February 20, 2008
SWK254.N – Understanding Diverse Populations
Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys
Journal 5
RACE CHANGE
· You woke up tomorrow only to find out your race had changed.
Go through the list and respond about whether your “change” in race has helped you to identify more with the privileges listed, less, or somewhere in between? How so?
1. I can if I wish arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.
Answer: Probably identify less because most people prefer to remain within the company of their own race, in which I would not consider a privilege.
2. If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area which I can afford in which I would want to live.
Answer: Identify more with this privilege because “my new race” usually does not experience problems of discrimination in any neighborhood, which is truly a privilege
3. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me.
Answer: Identify more because most people seem comfortable around “my new race” which is a privilege.
4. I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.
Answer: Identify more because “my new race” is not a stereotype for theft, which is a privilege.
5. I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented.
Answer: Somewhere in between, because if it is constructive representation I would feel proud, if it is an embarrassing situation, I would feel ashamed.
6. When I am told about our national heritage or about “civilization,” I am shown that people of my color made it what it is.
Answer: Identify less with this privilege because of the discoveries of “my new race” ancestors and the agonizing and degrading things that were done to other races in order to accomplish what is known as our national heritage and/or civilization.
7. I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race.
Answer: Identify more because the textbooks are slanted towards “my new race” which is a privilege.
8. If I want to, I can be pretty sure of finding a publisher for this piece on white privileges.
Answer: Identify less because white privileges is not documented as such, therefore, it is not a privilege.
9. I can go into a supermarket and find the staple foods, which fit with my cultural traditions, and go into a hairdresser’s shop and fine someone who can cut my hair.
Answer: Identify more, because it is a privilege to not have to travel far, nor search for these items and opportunities.
10. Whether I use checks, credit cards, or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of financial reliability.
Answer: Identify more, because if I were to use checks or credit cards, “my new race” will not be asked for identification to prove that I am the owner of the presented document, which is a privilege.
11. I can arrange to protect my children most of the time from people who might not like them.
Answer: Probably more, because police and school officials tend to be quite concerned for the safety of “my new race” children, which is a privilege.
12. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty, or illiteracy of my race.
Answer: Identify more because it I would not be judged, rather most likely my behavior would be summed up as just having a bad day, which is a privilege.
13. I can speak in public to a powerful male group without putting my race on trial.
Answer: Identify more because it is a privilege of being accepted for who I am as an individual, which is a privilege.
14. I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race.
Answer: Identify more because I would be only be expected to represent myself
15. I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.
Answer: Identify more of a privilege because my only need for concern would be myself
16. I can remain oblivious of the language and customs of persons of color who constitute the world’s majority without feeling in my culture any penalty for such oblivion.
Answer: Identify more because “my new race” is not expected to understand other languages, but rather “they” are required to learn mine because they are in my country.
17. I can criticize our government and talk about how much I fear its policies and behavior without being seen as a cultural outsider.
Answer: Identify more because government officials mostly consist of “my new race” that constitutes the policies to accommodate “my new race”. This is a privilege because when and if “my new race” makes enough noise, things changed.
18. I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to ”the person in charge,” I will be facing a person of my race.
Answer: Identify more because finding someone of “my own new race” would most likely mean that they would see things my way, which is a privilege
19. If a traffic cop pulls me over, or if the IRS audits my tax return, I can be sure I haven’t been singled out because of my race.
Answer: Identify somewhere in between because regardless of race, the penalty will need to be paid, however, “my new race” is usually not labeled for trouble.
20. I can easily buy posters, postcards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys, and children’s magazines featuring people of my race.
Answer: Identify more because these items are always available in a majority in practically every neighborhood
21. I can go home from most meetings of organizations I belong to feeling somewhat tied in, rather than isolated, out-of-place, outnumbered, unheard, held at a distance, or feared.
Answer: Identify more because the agenda’s of such meetings are programmed to meet “my new race” expectations
22. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having co-workers on the job suspect that I got it because of race.
Answer: Identify less because it is most probable that I would be hired because of “my new race” in order to help balance out the racial stats.
23. I can choose public accommodations without fearing that people of my race cannot get in or will be mistreated in the places I have chosen.
Answer: Identify more because “my new race” is usually treated with respect and dignity
24. I can be sure that if I need legal or medical help, my race will not work against me.
Answer: Identify more because the law takes preference to “my new race”, and medically “my new race” is treated with superiority
25. If my day, week, or year is going badly, I need not ask of each negative episode or situation whether it has racial overtones.
Answer: Identify more because “my new race” in most cases is treated rather fairly
26. I can choose blemish cover or bandages in “flesh” color and have them more or less match my skin.
Answer: Identify more because it is obvious that whoever invented blemish cover and band-aids had “my new race” in mind.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Paul Opposes Peter
February 12, 2008
SWK254.N – Understanding Diverse Populations
Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys
Journal 4
Paul Opposes Peter
What was Peter and Paul’s altercation about?
Rather than remain faithfully committed to the truth of the gospel in which he himself had preached, Peter chose to follow after those of greater influence. Peter displayed hypocrisy and his actions unfortunately also influenced others who had been following him. Paul was disturbed about Peter’s actions, and of the impact that his actions had on others, so he confronted Peter.
What was your impression of Peter? What is he struggling with?
I feel that Peter demonstrated the same actions that many people do today. Whatever is convenient or comfortable at the moment is what people tend to go along with, because it tends to be the easiest thing to do. Peter probably thought that it was a way of keeping peace.
Peter’s struggle is with trying to fit into his environment. He most likely feared that he would not be accepted and considered an outcast. Unfortunately, he was even willing to compromise the gospel to feel a sense of belonging.
What causes us to draw back and separate?
People tend to draw back and separate from people who are considered as the lower class, the underprivileged and the outcast, because they fear being counted amongst them. They probably feel that these people are powerless and lack support. People tend to prefer being associated with the in-crowd who are admired, favored and privileged.
Does this experience between Jews & Gentiles relate to modern experiences with race in America (black & white)?
Yes, there are blacks that try and fit into the white world, as well as whites that try to fit into the black world. They both seek acceptance. They both conceal their own values and beliefs. Blacks do not want to be seen as victims nor inferior, and whites do not want to be seen as racists nor superior. Therefore, they both compromise their own identities to fit into the others world.
SWK254.N – Understanding Diverse Populations
Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys
Journal 4
Paul Opposes Peter
What was Peter and Paul’s altercation about?
Rather than remain faithfully committed to the truth of the gospel in which he himself had preached, Peter chose to follow after those of greater influence. Peter displayed hypocrisy and his actions unfortunately also influenced others who had been following him. Paul was disturbed about Peter’s actions, and of the impact that his actions had on others, so he confronted Peter.
What was your impression of Peter? What is he struggling with?
I feel that Peter demonstrated the same actions that many people do today. Whatever is convenient or comfortable at the moment is what people tend to go along with, because it tends to be the easiest thing to do. Peter probably thought that it was a way of keeping peace.
Peter’s struggle is with trying to fit into his environment. He most likely feared that he would not be accepted and considered an outcast. Unfortunately, he was even willing to compromise the gospel to feel a sense of belonging.
What causes us to draw back and separate?
People tend to draw back and separate from people who are considered as the lower class, the underprivileged and the outcast, because they fear being counted amongst them. They probably feel that these people are powerless and lack support. People tend to prefer being associated with the in-crowd who are admired, favored and privileged.
Does this experience between Jews & Gentiles relate to modern experiences with race in America (black & white)?
Yes, there are blacks that try and fit into the white world, as well as whites that try to fit into the black world. They both seek acceptance. They both conceal their own values and beliefs. Blacks do not want to be seen as victims nor inferior, and whites do not want to be seen as racists nor superior. Therefore, they both compromise their own identities to fit into the others world.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Group MPC - First Session 101
Hello MPC Group,
I just wanted to give you some feedback from our first group session in class yesterday evening.
Thank you all for your openness and willingness to share your honest views and opinions with our group. Everything that you shared had profound meaning. You brought some old and new things to the forefront for each of us to consider and reconsider. You help to make us more aware of the greater need to take a closer view of our environment and to those who are in it.
Some of your comments were very compassionate and deeply heartfelt. And, although they were not addressed during our session, please note that your agony did not go unnoticed. The heaviness of your heart was shared amongnst many, if not all of us.
It is indeed a known fact that racism affects all minorities. It is also true that African Americans are not the only minorities that suffers from this toxin. Asians, Latinos, American Indians and every other minority race feels the painful impact of the oppression of racism.
The African Americans were fortunate to have great men and women such as, Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks to stand up (and sit down) to say "No More." They paid a price that gave us a voice and civil rights for equal opportunities. The question is, just how much have things really changed from since that time?
Here are my thoughts: While through their great efforts certain laws were established to protect the rights of all people, there are men and women of the law and others who are in positions of authority that break these same laws everyday, however, in subtle ways. And because they are priviledged people who are protected by their superiors; those that should address these matters, turn their heads in the other direction, and therefore they are allowed to get away with it. Can these conditions ever change?
My answer: Yes, there can be change. I believe that one of the processes for change begins in the Nyack College, Christian-based, "Understanding Diverse Populations" Spring 2008, New York City classroom. God has called His committed and faithful servant, Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys to guide, to instruct and to train a chosen group of students "for such a time as this". We will learn the value of ourselves, as well as those who are the same, and those who are different from us. Through our better understanding of diverse populations, we will be prepared to go into all the world to empower and bring new hope to all who are oppressed that will cross our paths. These occassions will provide opportunities for the Lord to be seen and heard in the earth. As His servants, demonstrate His love to all mankind and help to set the captive free.
Professor Humphreys thank you for your careful selection of our group. They are a wonderful diverse group. They are all quite brilliant and rather insightful, which brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our group. I look forward to sharing and working with them, as well as learning from each of them throughout this semester.
May you all be blessed immensely in Christ Jesus,
Percie
I just wanted to give you some feedback from our first group session in class yesterday evening.
Thank you all for your openness and willingness to share your honest views and opinions with our group. Everything that you shared had profound meaning. You brought some old and new things to the forefront for each of us to consider and reconsider. You help to make us more aware of the greater need to take a closer view of our environment and to those who are in it.
Some of your comments were very compassionate and deeply heartfelt. And, although they were not addressed during our session, please note that your agony did not go unnoticed. The heaviness of your heart was shared amongnst many, if not all of us.
It is indeed a known fact that racism affects all minorities. It is also true that African Americans are not the only minorities that suffers from this toxin. Asians, Latinos, American Indians and every other minority race feels the painful impact of the oppression of racism.
The African Americans were fortunate to have great men and women such as, Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks to stand up (and sit down) to say "No More." They paid a price that gave us a voice and civil rights for equal opportunities. The question is, just how much have things really changed from since that time?
Here are my thoughts: While through their great efforts certain laws were established to protect the rights of all people, there are men and women of the law and others who are in positions of authority that break these same laws everyday, however, in subtle ways. And because they are priviledged people who are protected by their superiors; those that should address these matters, turn their heads in the other direction, and therefore they are allowed to get away with it. Can these conditions ever change?
My answer: Yes, there can be change. I believe that one of the processes for change begins in the Nyack College, Christian-based, "Understanding Diverse Populations" Spring 2008, New York City classroom. God has called His committed and faithful servant, Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys to guide, to instruct and to train a chosen group of students "for such a time as this". We will learn the value of ourselves, as well as those who are the same, and those who are different from us. Through our better understanding of diverse populations, we will be prepared to go into all the world to empower and bring new hope to all who are oppressed that will cross our paths. These occassions will provide opportunities for the Lord to be seen and heard in the earth. As His servants, demonstrate His love to all mankind and help to set the captive free.
Professor Humphreys thank you for your careful selection of our group. They are a wonderful diverse group. They are all quite brilliant and rather insightful, which brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our group. I look forward to sharing and working with them, as well as learning from each of them throughout this semester.
May you all be blessed immensely in Christ Jesus,
Percie
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Who Are The Oppressed?
February 6, 2008
SWK254.N – Understanding Diverse Populations
Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys
Journal 3
Who is identified as the oppressed?
The oppressed are identified as the poor and the afflicted. They are the under-privileged. They are the ones whom society overlooks and considers unimportant. They are the ones whose family and friends have turned their backs on them. They are the outcast. They are the ones who are abused and often taken advantage of. They are defenseless because they lack the support needed to fight and win. They are the ones who suffer from severe low self-esteem, and are voted as the least likely to succeed.
The oppressed that are employed, usually work to benefit others and not themselves. Welfare and unemployment offices, and homeless shelters are filled with the oppressed, because they lack work experience, education and opportunities. They are not advantaged to learn of job opportunities, free education, and other resources that could possibly help them to improve their lives. If and whenever they do, they are probably intimidated and confused by the complexity of the inquisition of the applications. Hence, the interviewee perceives the applicant as ignorant and unqualified.
The oppressed are those who learn crime as a means of survival. Some of them are violent, because violence is the only way that they know how to demonstrate some level of power and maintain control over their lives. They are alcohol and substance abusers, because it helps to keep their minds numb, so that they don’t have to think, face and deal with their sorrows, pain and suffering.
As stated in the aforementioned, the oppressed unfortunately are those who must rely upon others to care for them. The reason is that they lack the ability to care for themselves.
How does God feel about oppression?
In the Old Testament, God used oppression to bring the Israelites to a place of repentance for their sins and to draw them back to Him. It was not gratifying for God to see His people suffer. However, it seems to have been the only way that He could get their attention to remind them of His expectations that they were to be a holy people, just as He is a holy God. God told Moses that He had only been revealed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as God Almighty. However, He was going to reveal Himself to Moses and the Israelites as LORD, because He (the LORD) was going to deliver His people out of bondage (slavery) from the Egyptians. He was going to set the captive free.
Oppression is not pleasing to GOD because it represents slavery. Which is the reason that He provided a way to set the oppressed free. Anything that is pleasing to God has no need of change. However, in His displeasures He always provides the necessary changes.
What does God call us to do about it?
GOD calls His people to help the oppressed to set them free. Christians are not to ignore or judge them, but rather to be His vessels in the earth that take notice to their needs and do all that we can to assist them. We are to protect them and counsel them. We are to comfort, feed and clothe them.
GOD reveals Himself today as LORD to the oppressed through His children. He teaches, equips and empowers His children to go into all the world to help set the captive free. He demonstrated this ability through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came into the world and set us free. He loved us unconditionally and broke the chains that had us bound. And so we are to do the same for our brothers and sisters who are held in bondage. Most importantly, we are to love them with the love of the LORD and everything else will come naturally.
Percelene MCLain
SWK254.N – Understanding Diverse Populations
Professor Mayra Lopez-Humphreys
Journal 3
Who is identified as the oppressed?
The oppressed are identified as the poor and the afflicted. They are the under-privileged. They are the ones whom society overlooks and considers unimportant. They are the ones whose family and friends have turned their backs on them. They are the outcast. They are the ones who are abused and often taken advantage of. They are defenseless because they lack the support needed to fight and win. They are the ones who suffer from severe low self-esteem, and are voted as the least likely to succeed.
The oppressed that are employed, usually work to benefit others and not themselves. Welfare and unemployment offices, and homeless shelters are filled with the oppressed, because they lack work experience, education and opportunities. They are not advantaged to learn of job opportunities, free education, and other resources that could possibly help them to improve their lives. If and whenever they do, they are probably intimidated and confused by the complexity of the inquisition of the applications. Hence, the interviewee perceives the applicant as ignorant and unqualified.
The oppressed are those who learn crime as a means of survival. Some of them are violent, because violence is the only way that they know how to demonstrate some level of power and maintain control over their lives. They are alcohol and substance abusers, because it helps to keep their minds numb, so that they don’t have to think, face and deal with their sorrows, pain and suffering.
As stated in the aforementioned, the oppressed unfortunately are those who must rely upon others to care for them. The reason is that they lack the ability to care for themselves.
How does God feel about oppression?
In the Old Testament, God used oppression to bring the Israelites to a place of repentance for their sins and to draw them back to Him. It was not gratifying for God to see His people suffer. However, it seems to have been the only way that He could get their attention to remind them of His expectations that they were to be a holy people, just as He is a holy God. God told Moses that He had only been revealed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as God Almighty. However, He was going to reveal Himself to Moses and the Israelites as LORD, because He (the LORD) was going to deliver His people out of bondage (slavery) from the Egyptians. He was going to set the captive free.
Oppression is not pleasing to GOD because it represents slavery. Which is the reason that He provided a way to set the oppressed free. Anything that is pleasing to God has no need of change. However, in His displeasures He always provides the necessary changes.
What does God call us to do about it?
GOD calls His people to help the oppressed to set them free. Christians are not to ignore or judge them, but rather to be His vessels in the earth that take notice to their needs and do all that we can to assist them. We are to protect them and counsel them. We are to comfort, feed and clothe them.
GOD reveals Himself today as LORD to the oppressed through His children. He teaches, equips and empowers His children to go into all the world to help set the captive free. He demonstrated this ability through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came into the world and set us free. He loved us unconditionally and broke the chains that had us bound. And so we are to do the same for our brothers and sisters who are held in bondage. Most importantly, we are to love them with the love of the LORD and everything else will come naturally.
Percelene MCLain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
