Friday, August 9, 2013

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

SEXISM HAS NO BOUNDARIES

 Sexist remarks and attitude are not only for  older women here is an example how sexist remarks  sell t-shirts to  little girls. The Children's Place clothing store in NJ had to  pulled off their shelves after many parents responded in disgust. These T-shirts  said, "My Best Subjects" on top and has checks in boxes next to shopping, music and dancing. A box next to math, at the bottom of the list, is blank and underneath it says, "Well, no body's perfect. The message that these t-shirts send the stereotype that girls are bad at math. I lived in this clothing store when my girls were little. I was very disappointed.


RACISM AND FAMILIES

 

The commercial made by Cheerios that shows a biracial family was one that stroke controversy.
Thank you  General Mills for taking a stand and portraying an interracial couple in such a positive light. It is a refreshing change seeing that there are now a few  campaigns are starting to reflect  what our society actually looks like today.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
My daughters Karina and Ariana was in first grade, Ariana came to the car in tears. She shared with me that her teacher separated the classroom. One side were the Busy Beavers and the other side was the Lazy Cats. Karina was on the Beaver side and Ariana was the Lazy Cat. I remember walking out of the car and trying to stay calm, confronted the teacher. The teacher was shocked that Ariana took it to heart. I told her she needed not to single children out that way because of their academic achievements. Since then my daughters are doing very well in high school, I do see that Ariana feels that she has to prove herself academically.

Reading and keeping an open mind can help people embrace diversity for what it is. It's a variety of characteristics that creates each and every individual unique. If we can take the time to share experiences with others instead of listening to hateful, derogatory  remarks then it can start a trend of bringing equity for everyone.











5 comments:

  1. Wow! I never heard about the t-shirt scandal! That is so offensive to women. And I watched a youtube video on children's reactions to the Cheerio commercial. You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VifdBFp5pnw
    It made me glad that as early childhood educators we can have such a positive impact on young children so they will react just like these kids. I'm so sorry that your daughters went through such a negative experience. That was poor judgement on their teacher's part. I'm glad to know that they are doing well now. =)
    Jessica

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  2. Hello Ivelisse:

    i was equally shocked to see the t-shirt sold to families/children. It portrays a strong message that girls are dumb and can not do math, which is the exact experience I had as a high school student back in the 80's. Instead of encouraging ALL students, they are dividing between the genders. Then the society wonders, why do men feel superior over women?
    I am proud of your awareness about your daughter's experience. You acted both as a mother and an advocate for other children. I hope that teacher stopped separating.
    We have been in this journey together since we've started Walden, I wish we could have get together, sit down like a "circle time" and talk. I am hoping we will see each other on graduation day.
    Great post Ivelisse!

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    Replies
    1. Marijan

      It is very true that we embarked on this journey together even though we live far apart. I am looking forward towards graduation and finally meet you in person. That will complete what we started together.

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  3. Ivelisse,

    I love all of the examples you posted! I did hear about the t-shirts and was appalled as well since I used to buy clothes for my children there when they were little. Abercrombie and Fitch also got into trouble when they stated they only "market to cool and good looking people" (Huffington, 2013). It is amazing how marketing can cause so much oppression.

    Nicolette

    References
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/24/abercrombie-sales-ceo-controversy_n_3332601.html

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  4. I never thought of it as a reason to fight. You know that could of lead to something very ugly. Goes to show how others help you see what you cannot see. Thank you.

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