In reading these articles, I've been thinking about my mom and the stories she's told me about growing up in Tampa, FL. Her last name was Gomez, and my grandfather was Spanish, but my mom and her three sisters did not learn a word of the Spanish language (except when my grandfather cursed at them!) My grandmother was a country girl from rural Georgia, spoke no Spanish, and felt that Spanish-speakers were cliquish (because they were having conversations she couldn't understand.) She would not allow Spanish to be spoken in her home. At school, all the white kids thought my mom was Hispanic based on her last name and olive complexion, so they avoided her. The Hispanic kids tried to speak Spanish to her, but she didn't understand, so to them she was white. She was caught in between two cultures, not "belonging" to either. I doubt either of my grandparents were any help to her in processing the situation.
It's clearly important to be culturally-sensitive to those who have a well-defined sense of identity, especially if it conflicts with or is marginalized by the dominant culture. But how do we also help the castaway kids -- the ones who don't fall squarely in any group -- find their place?
marisa
Comments (4)
That is a great question Marisa! It also begs the question of who else is getting lost in the shuffle? Also I wonder if those making up the "castaways" are in a constant state of change? How different will that group look 10, 20 years from now?
Posted by Christy Forrest | June 15, 2009 9:01 PM
Posted on June 15, 2009 21:01
In response to Marisa, I can certainly identify with your mother's feeling of being a "castaway" or "not belonging." As a minority male, working in a professional setting, I too, find myself navigating between two distinct cultural systems. When I go to work,I have to shift into the mind-set of the predominantly, white culture, in which I am working. However, when I come home, I have to remain "black enough" to relate to "June Bug" who lives "in the hood" with me.
Johnny Smith
Posted by Johnny Smith | June 16, 2009 5:19 AM
Posted on June 16, 2009 05:19
In response to Marisa, I can certainly identify with your mother's feeling of being a "castaway" or "not belonging." As a minority male, working in a professional setting, I too, find myself navigating between two distinct cultural systems. When I go to work,I have to shift into the mind-set of the predominantly, white culture, in which I am working. However, when I come home, I have to remain "black enough" to relate to "June Bug" who lives "in the hood" with me.
Johnny Smith
Posted by Johnny Smith | June 16, 2009 5:19 AM
Posted on June 16, 2009 05:19
Such a relevant issue. We live in a fantastic time when kids with blended cultures can even dream of becoming the president!
Was your mom's experience in school reflective of her interaction with the students or the teachers as well?
Is there a curriculum for castaway kids? Can Math and Science be more inclusive? Do we get rid of all ceremonies in fear that they may conflict with someones previous experiences? How can we do better?
Danielle
Posted by Danielle | June 16, 2009 12:40 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 12:40