My staff and I are planning a cultural day at our child care center. We are all really excited about showing off who we are beyond what you can see everyday. While we got on the topic of attire I noticed two older Caucasian teachers talking privately and not engaging in the planning at all. I asked the two if there is something they would like to share with the group. One of the teachers stated that she is proud of her culture and wants to wear her attire. I encouraged her to do so as long as it was in line with our dress code. The two went back to a personal conversation as the rest of us continued to plan. Frustrated I asked if there is a problem and wanted the two to allow the rest of the staff into their conversation. The other teacher said “Our culture is Southern redneck. We want to wear the clothes of our culture, but do not want the black people on the staff to be mad at us. We really enjoy working with you ladies.”
I was not sure how to respond to this. I told the teachers that we would discuss it later. I wanted to make sure that I plan my words carefully and do not offend anyone. This is a culture that has always been associated with being hateful towards the African American culture. But if this is their culture is it my place to deny them the opportunity to express it on culture day. I felt that the comment was made to ensure the staff members that they have accepted them for who they are, but I think it was also to let us know that they do have some negative feelings towards black people. I still do not know how to move forward with this one. I am all for them expressing their culture, especially since they smoothed things over with the staff, but I wonder how our customers will feel about it when they see them dressed like that.
This weeks observation left me confused on my feelings about discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes. I feel like my two staff members are trying to be sensitive to others feelings, but I also feel that they want to express how they really feel. I remember in 2008 these two staff members felt very strongly against having a black president. I knew then that there was some prejudice there, but because they worked so well with everyone on the staff I never made an issue of it. But with this situation I am not really sure how they feel about black people, or more specifically me, as their boss and a black woman. I still feel that discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes are wrong. I think they will always be around though and they are all very easy to get sucked into. It takes a strong person to take a stand against these three injustices.
Prejudice is a hard issue to deal with, especially if the person you are addressing is prejudice toward you. It does take a strong person to stand up against prejudice but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. I believe being open about your feelings is important but it needs to be done with respect toward others. I hope you are able to work things out with your co-workers. I would like to know what happens when you do talk with them. Hopefully together you can find a way for them to represent their culture in a way that is not offensive to others, especially your customers.
ReplyDeleteHi Monique, I should say sometimes passive aggressive way is more difficult to handle than direct discrimination and insulting words. Working with people who have discrimination towards co-workers, it will make team work getting harder. I liked the idea that you are having a day to show off your own cultures, and I do believe it is a good way for people really get to know each other visually and directly. We have a day called "International Day" in our school, when you can share your home culture with the other families and staff at school. It is a wonderful idea that everybody is involved, and tries to help each other out. People get more and more open minded in those events too. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMonique, What a discussion? To be honesty I am still confused. I am not sure what attire is “Southern redneck” attire. And I don’t understand how it would be offensive to “black” people unless it is their intention to do so. Doing your meeting with your staff maybe you could remind everyone that we need to keep in mind that we need to respect each other and our families along with ensuring that we are share attributes that can enhance each other.
ReplyDeleteWow Monique! This sounds like it could be a serious issue. I'm glad you brought it up. I too am confused... What exactly is southern red neck attire? White sheets and hoods as with the KKK? Yikes! I hope not! I have thought a lot about when a family's culture is not conducive to well-being of the child, a peaceful classroom environment, and/or others in the class. Can hatred and domination of others be a cultural characteristic for some cultures? Is this what these ladies are getting at, or are their intentions actually benign? I too would be interested in how your conversation with them goes. With respect, I wish you strength and wisdom as you move forward with this. Thanks again for sharing. Dot
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