I would describe dysconscious racism as the being content with the way

things are which includes accepting perceptions, attitudes, expectations, and. views

that rationalizes inequity and manipulation by tolerating the existing order of

things as given. Once as a child, maybe around nine years ago, I moved from

Miami with my mother to live with my grandmother. Now moving to Alabama in a

town where the population is in the hundreds was a hard transition coming for

someone from a big city like Miami. Living in such a melting pot like Miami, I

cant vividly recall experiencing any racism. Not saying it didnt exist I just dont

recall it.

At my school in Miami, I was in the top classes because I was classified as

gifted. Being a little smart black girl was normal in Miami, not so normal in this

new small town. My first two weeks of school I just remember thinking wow this

work is easy. I went home and told my mom I was bored in class. She went the

school and come to find out I was in the lowest class in my grade level. My mom

had to get all my documentation from Miami to move me, which is crazy because

they didnt ask for any of that documentation before they gave me my classroom

placement. Once I got in my right classes I made it a goal of mine to always

attempt to outscore everyone in my classroom, which I often did. If this happens

again I know to always work hard, even if that means always being hard on

yourself. Having knowledge and being sensitive to other culture will help construct
a more culturally responsive country. Once others can respectful accept the

difference of their fellow man this country can become stronger and become the

great it never was for minorities.

Regarding sexual and gender diversity, what assumptions about LGBTQ students

do we need challenge for students to feel welcomed and recognized in their

schools?

One thing teacher need to be aware of for LGBTQ students is their interaction with

other students. Do they seem as if they have anxiety or are intimidated by other

students? Teachers need to closely examine students behavior and mannerisms to

see if they are being bullied. Teachers should always regularly remind students the

important of respecting others differences.

It was so refreshing watching the Mirrors of Privilege and hearing a narrator

speak so compassionately about the oppression of other this country was built on.

Other times I feel as though I cant talk to my Caucasian female friends about my

daily struggles as an African American in society. They cant relate. I think if

others would take time to consider the pain and suffering minorities have felt in

this land of the free. During the election complain, many of my Caucasian friends

would post Make America Great Again. My issue with that phrase was when was it

ever great. When Africans were stolen, and forced to be servants. When African
American were not given equal opportunity (and still not) of the dominant culture.

As stated in the voice thread I think teachers should be given the freedom to decide

the best way to teach their students. All teachers have a good idea what kind of

students they want to send out into the world, so therefore they should be given the

chance to create the blueprint. The challenges facing English learners, African

American students, and indigenous students in schools are similar because both

students deal with not being a part of majority or dominant culture. All students in

these three groups may be isolated depending on the demographics of the schools.

I also would suspect that the academic struggles and lack of access/resources

would be the same for all three groups of students. The different may be the

severity of academic struggles students may face due to their English proficiency.

Labeling your classroom, incorporating more hand gestures, and providing short

concise instructions may help these students in the classroom.