Survey #1 – Mind, Body and Spirit
This survey challenges my perception of what I believe to be the most important part of existence – the mind, body and the spirit. Further, it forces me to analyze my true understanding of what the meanings are and how I believe them to inter-relate to each other. The mind, body and spirit are one, but they function as separate entities. My religious belief is that the spirit supersedes body and mind because the spirit is eternal. While here on earth the spirit is dependent on the body and the mind to function. The reality is that the body, mind and spirit challenge each other in a way that is similar to Freud’s Id, Ego, and Super-ego and in the end find a resolution to co-exist.
Survey # 2-What I Learned From My Parents
Most of what I am today is a reflection of the things I learned from my parents. Many of my beliefs as an adult , remain consistent with my culture, religion and moral values which were ingrained in me by my parents and was a legacy from their parents. This survey forced me to reflect and realize that I am a product of my upbringing. The survey italicizes the diversity in cultures and how it affects the way one functions within one’s own culture as well as the pros and cons of assimilating into a different culture. I believe it is important to be tolerant when dealing with people of diverse backgrounds. As a teacher I believe it is important that each student be treated in a fair and equitable manner in the classroom regardless of race, color and sexual orientation.
Survey #3 How I was raised
This survey stresses the way one interacts with others based on cultural beliefs, morals and gestures. Whether one bows, raises an eyebrow, shakes a hand or hug and kiss, and is all relative of the culture one was raised in. I consider myself to be bi-cultural because my family of Jamaican descent, however I was raised in the United States. Many of my Caribbean views are in direct conflict with the American culture. On several occasions I have had to make choices that went against my upbringing when trying to assimilate with my peers. I find that in the presence of those within my culture I react as they expect but outside that realm of existence I may not act accordingly. Since I do consider myself bi-cultural I do my best to make my decisions and choices based on both cultural expectations.
Survey #4- Beliefs about Men
This survey reflected a perspective of men that I mostly disagreed with. I believe it portrayed men in a distasteful light for the most part. The views of men in this survey is not one that I was raised with and even with or without the experiences of men in my life I don’t generalize based on an individual’s behavior. These days in our society I find that a lot of stereotypes pertaining to men are now being reversed. This may be due to the economic changes and the absence of a traditional two-parent home. For instance, some men are now homemakers and have taken over the roles of what was once considered “a woman’s place in the home.” I find that a lot of men cannot live up to the standards that were set by their ancestors and as a result are emotionally unstable and are unable to effectively handle stress without being in an altered state of mind.
Survey # 5 Beliefs about Women
This survey was a very stereotypical perception of how a woman’s behavior is based on an emotional response rather than a logical one. If I was to agree with the statements in this survey it would leave me to believe that a woman could not be President of the United States. I t would also leave me to believe that women could not manage finances or corporations. Fortunately, today’s society has disproved these assumptions. Women are not only taking care of the home and the children, but they are also running Fortune 500 Corporations. I believe that women are the backbone of the family and share in every responsibility and in making decisions that affect the family.
Survey #6 Beliefs about Race
I must say this survey caught me off guard, widely due to the terminology used to describe certain races. After thinking about it, I understand that many of these views are still prominent in today’s society. I do not share in these derogatory and negative views of people’s races and cultures I strongly believe that people are taught racism and it is in no way, shape or form, innate. I also believe that these narrow-minded viewpoints are based on individuals that are not worldly and have not been exposed to any other environment other than their own. Instead of trying to understand and communicate with these individuals, they let their fears and ignorance affect their ability to see beyond a person’s physical attributes. We may never be able to demystify the reasons why there is a kaleidoscope of races but we should make every effort to live together in peace and harmony and to utilize the strengths of each culture.
Survey # 7 Beliefs about Sex and Gender
This survey challenged my core beliefs of being a Christian. This survey also challenges my moral code of conduct of just being a good and respectful human being. I would like to believe that I am not a judgmental person and that I am tolerant of other races, cultures and sexual preferences because we are all essentially the same in what we are striving for – happiness and fulfillment of life. If I had to make a prognosis of the cause of sexual orientation and gender confusion, I would say that it is an issue of the mind and not an innate trait – nature verse nurture. I do not believe in mutilating the body to fix the mind nor do I believe that true self identification or fulfillment of life is not obtainable being in a same sex relationship.
Survey # 8 Educational Philosophy
Education is the solution for change and a productive society. I strongly believe that teachers are the leading source of evolution and the building blocks of the minds of an intellectual and conscientious society. I think it is important that teachers are given the flexibility to conduct their classrooms in such a way that promotes each individual child’s creativity and ability to express their ideas and master important concepts. Learning should extend beyond the classroom with teachers becoming involved in community programs and projects. This is vital to understanding how students interpret information based on how they interact in their environment and how it can help to complement the development of a curriculum that is more relevant to the students’ needs and abilities. The student is more motivated to learn when the teacher shows an interest and is committed to the child’s learning that goes beyond the classroom.
Survey # 9 Political Typology
I believe that the way things are right now, our government has had to make decisions that I primarily do not feel a government should overtake such as, some parenting issues and school issues dealing with morality and values. However I do see the need and under5stand why it is being done. I generally feel that our government can do more to help, aid and assist fellow Americans that are in need and out of work. I see many people that fall through the crack that cannot qualify for government assistance but are in dire straits. I am a democrat and I feel that the republicans are really out of touch with the majority of Americans. I think they believe they are always right and like children on the play ground must always get their way. This past year, with their standpoints in congress do not change my views but sealed them even more.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Reflection # 16
Reflection 16: What do you understand intersexuality and transexuality to be. Has your study of these topics been useful to you? How?
Several years ago I met a gentleman that informed me that he was having a sex change operation. This conversation took place while standing in line to register for classes. I remember wandering why this very tall, broad shouldered individual was speaking with such a feminine voice. This person was clearly a man dressed up as a woman in his gray knee length dress. I have to say that I thought he looked quite odd. He proceeded to tell me that he was taking hormones for his voice. His mannerisms and gestures were that as a woman. He further stated to me that he was saving up for a sex assignment operation. In my mind I was shouting what in the world is this person saying to me but I simply replied, very calmly, oh really , as if I had this conversation on a daily basis. A ton of questions was doing a 50 yard dash through my head but I felt not only uncomfortable with his announcement but also embarrassed for him and thought the polite thing to do was to just listen and fiend mild interest. I thought to myself that this person was insane. And I talked about that experience with my friends and I am compelled to say not very favorably.
Today, I am a more mature and educated individual. I have watched several television programs that address the topic of intersexuality and transexuality. I have read articles such as the ones assigned for this reflection and understand even more the plight of people with these transgender problems. They have difficult lives to live mainly because of society and very difficult decisions to make regarding treatment such as sex assignment operations. Many transsexuals do not even live to see their thirtieth birthday because they commit suicide. This is very disconcerting to me
In closing – people who are intersexual or transsexual are viewed on a vast spectrum where they are worshipped, idolized and adored or they are thought of as a freak of nature and are shunned. These perspectives stem primarily from cultural beliefs and ignorance. These transgender problems are bona fide medical problems that must be addressed so that the individual can live a good and productive life which is what we all want. I believe that education is the key to open minds and conversation regarding intersexuality and transexuality. Sometimes we must take the time and effort to understand something before saying off colored comments or passing judgment. I believe understanding of these disorders, acceptance and fair treatment will be appreciated by them and should in fact be the norm within an advanced society such as the world we live in.
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Several years ago I met a gentleman that informed me that he was having a sex change operation. This conversation took place while standing in line to register for classes. I remember wandering why this very tall, broad shouldered individual was speaking with such a feminine voice. This person was clearly a man dressed up as a woman in his gray knee length dress. I have to say that I thought he looked quite odd. He proceeded to tell me that he was taking hormones for his voice. His mannerisms and gestures were that as a woman. He further stated to me that he was saving up for a sex assignment operation. In my mind I was shouting what in the world is this person saying to me but I simply replied, very calmly, oh really , as if I had this conversation on a daily basis. A ton of questions was doing a 50 yard dash through my head but I felt not only uncomfortable with his announcement but also embarrassed for him and thought the polite thing to do was to just listen and fiend mild interest. I thought to myself that this person was insane. And I talked about that experience with my friends and I am compelled to say not very favorably.
Today, I am a more mature and educated individual. I have watched several television programs that address the topic of intersexuality and transexuality. I have read articles such as the ones assigned for this reflection and understand even more the plight of people with these transgender problems. They have difficult lives to live mainly because of society and very difficult decisions to make regarding treatment such as sex assignment operations. Many transsexuals do not even live to see their thirtieth birthday because they commit suicide. This is very disconcerting to me
In closing – people who are intersexual or transsexual are viewed on a vast spectrum where they are worshipped, idolized and adored or they are thought of as a freak of nature and are shunned. These perspectives stem primarily from cultural beliefs and ignorance. These transgender problems are bona fide medical problems that must be addressed so that the individual can live a good and productive life which is what we all want. I believe that education is the key to open minds and conversation regarding intersexuality and transexuality. Sometimes we must take the time and effort to understand something before saying off colored comments or passing judgment. I believe understanding of these disorders, acceptance and fair treatment will be appreciated by them and should in fact be the norm within an advanced society such as the world we live in.
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Reflection #15
Reflection 15: What do you think to be the cause of homosexuality? Have your views on homosexuality been affected by the study of this topic?
I can remember when the topic of homosexuality for me became prevalent. I believe this discovery was around the mid eighties and I was getting ready to graduate from high school. I can recall the shock of seeing a young man at my school that was openly gay. There was of course a lot of chatter about this person and teasing as well. Soon thereafter, my awareness blossomed by great proportions. This really hit home for me when a very close childhood friend “came out” to me. I have to say, that I was extremely taken aback but it did not change the parameters of our friendship. We still hung out and had a good friendship thereafter. I thought she was courageous to tell me, her family and others – it could not have been easy. Like it was yesterday, I remember her pleading with me to still be her friend before she divulged her big secret. I supported her and was proud of the decision she made not to live in fear or to hide and live a lie.
Psychologists believe that coming out – a term used when an individual reveals publicly His sexual orientation for the same sex– can have a positive effect on family members and friends to dispense the fear, adjust and understand homosexuality better. When you know a person and can see that they are no different in the major scheme of things, then you can still enjoy the connection or relationship you have with them. This will also demystify the fear that they somehow will become magically homosexual if they communicate with someone that is gay or lesbian. People are less likely to be homophobic when they can relate personally with another person. People who claim to experience homophobia which is a fear of people that have the same sex orientation may not have had the exposure and is therefore ignorant. I do not believe this is a true phobia such as claustrophobia; rather it is a self imposed decision to remain ignorant. Some use the term homophobia when they really are displaying sexual prejudice. This term defines all negative attitudes or judgment of people’s sexual orientation. Some people even exhibit fierce hostility which can lead to physical injury or death.
A percentage survey in the United States revealed that two-thirds of the population believed that being a homosexual is not natural and is wrong. Another sixty percent felt that being a homosexual is sordid. The remaining one-fourth deemed homosexuality as being an acceptable and natural sexual orientation. Whatever your views are on homosexuality – whether it is wrong or right; genetics or environment; personal choice or innate – the fact is that it exist in our world. We must make the correct choice of treating each other with respect and tolerance even if we do not understand or approve of homosexuality. Where do I stand on this subject you asked? I do not believe that it is my responsibility to pass judgment but rather to give love to others. I can only harness my actions and I would never want to be the cause of someone feeling dejected and isolated. Everyone is looking for acceptance and love whether they admit to that fact or not, therefore, who am I to deny them of that.
I can remember when the topic of homosexuality for me became prevalent. I believe this discovery was around the mid eighties and I was getting ready to graduate from high school. I can recall the shock of seeing a young man at my school that was openly gay. There was of course a lot of chatter about this person and teasing as well. Soon thereafter, my awareness blossomed by great proportions. This really hit home for me when a very close childhood friend “came out” to me. I have to say, that I was extremely taken aback but it did not change the parameters of our friendship. We still hung out and had a good friendship thereafter. I thought she was courageous to tell me, her family and others – it could not have been easy. Like it was yesterday, I remember her pleading with me to still be her friend before she divulged her big secret. I supported her and was proud of the decision she made not to live in fear or to hide and live a lie.
Psychologists believe that coming out – a term used when an individual reveals publicly His sexual orientation for the same sex– can have a positive effect on family members and friends to dispense the fear, adjust and understand homosexuality better. When you know a person and can see that they are no different in the major scheme of things, then you can still enjoy the connection or relationship you have with them. This will also demystify the fear that they somehow will become magically homosexual if they communicate with someone that is gay or lesbian. People are less likely to be homophobic when they can relate personally with another person. People who claim to experience homophobia which is a fear of people that have the same sex orientation may not have had the exposure and is therefore ignorant. I do not believe this is a true phobia such as claustrophobia; rather it is a self imposed decision to remain ignorant. Some use the term homophobia when they really are displaying sexual prejudice. This term defines all negative attitudes or judgment of people’s sexual orientation. Some people even exhibit fierce hostility which can lead to physical injury or death.
A percentage survey in the United States revealed that two-thirds of the population believed that being a homosexual is not natural and is wrong. Another sixty percent felt that being a homosexual is sordid. The remaining one-fourth deemed homosexuality as being an acceptable and natural sexual orientation. Whatever your views are on homosexuality – whether it is wrong or right; genetics or environment; personal choice or innate – the fact is that it exist in our world. We must make the correct choice of treating each other with respect and tolerance even if we do not understand or approve of homosexuality. Where do I stand on this subject you asked? I do not believe that it is my responsibility to pass judgment but rather to give love to others. I can only harness my actions and I would never want to be the cause of someone feeling dejected and isolated. Everyone is looking for acceptance and love whether they admit to that fact or not, therefore, who am I to deny them of that.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Assignment 1 - Service Learning Experience/Observation
Service Learning Experience/observation assignment
Does the teacher do the following:
• Treat all students equitably? Most of the time.
• Recognize diversity with respect? Most times
• Recognize different learning styles? Yes
• Instruct all students? Yes
• Provide an open climate? Most times
• Use alternate and diverse materials? Yes
• Accommodate or make provisions for needs of students? Yes
• Model learning to encourage diverse students? Yes
Reflection on service learning experience/observation:
My servicing learning experience proofed to be beneficial in working in the Access Department of Miami Dade College. The Access Department provides assistance and services for students with various types of disabilities. Although I am a student of the access department, I gained further understanding and appreciation of interaction between the students and the staff that have different disabilities that are different from my own. In my observations, most of the staff worked their very best in assisting the students with their individual learning needs and restrictions. I found each staff member to be patient, respectful, knowledgeable, skillful, kind and caring. Whether the student was deaf, blind, wheelchair bound, speech impediment or any other type of disability, all were equitably taken care of professionally and with a sense of sensitivity to their personal situation.
Only in a few instances did I observe interaction between a student and staff as not being equitable. A decorum of patience and sensitivity is required when working with the culture of disabled persons. When they are trying to articulate their thoughts or trying to comprehend and process what is being instructed or explained, one must be patient and use listening skills. Impatience and rushing the person to finish is not an acceptable learning environment. I also encountered the experience of observing a superior attitude in dealing with students. A learning professional should never make a student feel uncomfortable to the point of being inferior simply because they do not comprehend what is being instructed. Perhaps the learning professional should have taken another route in explaining and not talk down to the student. In my opinion, this eliminates an open climate in the classroom. The student now feels inferior and is afraid to voice opinions and concerns because of fear of being ridiculed. An Intercultural atmosphere should be the goal of every learning professional and while most in my service learning experience exhibited equitable behavior toward the students a small few are in need of further specialized training.
Does the teacher do the following:
• Treat all students equitably? Most of the time.
• Recognize diversity with respect? Most times
• Recognize different learning styles? Yes
• Instruct all students? Yes
• Provide an open climate? Most times
• Use alternate and diverse materials? Yes
• Accommodate or make provisions for needs of students? Yes
• Model learning to encourage diverse students? Yes
Reflection on service learning experience/observation:
My servicing learning experience proofed to be beneficial in working in the Access Department of Miami Dade College. The Access Department provides assistance and services for students with various types of disabilities. Although I am a student of the access department, I gained further understanding and appreciation of interaction between the students and the staff that have different disabilities that are different from my own. In my observations, most of the staff worked their very best in assisting the students with their individual learning needs and restrictions. I found each staff member to be patient, respectful, knowledgeable, skillful, kind and caring. Whether the student was deaf, blind, wheelchair bound, speech impediment or any other type of disability, all were equitably taken care of professionally and with a sense of sensitivity to their personal situation.
Only in a few instances did I observe interaction between a student and staff as not being equitable. A decorum of patience and sensitivity is required when working with the culture of disabled persons. When they are trying to articulate their thoughts or trying to comprehend and process what is being instructed or explained, one must be patient and use listening skills. Impatience and rushing the person to finish is not an acceptable learning environment. I also encountered the experience of observing a superior attitude in dealing with students. A learning professional should never make a student feel uncomfortable to the point of being inferior simply because they do not comprehend what is being instructed. Perhaps the learning professional should have taken another route in explaining and not talk down to the student. In my opinion, this eliminates an open climate in the classroom. The student now feels inferior and is afraid to voice opinions and concerns because of fear of being ridiculed. An Intercultural atmosphere should be the goal of every learning professional and while most in my service learning experience exhibited equitable behavior toward the students a small few are in need of further specialized training.
Reflection 13
Reflection #13: Reflect on what you’ve learned about race and racism.
The only purpose of racism is to dehumanize and oppress other groups and cultures whose only hope is to be good citizens, serve their community or country and provide for their families. I am amazed at the fact that everyone came to this country- the new world - on the premise of religion and other unalienable rights they were being denied and now other cultures are coming for the same reasons and are being discriminated against. I suppose somewhere along the line, the temptation of being on top so to speak took over. Racism is under the broad umbrella of chauvinism and oppression as I view these terminologies to mean the same. Chauvinism as it pertains to racism has several characteristics. One is the superiority factor – the belief that their race is better or above all others. This was clearly identified with Hitler and Nazi Germany which led to the Holocaust. Many of the countries that practice Genocide are guilty of this as well. Another characteristic is the belief that other ethnic groups are strange. They think that they should be feared and avoided. In other words, they should not interact with them and they have no business occupying their land. These groups that deem themselves to be superior feel that they should be entitled to special privileges just because of who they are. They fuel their cause on the premise that foreign groups will try to take control and siege their power. Racist people also believe that if they do gain power it will be misused I find this statement to be very ironic as they fail to see that this is exactly what they are doing. Racism denies power and it also handicaps the receiving of resources. This happens in employment practices, banking/mortgage industry, healthcare, childcare, education and assisted services. Finally racism denies position in society for a member or the entire ethnic group on a whole. Many times people or groups of people that feel they are superior will turn to violent behavior. Some are very blatant and is called overt individual racial violence. These people that carry out such acts believe that the law is on their side and they do not have to deny or hide the crime. There were many of these instances in the south during the civil rights movement. I believe the main driving forces of racism are fear and ignorance. Our nation has taken measures to rectify racism and hold those accountable to the full extent of the law. Unfortunately, much work still needs to be done to cleanse our world from racism. One can only hope that with the evolution of man and paradigm shifts that racism will absolve itself.
The only purpose of racism is to dehumanize and oppress other groups and cultures whose only hope is to be good citizens, serve their community or country and provide for their families. I am amazed at the fact that everyone came to this country- the new world - on the premise of religion and other unalienable rights they were being denied and now other cultures are coming for the same reasons and are being discriminated against. I suppose somewhere along the line, the temptation of being on top so to speak took over. Racism is under the broad umbrella of chauvinism and oppression as I view these terminologies to mean the same. Chauvinism as it pertains to racism has several characteristics. One is the superiority factor – the belief that their race is better or above all others. This was clearly identified with Hitler and Nazi Germany which led to the Holocaust. Many of the countries that practice Genocide are guilty of this as well. Another characteristic is the belief that other ethnic groups are strange. They think that they should be feared and avoided. In other words, they should not interact with them and they have no business occupying their land. These groups that deem themselves to be superior feel that they should be entitled to special privileges just because of who they are. They fuel their cause on the premise that foreign groups will try to take control and siege their power. Racist people also believe that if they do gain power it will be misused I find this statement to be very ironic as they fail to see that this is exactly what they are doing. Racism denies power and it also handicaps the receiving of resources. This happens in employment practices, banking/mortgage industry, healthcare, childcare, education and assisted services. Finally racism denies position in society for a member or the entire ethnic group on a whole. Many times people or groups of people that feel they are superior will turn to violent behavior. Some are very blatant and is called overt individual racial violence. These people that carry out such acts believe that the law is on their side and they do not have to deny or hide the crime. There were many of these instances in the south during the civil rights movement. I believe the main driving forces of racism are fear and ignorance. Our nation has taken measures to rectify racism and hold those accountable to the full extent of the law. Unfortunately, much work still needs to be done to cleanse our world from racism. One can only hope that with the evolution of man and paradigm shifts that racism will absolve itself.
Reflection 12
Reflection Paper #12: Compare the patterns of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur. What insights have you gained from reading about these atrocities?
Ethnic cleansing is the removal of an unwanted ethnic group either by a mass exodus to another region or country or by genocide. Genocide is a deliberate and organized plan put in place by the ruling government to extinguish another ethnic group or culture. Although genocide is considered to be a very serious crime against humanity by the United Nation and the world in general, it still seems to occur. I find it perplexing that ethnic cleansing is not considered a crime when acts of genocide are under its umbrella. I suppose that if they were to consider ethnic cleansing a crime, a lot more countries, including the United States would find themselves guilty. Most people are familiar with the Holocaust which was a classic case of ethnic cleansing; however, this practice has and is taking place in other countries such as Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Dafur. The governments of these countries decide for whatever hateful reason they can come up with to exile or annihilate a group of people and occupy their land. This makes me think of the Native American Indians in a sense. I can truthfully say I have never seen one although I know they are still around – not even in the casinos – but I digress.
The patterns and or tactics used to disemble the unwanted ethnic groups are pretty much the same. The efforts by the government are very organized and calculating in there make up. In order to gain control of that region, the government will surround them and most times will give them the option to leave voluntarily. Then, to gain further control, they will kill all political and public figureheads of that group. As in the case of Yugoslavia, the men, women and children were all separated. Then the women, children and old men were driven to neighboring countries while the young and strong men from the age of sixteen were murdered and quickly buried in an effort to revert attention. The tactics used for intimidation and control are murder, rape, torture, destruction of public, personal or cultural property and artifacts, theft/robbery, elimination of food source or supply and displacement by force. Certain human rights watch groups, and the United Nation are keeping a close watch on these atrocities but I feel more action is required. I believe that the humanitarian international laws must swiftly be exacted on these ruthless governments.
Ethnic cleansing is the removal of an unwanted ethnic group either by a mass exodus to another region or country or by genocide. Genocide is a deliberate and organized plan put in place by the ruling government to extinguish another ethnic group or culture. Although genocide is considered to be a very serious crime against humanity by the United Nation and the world in general, it still seems to occur. I find it perplexing that ethnic cleansing is not considered a crime when acts of genocide are under its umbrella. I suppose that if they were to consider ethnic cleansing a crime, a lot more countries, including the United States would find themselves guilty. Most people are familiar with the Holocaust which was a classic case of ethnic cleansing; however, this practice has and is taking place in other countries such as Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Dafur. The governments of these countries decide for whatever hateful reason they can come up with to exile or annihilate a group of people and occupy their land. This makes me think of the Native American Indians in a sense. I can truthfully say I have never seen one although I know they are still around – not even in the casinos – but I digress.
The patterns and or tactics used to disemble the unwanted ethnic groups are pretty much the same. The efforts by the government are very organized and calculating in there make up. In order to gain control of that region, the government will surround them and most times will give them the option to leave voluntarily. Then, to gain further control, they will kill all political and public figureheads of that group. As in the case of Yugoslavia, the men, women and children were all separated. Then the women, children and old men were driven to neighboring countries while the young and strong men from the age of sixteen were murdered and quickly buried in an effort to revert attention. The tactics used for intimidation and control are murder, rape, torture, destruction of public, personal or cultural property and artifacts, theft/robbery, elimination of food source or supply and displacement by force. Certain human rights watch groups, and the United Nation are keeping a close watch on these atrocities but I feel more action is required. I believe that the humanitarian international laws must swiftly be exacted on these ruthless governments.
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