Diversity: Finding My Own Identity

One of the first steps in becomming a teacher is examing your self and your own values. This is also true for being able to promote mulicultural learning in your classroom. Nieto (2008) states that their [teacher's] practices may reflect their experiences (p. 4). We grow up in different environments and some may be more or less obvioulsy diverse than others. I think that a lot of the time when people think of multicultural, skin color or language are the first things that pop into their heads. When in fact, there are several kinds of differences. These include gender, religion, abilities, class, etc. Our world is a diverse place and our students have every right to learn all that they can about it. I like to think of diversity in a sense that we all have different life experiences. No person is the same as another or has had the same experiences even though it may seem like it on the outside.

So, to begin, I am going to reflect on my identity. Who am I? This is not a simple question because it involves so much. If I am talking about race, culture, class, language, and gender, it is simple. I am White, Italian and English, middle class, speak English, and female. But what does this say about me? Some people are very involved in their culture, others are not. To me, I believe who I am is more about what I have experienced and the environments I grew up in and the people I have come in contact with. I know that I am comfortable with who I am. I do not think that I am better than anyone else. I have not really wished to be part of another group, but I have wondered if and how my life might be different if I were. I have curiosities about other people's lifestyles. I also wonder how other people view me and the so called "group" or "groups" I am a part of. I don't really think these groups define people. I feel I was lucky to have grown up and be schooled in a diverse population of people. These people have helped shape who I am. We learn from each other and it is always good to see things from a different point of view.

When do I notice culture? This is another good question. Obvious differences in culture tend to come from the outside, like language or color. Another is traditions or celebrations. When I find something that is different from what I am use to, I tend to become more interested in it. Now that I am on my way to being a teacher, I think about culture more. I know there is a deeper meaning to culture and it is just a matter of bringing that out. What are some ways that you notice culture?

References:
Nieto, Sonia & Bode, Patty. (2008). Affirming diversity. Boston, Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon.