- What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.
When I think of an incident that strikes me as someone experiencing bias, I think of when my family moved from Alaska to Virginia. My children went to a school that was predominantly African-American and with this came strong culture shock. My children range in complexion and my middle child is more pale than her siblings and she would be bullied about her skin in comparison to her other siblings. This definitely angered me and it led to me having to let my daughter know of differences that were explained through different cultures.
- In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
I think that when my daughter realized she was always going to be different, it helped her to understand that she was being bullied for being different and that became alright to her. After explaining the important features of her differences, it wasn't as bad as the initial thought.
- What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
I felt strongly concerned for my daughter. I was angry, I was frustrated, definitely worried, among other things. There were so many emotions going through this experience, but it definitely opened my eyes to a different culturally infused area.
Catherine, I think you did the right thing in regards to helping your daughter through this in school. I think that the more comfortable we are with ourselves, the less biases there will be in society because it starts with the individuals. I could only imagine as a parent how you felt about this but I think we also have to teach our children to survive in a world like this by knowing their self worth.
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