesting, it took me back to my days at a family support coordinator, where I worked with a variety of families including refugees. So this was a bit of a flash back for me. I really enjoyed reading your post, it is hard to believe that we are in week seven of this course we have come a long ways form the first week.
Alice Jones
Wow! Amanda...that was powerful! What a way to learn such a powerful message? I am sorry you had to experienced such in your childhood. However, as you stated, I am sure it has guided your thoughts in regards to people, human right issues and being sensitive to culture. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete