Self-Assessment Diversity Attitude Survey

After taking the first survey, Core Beliefs about Mind, Body, Spirit, and Reality, I realized my spiritual foundations are not as strong as I would have hoped. By spiritual I do not mean religious, but instead dealing with the human spirit, how I perceive the world around me. In short the reality that I have created for myself through my perceptions. There were several questions in the essay dealing with this topic. I held firm beliefs for some, weak beliefs for others, and even contradictory beliefs for a few that I felt I was more than just uncertain about, but couldn’t place myself easily in agreement or disagreement. I also played it safe, and did not strongly agree or disagree to too many questions. Only a few questions stirred in me these strong convictions. The first question stirring any real emotions being “Human nature is the same for all human beings. Human nature is constant; it does not change.” Human nature is constant. I equate human nature to instinctual survival. There are certain things that have kept this species alive. These things are engrained into our very being and we have been carrying it around with us since the beginning of civilization. If left to our own devices in an uncertain territory, our true nature will resurface. Switching on a more primal perception, and letting fall away the civilized veil we have been reprogrammed to wear. On the second survey, Core Beliefs: What I Learned from My Parents, my parents parenting skills came into question. Not attack mind you, just question. I realized that some of my well formed beliefs didn’t come from my parents. At least, I don’t remember it coming from them. However, the belief itself feels as if it has always been with me, from the day I took my first cognitive step forward. One such question was “I learned from my parents or those who raised me that it was important to make a genuine effort to understand other people.” Although, I make the genuine effort to understand other people, this is not something that was instilled to me by my parents. Through them was how I learned the importance of understanding others, especially those closest to us. My parents loved me and loved each other, but they were not without their problems. I had found myself in the middle of their squabbles many times counseling, listening, and even advising on matters I had yet to experience, being only a child at the time. But I don’t condemn them for their behavior; instead I thank them for their trust. Even as a child with minimal experience I understood the importance of communication and understanding, and always had a maturity to me that was far beyond my biological years. Other questions, I feel I came into learning through the aid not of my parents but of my sibling, like learning “from my parents or those who raised me that it was important to consider the thoughts, needs, and feelings of others.” I was an only child growing up, at least until the age of 6. I never interacted with children much, and was a loner by nature. My parents only cared about my interests. When my sister came into the picture, I knew she was someone who needed protection. I knew my job as an older sibling was to protect and serve, to change her if she was soiled and to feed her if she was hungry. I never minded it once. I still don’t. As she grew older and more active, I stood by and watched her. I watched her behavior and her interactions with others. I realized she was much more open then I was. I would talk to her about what made her so open and friendly, why she cared for other individuals, people other than family. She taught me that family was important, but so was everybody else. All anyone ever wants is to be respected and shown a little consideration. That is what she taught me. With her it was always instinctual. With other people it didn’t always come quite that easy. We both know she changed me for the good, and I believe, to this day, with her addition to the Lopez family came my humanity. In the third survey, Core Beliefs: How I Was Raised, I realized many of my beliefs were torn by cultural traditions and contemporary traditions. Growing up in the United States and attending public school will do that to you. The traditional and “proper” way of behaving was taught to me by my Grandmother. But my parents raised me as an American child, protecting and passing on some of the more traditional behaviors. But also exhibiting and communicating permissible behavior for this country. Although my family is quite open and friendly, I am not. I’m very closed off and I keep to myself. Casual touching of any kind makes me feel self conscious. My family didn’t raise me to feel that way; it is just a feeling I have always carried with me. For some reason or another I’m just not comfortable with it, which is actually quite amusing because most of the people I have attracted as friends are. So I bite my tongue for their sake and mine. For the fourth survey, Beliefs about Men, although my remarks on each question may come off a little stereotypical woman it turns out that these stereotypes are in fact true. Well, at least when dealing with the men that surround my life. I know not all men are the same, to say so would be cruel and unjust, but there are certain things that set apart men from women and that unite men from all walks of life. Like “Male humor is more often than not gross or offensive,” then again maybe I just hang out with the wrong crowd, but I don’t think so, because even the good, quiet boys make jokes that would be offensive to anyone. Of course, I relish in it and have been known to make a crude joke here and there, but that is the fun part about being friends with guys. Sometimes they can be so inappropriate. To be friends and survive a relationship with man, woman must know that what is usually said about men holds some truth. Another example would be “Men perceive reality differently than women.” A question I strongly agree with. We, men and women, see things and perceive realities completely different. An action that is perceived by the opposite sex as a wrong doing, may in fact not be that all. Miscommunication ensues and by then neither wants to listen to the other. But I also know, without the question being brought up in the survey that men are simple. Not simpleminded as some man-haters and feminists may have you believe. Instead, they are just simple. If they want you to know something they’ll tell you. Although they do have emotions, they are a bit more constricted with them. “Showing emotion is showing weakness,” is what I imagine one of the rules to read in the MANual. But if a guy wants you to know how they feel and they feel comfortable enough to show you they will, simple. Survey 5, Beliefs about Women, also had some very stereotypical questions that held truth in their words. But when answering these questions I couldn’t help but feel a little bias toward my gender, obviously. Looking at this survey with a female friend it was very interesting to gauge her reaction to that of mine. She had much more to say and stronger reactions than that of my own, and even complete opposite feelings on certain questions, like “Flights into romantic fantasy are common in women.” I completely disagree with that, nowadays women barely have enough time to cultivate a relationship, let alone fantasize about one. And these flights, do they include erotic fantasies? I believe men do a little more than just fantasize about the feel of a woman, some dream about the perfect girl, the perfect relationship, even the perfect family. There were quite a few factors that definitely played a part in how I answered certain questions, basing certain responses on how I see the world as a woman and how the women around me live their lives. Survey 6, Beliefs about Race, was another survey I played it safe, keeping my cool and rarely responding strongly to any question. Although the first part of the survey was answered mainly with disagrees. As I continued with the survey I wondered about a lot of things, did I really feel that way. Even if I didn’t, I know I wouldn’t want to accept all the stereotypes about race; I wouldn’t let myself fall into that frame of thought. Then I began to think maybe certain races are offered certain privileges and that is what fortifies the stereotypes. But then again other races aren’t given the same chances and must make do with what they have. For example, “Black people as a race are gifted athletes and entertainers.” I believe this because many “black people” do tend to excel in sports and entertainment. Ten just crossed my mind typing up that sentence, Will Smith, Cedric the Entertainer, Michael Jordan, and if I was remotely interested in sports I know I’d have a few more names to add to the list. But maybe in them doing well, doors are opened to others who related to these men, and opportunities arise, if not opportunities, then definitely confidence in exceeding in such fields. But when certain races are mentioned to being more power hungry over others, or more economically savvy, then I think of all the situations in History that may have led to those races being seen in that light. For the final survey, which by this time I thank God I was able to get through Beliefs about Sex and Gender, I was able to get through it fairly quickly with few hesitations and a more clearer view of how I see Sex and Sexuality. Sex and sexuality is not as black and white as we would hope. There are several misconceptions and gray areas. And I dislike gray areas, but sometimes it’s not always clear cut. Gender identity and what shapes it, homosexuality and what triggers it, even “regular” relations, if there are such things, are a messy part of life. During questions of homosexuality I would make strong opinions due to the allies I have made who are “gay.” Sex like life is messy and should be enjoyed to the fullest and with those you love.

What do you understand intersexuality and transexuality to be? Has your study of these topics been useful to you? How?

This has been quite the enlightening topic. Intersexed individuals are known as hermaphrodites. There are three different categories of hermaphrodites: true hermaphrodites, male pseudohermaphrodites, and female pseudohermaphrodites. True hermaphrodites have both testicular and ovarian tissue, they posses one testicle and one ovary. Male pseudohermaphrodites have testes, no ovaries, but still exhibit female genitalia. Female pseudohermaphrodites have ovaries, no testes, but still exhibit male genitalia. I consider myself an open minded individual and try to find acceptance in all living creatures, Homo sapiens or not. But this new information has generated more questions than answers. How do these intersexed individuals lead a normal life knowing what they hide underneath their clothes? If a child is born with an ambiguous sex and the situation is not “corrected” what type of a life will that child lead? Will it be one of “psychological and mental trauma” like the doctors suggest? When reading the accounts of people who are considered intersexed, I sit and wonder what their life might have been like before they knew their genetic makeup and how much it might of changed once they were informed of the situation. Did they lead “normal” boy/girl lives of you show me yours and I’ll show you mine? After learning the truth, how did they feel? Devastated? Relieved? On some level did they understand they were always different, unique? Then I look back at the asexual life I lead as a child. Gender was never an issue for me. People were just people and their preferences were their own to make. In elementary school, I remember having a “gay” friend. One my parents didn’t approve of. I considered him a gay friend because he was a little boy who liked, and I mean like-like, other little boys. We enjoyed coloring Disney Princesses together. Back then those days were seemingly simple. But with all this new found technology we have found yet another way to discriminate, gender testing. We are now looking to atomic particles to further categorize our ever chaotic world. But the deeper you dig the fuzzier these distinctions become. You know, in the womb we are all female until certain hormones take affect that distinguish us otherwise. And sometimes that is not always the case, as can be seen with intersexuality. Now, in transexuality the individual believes their primary and secondary sex characteristics do not match their gender identity. For example take Stan the biological man, give him a warped sense of self, and there you have a transsexual. What do I mean by warped sense of self? Well, simply that he doesn’t see himself as everyone else sees him. He sees himself as an individual who has been placed in the wrong body. He considers every aspect of himself, except for his body, as that of a woman. I can only imagine what that must be like, to think you inhabit an incorrect vessel. For me, it would be like waking up the next day in the body of anyone or anything that isn’t me. Looking into the mirror and seeing a stranger look back. I would be left with feelings of inadequacies and frustration. That is how I imagine the lives of some of these transsexuals to be. And with a life like that, no wonder suicide presents itself as a way to opt out of all of it. No more confusion, aggravation, or hiding ones true self. Researching this topic has opened up my eyes to a world I barely knew existed. Some many different, unusual, exhilarating, wonderful people live on this planet. And I may not understand all of them but I have come to accept, cherish, and even love them. To express a sentiment similar to that of Martin Luther King, Jr.: I love them not because they are likable, but because the Big Man upstairs loves them. I’m not the religious type, but I do believe in the power love exudes. If there is a being out there that can love us unconditionally, despite our flaws, and I don’t mean those of us with genetic quirks or experiencing gender confusion, I mean those of us who hate, fear, and judge because there are others out there different from us, then we should be able to show that same unconditional love and acceptance to all of the Big Man’s creations.

Observation for Equity

I completed this assignment in Ms. Cabrera’s Art Appreciation class held at John F. Kennedy Middle School. The school is comprised mostly of “minorities” – African American, Haitian American, Latin American, and Islanders from the Caribbean. However, here they are not considered so. While observing the class, Ms. Cabrera assigned an activity on making a collage. First, the student must complete the assigned reading on said topic. Then the teacher goes through the lesson orally. Ms. Cabrera had the students read Chapter 3 Art Media and Techniques, Lesson 7 Making a Collage form their textbooks. The lesson describes to the student what a collage is, what they will learn from the activity, what they will need for the activity, and what procedures to follow to complete the activity. After they are finished reading the lesson, Ms. Cabrera goes through it with the class in a concise manner. On the board I observe this message written by her to the students, “Use materials to make a picture collage with a theme. Do not begin to glue until you have your design.” To complete this activity the students are expected to:

1. Pick a theme (cars, sports, nature, animals, fashion, etc.).
2. Browse through magazines and collect images, words, and textures that depict said theme.
3. On a sheet of white paper 11”x14”, create a design using what they have collected from the magazines. Certain images and words should be trimmed as needed, and the student is free to incorporate construction paper, markers, and colored pencils to help build up their collage. They may even add images and text drawn by their own hand.
4. When the student is satisfied with their design they can begin to glue the pieces they have selected for their collage down on the white paper. The student should not leave any white spaces showing through and can create a flow through their selected images by overlapping them.

While observing Ms. Cabrera I do believe she shows sensitivity to diversity in the classroom. Being her first year teaching at JFK Middle School I believe she is handling the transition well. Although her title is as an Art Teacher, she was first and for 10 years a Dance Teacher at a school severely different from this one. She is aware of the vast difference between her Dance students and the students she is now teaching Art to, but tries to find herself amongst all the changes that have occurred to her in the past year. She treats all her students equitably. All students are praised when they have done something correctly and all are punished when behavior has reached a disruptive point. “Good” or “bad,” “black” or “white” all students receive praise on an assignment well done. And even if the assignment isn’t a masterpiece, but the behavior is one of focus, determination, and effort that alone will earn you a word of encouragement from her. She fully recognizes and accepts the diversity of her students. She is very aware of the diversity her students bring into the classroom, form differences in countries where they and their families are from, to home lives, and even psychological standings. Although, Ms. Cabrera tries her best to recognize different learning styles, if the student is not verbal about “getting it” or it hasn’t become obvious to her that the student doesn’t quite understand the assignment sometimes a student may slip under the radar. This situation is only noticeable once the student turns in an assignment that has been completed incorrectly. Although, she is willing to work with the student on improving their assignment, occasionally the class may be too large to address all the students on a one to one basis. This is unfortunate and may lead to the teacher believing that all her students are “getting it,” while the ones who aren’t maybe being pushed to the background. She instructs all her students, twice, so as to make sure the assignment is as clear as possible. As mentioned before, the student is left to read about the assignment independently from their textbooks first. Then, she orally explains the details of the activity. In doing so she uses visual aids to help the students come to an understanding of what is expected of them and their assignment. If any questions, misconceptions, or hesitations arise she tries to deal with them on a student to student basis. Ms. Cabrera does provide an open climate; however, I believe the students seem to create this type of climate all on their own. Most are very open themselves and quite amiable, greeting me my first time around and other times after that. Most seem to have a positive repertoire with the teacher, very few shying away for social reasons. When working in art it is important to use alternate and diverse materials, and that is exactly what she does. For example, in class the students are working on creating a collage. Their first collage is being created using construction paper and magazine clippings. The second collage they do in class will be created using fabric swatches, a great way to add depth and texture to any piece. Ms. Cabrera does her best to accommodate and provide for her students needs. If she realizes one of her students needs a little extra attention she offers it willingly. She provides them with as much as she can, and has even registered the class on an adopt-a-class website where additional help from family and friends can assist her in managing the needs of the classroom better. Finally, Ms. Cabrera does apply model learning to encourage all students, even diverse ones, to complete their assignments. In Art, how else could it be? To learn any technique you must observe someone using it. You can’t learn to hold a paintbrush by reading about it; you must watch the artist at work, and then attempt the technique yourself for true reinforcement. The activities done in class are no doubt hands-on. This gives Ms. Cabrera the opportunity to visually, as well as verbally, show students different techniques used in completing certain works of art.

What do you think to be the cause of homosexuality? Have your views on homosexuality been affected by the study of this topic?

The cause of homosexuality has not been researched enough to begin to make an educated guess on the subject. I do not know what the cause of homosexuality is. Various studies have been done on this topic, some scientifically intriguing and some a little less enlightened. The major causes for homosexuality that are being debated are biology and choice. I believe it is a combination of both. Many homosexuals claim biology to be the reason they were born that way, just like others who have no control over the skin color they were born with or the gender they came in. Homosexuality isn’t a “lifestyle” but instead a way of living that is out of their control. And to a certain extent I understand the reasoning behind it all. I can almost agree to the gay gene. But no such gene has been discovered in the human genome, at least not yet. However, I have seen families share similar “lifestyles.” For example, out of a group of siblings, two lead homosexual lifestyles. Maybe others in the family are prone to similar feelings but instead of succumbing to them, they hide these feelings away in neat little packages deep down in a dark corner of their mind, never to accept themselves fully. Or maybe conditions arose during their childhoods that lead to this “lifestyle” decision. Maybe it was something both siblings experienced when growing up. Freud believed parental relationships play a large role on deciding a child’s sexual orientation, nature vs. nurture, yet another key idea in the whole homosexuality debate. Leading this type of “lifestyle” isn’t as simple as deciding to become a vegetarian. A decision of this magnitude has the power to change your existence in its entirety. Coming out is something that is both liberating and terrifying, and can easily put anyone off on the idea of accepting homosexuality as a lifestyle. Many people, however, sum up the courage and make the decision to come out to family and friends, coworkers and acquaintances. They decide they can only ever love someone of the same gender, a decision that will forever affect their life. When coming out you must be prepared to deal with others new found acceptance of you, rejection of you, and utter hatred of you. You will endure acts of discrimination, harassment, and even crime. With that one decision a wave of lifestyle changes will crash into you. I don’t know what the cause of homosexuality is, but I do know those who choose to live their life in such a manner risk much and even all for what, just some lifestyle choice? No, I don’t believe so. To live the life you know you should, risking some well being in the process, is to be propelled by more than just a “lifestyle” choice. It’s heeding the call and accepting who you truly are.

React to the article "Tale of Two Islands." Do you think a case can be made for charges of institutional racism?

In all honesty, I’m not sure. I decided to discuss this case with my Mother. She was born in the United States, but considers her home to be that of Puerto Rico. So, I thought she might have some insight on the situation with Cuba and Haiti. Before I could read the entire article, she explained that they were undergoing two very different situations. Cubans were considered to be political refugees, while Haitians were considered to be economic migrants. One group was severely affected by the political status of the country they are from, so affected are they that they fear for their life because of their political beliefs and will not return to their country for the fear of being prosecuted. The other group is severely affected by the economic status of the country, and has willingly chosen to the leave it for economic reasons. When I began to read the article, that explanation made sense. People who opposed the political agenda of the masses could be in grave danger if forced to live in a country that they didn’t see eye to eye with. It’s like letting a herd of sheep live near a den of wolves. Eventually the wolves will get hungry and start to pick them off one by one. But what of the ones willing to go, economic conditions so poor it drives away the country’s own people. Of course if one has the means, we always opt to live in a more economically stable environment. No one in their right mind wants to live in poverty. Why didn’t the United States extend that helpful hand once again to those in need? Haitians weren’t willingly going; instead they were being forced out by the deteriorating economic and political status they were practically being forced to live in. Unfortunately, with Papa Doc also came a lot of the similar treatment given to citizens based on their political standings. Papa Doc was a dictator, much like Fidel Castro, and denied all human rights. He also forced all political rivals into exile. Those whom were exiled due to their political beliefs were granted similar help like those coming from Cuba, but many Haitians were turned away if they couldn’t bring sufficient evidence of such reasons for leaving. The ones who were turned away were sent back to the deplorable conditions of their country. Yes, the situations are different, but not by much. A large part of Haiti’s descent into poverty was due to the United States’ hand in this whole fiasco. At times I even believe that the United States even found it suitable to leave Haiti in the state that it was in. Although, it is easy to claim institutional racism because both parties are different in ethnic looks, black and white, I would still need more information, more facts, and more accounts of the one’s who experienced these living conditions. I’m not sure if the United States have stopped being racist, but I do know often times they only act out when they can reap something of benefit.

Reflect on what you've learned about Race and Racism.

This has been one of the most taxing subjects I have ever had to address in school. There has only ever been one other subject to do that to me and that subject is Global Warming, two very important subjects with seemingly no connection. But there is a connection. How can we even begin to show an understanding and appreciation for the planet that sustains us when it is clear that we can barely show it to one another? In reading the first essay, "Race": A Most Dangerous Myth, it became clear that humans are only satisfied when they have categorized and compartmentalized the hell out of the human race. Excuse my blatant use of the blasphemous term. I was discussing this matter with a friend and I explained that humans want to categorize everything, from animal species to written works (like books) and even themselves. And they do so because they can only begin to “live” comfortably knowing everything around them has a label. She thought my use of the term label was a little harsh, maybe even incorrect, but I stand by what I say. Labels make the world go round, not intelligence or decency. I work at a bookstore as I may have mentioned before, and even the books have been labeled according to the subject matter. Okay, from a business perspective I can understand separating Math books from Fiction and History from Science books, but within those sections are even more labels. When selling a product your main goal is to get it into the hands of the consumer as fast as possible. But within the Fiction section there is a Mystery sub-section, a Romance sub-section, a Sci-fi/Fantasy sub-section, and even those sub-sections are divided amongst themselves. If you ask me, any story that is written from the imagination of another is Fictional and therefore belongs in Fiction. Why the need to further complicate life and separate what you already know is Fictitious? Well, that is what we have done and continue to do when we split up the human race amongst itself. We are all Homo sapiens. But that is not enough, because of some discrepancy in skin color I am not like you and you are not like me. So we separate people using the most significant difference, skin color, lights and darks. What, are we doing laundry? But you see it’s not as easy as that. Because among those two groups are others who vary in features (like facial), attributes (like hair color), and even skin color yet again. The whites not white enough? It’s as if we will never be truly happy until everyone around us is labeled, catalogued, and tagged. In Racism: The Most Pernicious of All the "Isms", a sort of timeline was created for the Civil Rights Movement. It chronicled all of the people who unwillingly but full heartedly gave their life for the cause, both men and women, “black” and “white,” like Emmett Louis Till, Medgar Evers, Michael Schwerner, and Viola Gregg Liuzzo. It mentioned iconic people who will, in the minds of all who acknowledge this powerful movement, be remembered till their own life comes to an end, like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. I also became aware of the fact that racism is an old habit and one quite difficult to rid the world of. Racism wasn’t just saved for the Africans. Many native people, and when I say native I mean Native to the country in which they were discovered on including Africans, experienced the hazard of racism. People, like the Taino and Native American Indians. These people who learned to live humbly and eco-friendly among their environment, using only what they needed. Savages, I think not. Savages are the ones that can’t value human life in any and all of its forms. I can only imagine the type of world we would be living in right now if the European travelers would have adopted the same lifestyle of these people. There would probably be acceptance of the other cultures and less, if no, racism and Global Warming would be to a minimal. Talk about two birds with one stone.

Reflecting on Asili the Journal Blogspot: Emmett Till: The Shaping of a People's Dream.

A strong and moving piece, a compelling read. Until I studied Emmett Till's case, he was but a stranger to me. I was always familiar with Rosa Parks and took the time to truly study and understand Martin Luther King’s contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. This piece encompasses several elements that set apart the movement and expresses the true nature of things in an era that ushered in so many changes.

After watching the film and reading the poem on Emmett Till I have been given a clearer vision of what it was like during the 50s in an America that was intolerant of its colored citizens. I have always felt this cosmic connection to the 50s. To me, it is one of the most powerful eras. So many things were happening at that time. But as I research the Civil Rights Movement I realize just how much was happening. It is unfortunate that any mother would lose their child in that manner, or that any group of people would be left to live under such fearful conditions. But their day came. Emmett’s mother showed great strength to do what she did, to expose the living conditions of the South, especially those being experienced in Mississippi, by revealing to the world the lifeless body that was once her son. Her son may have paid the price of ignorance and hatred, but his death ignited the movement that sparked the emergence of some of the most well known Historical figures of all time. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on the bus took place December of 1955, the same year Emmett Till was murdered in cold blood (he died in August of that year). After being arrested for sitting in the seat of her choice, she decided she had had enough of this unjust treatment. And thus from this was born the Montgomery Bus Boycott and what breathed life into the Civil Rights Movement. If Rosa Parks is seen as “the Mother of the Modern-day Civil Rights Movement,” then it is only fair to say that Martin Luther King Jr. at the young age of 26 had become in 1955 the Father of the Modern-day Civil Rights Movement. Elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, on the 5th of December he became the official spokesman for the boycott. Wise beyond his years and known for his eloquence, he stepped into the position with a lot of heart and little certainty. But a family isn’t complete without the pitter-patter of little feet. And that role belonged to none other than Emmett Till, the Son of the Modern-day Civil Rights Movement. In August of 1955, Mamie Till wasn’t the only one to lose a son that year. We, as individuals, as a people, and as a nation had lost a son. A son we may never have known existed till word of his untimely death had reached us. A son we were never really there for. A son we hoped to offer the world to. In 1955 an entire group of people had reached their limit and decided that enough was enough. With Emmett Till’s death came the birth of the Civil Rights Movement.