Our own or
personal experiences with isms affects us and the people around us.
Derman-Sparks and Edwards (2010) describe isms as institutional advantages and
disadvantages people experience because they belong to certain groups. Isms can
have an impact on anyone. I believe that certain children and their families
may be treated a certain way if an educator may be dealing with or experiencing
specific isms in their life. For example, if a low to middle class teacher
works in a school district in which the majority of the children and their
families are high class, that teacher might feel a certain way towards the
families due to what he/she might be experiencing in their personal life. Another
example would be a teacher who might be dealing with racism in his/her personal
life. That teacher might treat children and their families (who are the same
race as the person who might have been treating him/her a certain way due to
his/her race) in a different way. One thing we, as educators, must keep in mind
is that we cannot let our personal lives interfere with our professional lives.
Even if the ism comes from the school environment or the children and families
themselves, we still must remain neutral and professional.
My
own personal experience with this was when I experienced classism due to the
fact that I did not drive an expensive, luxury car and did not carry and wear
expensive, name-brand clothes and handbags. I felt some type of way because I was
always overlooked by other teachers, parents, and even students. There were
teachers who wore and carried the name-brand bags and clothes and drove luxury
cars. Those teachers seemed to socialize together and was always complimented
on what they had and how they looked. I felt down because I did not have these
things, but I kept in my mind that I was there for the students and not for a
fashion show. I continued to be professional and treated all children and their
families the same. (even though I was not treated equally).
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J.
(2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves.
Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. It was probably difficult having to feel like an outsider looking in, while everyone else around you owned what you couldn't have. I assume that having this experience has helped you to better understand and empathize with children who may also be experiencing classism. We can use our own experiences as strengths for our children. Great post!
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you had to experience something like that on a job. I went through something similar but my coworkers still included me in everything. I do not think they wanted too though, I think they just did not want to make anyone feel left out. I am glad that you remained professional through the experience. As professionals, it is important to make wise decisions and take the positive approach above anything.
Latasha
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you had to encounter people like that. This world is filled with classism. Be aware what ever goes up will come down. Even though ism causes barriers between people many times the people that are afflicted become stronger. They also learn what not to do to another. Thanks for sharing.