Saturday, June 2, 2012

I can accept others


The ism that I have experienced in my personal life is my religious beliefs.  I chose to go to Church and I hold my religious beliefs tightly.  Some people feel that I don’t understand or accept specific groups of people.  They feel that they have to act and talk differently around me.  Some hold the stereotype that I will judge them for the actions they take or choices they make.   Emotionally this affects me in that I feel left out and not trusted.  People have not taken the time to get to know me for who I am.  Cognitively I understand they are basing their knowledge of me based a stereotype they have from the media or past experiences with others.  Physically I am worn down by having to work harder to get others to accept me or get to know who I am and what I stand for.

The consequences that I see affecting the children and families in which I work with is they may not trust me with family issues.  A gay/lesbian family might not disclose their situation for fear of me trying to burn them at the stake.  I want families to know that yes I am a religious person and I don’t participate in certain life styles but I do accept that others may.  I can be trusted and I try not to judge others for their life choices.  The children may be taught to keep parts of their lives secret from me.  Their parent may be afraid of what I may say or do if “secrets” are reveled.  All families regardless of their life choices are welcome and will be accepted.  
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2 comments:

  1. Rica.Bonin.June 3, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    Leslie,

    Religion is a very touchy subject and area in our world. One would think that since there are so many different religions like there are cultures that people would be more accepting but then just like biases towards cultures because of a lack of understanding the same happens with religions.

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  2. DeniceJune 3, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Leslie,

    Thank you for sharing your story with us. Religion is a very touchy subject because I was taught that being gay,or lesbian is against all rules of the bible. I am Non-Denomanation but I don't agree with that because I believe all people have the right to love and be with who ever makes them happy and we should not judge. I try my hardest to keep that in mind we are only responsible for our own individual souls and people fro different cultures come to America to be able to have the same opportunities as anyone else and the same to other people that experience certain types of "isms."

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Personal Childhood Web

Mom-My mother
Influence: showed me a love of learning that has lasted a life time. She would have “Tea Parties” with me but insisted on real food not pretend. She would read to us each night and tuck us in. She showed her love and affection by being there and showing me how to make it on my own. Her impact on my life is ongoing. She is still guiding me to be a better and stronger person.

Dad: My birth father
Influence: taught me that continuing your education may be tough but is always worth the effort. He would take me on camping trips each summer and road trips to historical places. He always called me “sis”. His influence takes me to historical sites. I have an appetite for history.

Don: My step-dad (Dad)
Influence: taught me that hard work was important in life. He taught me how to drive my first stick shift. He moved me back and forth to college many times without question. He considered me his own and became my father when mine abandoned me. He still checks in on me and makes sure my head is on straight.

Grandma D: Paternal Grandmother
Influence: she taught me how to be a “proper” young lady. I remember how I should behave to this day. She showed me how to make ordinary everyday things into magical paths to the imaginary world. A refrigerator box could be a house, doctor’s office, fort, or a cave below hundreds of feet. She showed me how to cook and sew so I could be a good wife. Though she is not with me now I still can look at a plain item and imagine where it could lead me.

Grandma Z: Maternal Grandmother
Influence: taught me that women could be fierce and independent. She loved flowers and taught me a love of them as well.