Pictures of some of the places that I have visited

This one is from the streets of Catania, Sicily. 

This one is from the local market  in Sicily.

This is a geyser from reykjavik, Iceland.

The reason I posted this one is to show that Iceland has no trees.

This is the famous blue lagoon from Iceland.  Its an outdoor lagoon that people bathe in 20 degree weather.  Its really blue and its an amazing place. 

The above picture, is the picture of the famous Gulfoss waterfall.  It was such a great experience to visit it.  Its a huge part of the Icelanders.

This is the picture of the local orphanage in Sicily. The kids were nice and so welcoming to us americans.  The were so eager to learn the american language as we were to learn Italian.  It wa s a fun and rewarding experience.  We ate their foods, and we made them our famous burgers. 

My Experience at a local store today

Today I had a bad experience with someone at the store and I was talking Spanish to my mother on the phone. I walked by a few guys, and as they heard me talking Spanish one of them shouted: "speak English you are in America". I was really upset at his comment, because it showed how ignorant he was. I am sure he thought that either I didn't speak any English or that I was not going to go confront me and let him know that he was very rude and ignorant for saying such remark. Now I wondered at that moment, why is he living in a state that very militant and diverse? He should be used to listening all types of languages. We are surrounded by Philippines, Samoans, Hispanics and even Germans. So why was he so ignorant to say such condescending statement? I am not sure, but I wonder if he was raised in a very rural town which you don't really see cultural diversity. Which leads me to believe that he was raised to tolerate other cultures but not accept them.


Reference:

Agius, E.; Ambrosewics, J (2003). Towards a Culture of Tolerance and Peace. Retrieved on May 31, 2012 from http://www.ibcr.org/editor/assets/thematic_report/5/2003_tolerance_peace.pdf

Mommy they look different....

Are you worried of how your children might approach someone who looks different at a store? At times little ones say things that are completely in the innoncent side, they are just letting you know that they see someone who looks different then them.  This is why teaching the children from an early age about a cultural program can only bring positive results.  Children at 4 might see someone and ask, mom why are they that color? or why is their hair different than mine? Its a natural question (Cetina, T. 2012), but if the schools can help introduce a diversity program, perhaps the children wouldnt be oblivious to the diversity around them.  How about when children at a younger age use racism slurs at such early age.  I remember when someone in the sixth grade told my daughter that she was a taco.  This really upset her and she addressed it to me.  I explained the ignorance behind it and told her if it happened to her again to please let me know so we can go to the school together.  This young kid assumed that all hispanics backgrounds were the same, he didnt know that being a latino meant diversity of its own. Children are smamrt and they would notice that someone is darker skin or that someones eyes look different, but if they are taught from an early age, then they will treat and develop friendships with people and respect their values rather than how they look (2012).  Its very important that we push our children away from racism, we live in a diverse world and racism would bring so much anger into their hearts.  

Reference;

Cetina, T.(2012).  Culture Blind.  Retrieved on May30th from the Kaplan University Online Library

Peoples views in the matter

As I was researching about cultural diversity I was floored from reading the comments that the viewers were leaving. The article was about a professor who believed that teaching children about diversity its important. Parents and readers were posting some really condescending comments. One thinks that by incorporating such program that this is the reason why so many immigrants are coming to the US, because America allows anyone to enter. Another one commented that this is why the welfare system is so high and one posted that the reason her son wasn't learning was because the teachers was focusing more on the students that didn't really understand English. I think that this is ignorance, but that is my opinion in the matter. Reference:

great schools staff (1998-2012).  How important is cultural diversity in your school? Retrieved on May     30, 2012 from http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/284-cultural-   diversity-at-school.gs

A professors thought about cultural diversity

A clinical professor believes that children from different cultures  who work side by side with one another can really benefit from their differences and they can learn how to perform in a multicultural environment .   She states that there should be rules established in the classroom to have zero tolerance on disrespect towards one another, she even believes that the principals should be involved as well and let the kids speak their minds in a healthy manner.  Most importantly, she thinks that incorporating a program in the school system would be a good idea but it shouldn't be a onetime deal  (great schools staff 1998-2012). 

Reference:

great schools staff (1998-2012).  How important is cultural diversity in your school? Retrieved on May     30, 2012 from http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/284-cultural-   diversity-at-school.gs

Culture Diversity in the UK

In the UK the early age schools have introduced different ways to introduce culture diversity to the kids.  They have done this by introducing all types of arts, music and even dance.  At times they would even have a buffet with all different kinds of food from different cultures.  This helps the kids learn about the food and the music that other cultures listen too.  Do you think that this is a good idea?

Reference:

London,  J. (1997-2012). Cultural Diversity in the Early Years Retrieved on May 27, 2012 from                  http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/resources/articles/cultural-diversity.html        

Teaching Culture

Do you think that teaching children about all types of music, art and different traditional plates of food would help a child understand their culture and even appreciate a different one?