Running Head Reflective Journal Diversity Profile Week 2

Running Head Reflective Journal Diversity Profile Week 2

Week 2 Assignment: Reflective Journal: Who Am I? The Journey Continues Alexis Lowe EDUC 6164: Perspectives On Diversity and Equity Walden University Professor Wendy McCarthy July 8, 2020 Despite black women having greater aspirations to lead and often outwork or even outperform their white counterparts, much research has found that as a black african-american woman we often experience numerous barriers to advancement when it comes to promotions, training, advancement and support. According to Kells McPhillips (2020) there is a lack of diversity among the people who hold the most power in the United States simply because the needs of black people are often ignored. A few personal experiences with power and the power structure inherent in dominant cultures are going into certain stores, and being harassed.

Mainly because of the color of my skin, security assumes that I am more likely to steal. Or how realtors do not offer me the same selection of homes as white people commonly referred to as racial steering. Even more so, a personal experience of power is being pulled over by a traffic cop, but singled out because of my race and the car I drive.Nonetheless, I have also experienced power when it came down to receiving a promotion in my workplace. Even though I qualified for the position just the same as any other racial group, I was denied the promotion simply because the company couldn’t have a black woman as the face of the company. These are just a few examples of power that I believe white people and people of power take advantage of every day.

Time after time black young women have come back empty handed or cheated while the white women or males get the job, apartment and the best car deal. When discussing my family culture and dominant cultures one connection among them is the need to feel we are one big family. During times of national holidays or international crises, my family loves to come together with great strength and unity. One thing I have noticed about the dominant culture here in America is how much they value Patriotism for their earned status, individualism, self-reliance and independence which they deem necessary in order to survive and prosper in the American society. Another connection between my family culture and the dominant culture is time orientation.

I have been taught not only by my family, but also society how important it is to value punctuality. The dominant culture has taught us “time is money” something we continue to instill into our children by scheduling their days in and out of school. Even more so, the dominant culture focuses on the future, and we instill this into our children by encouraging them to delay gratification, earn good grades, or even save their money. Moreover, one way in which I am not a part of a dominant culture is because I do not fear conflict. According to the article of Gita & Maggie (2014) those who identify themselves as part of a dominant culture are afraid of conflict and tend to either ignore it or run away from it.

My family culture has taught me to see conflicts as an opportunity for deeper understanding, relationship building and positive organizational change. Another way I know I am not a part of a dominant culture is the belief that there is only one right way to do things and once people are forced into seeing the “right way” they will eventually see the light and learn to adopt it. Being raised in a predominantly black neighborhood and home we were taught to accept there are numerous ways to get to the same goal. And we should never assume that we know what is best for the next person. Finally, consequences of my experiences with cultural discontinuity in my own life or in the lives of members of my family is being judged for not remaining a virgin until marriage.

My parents barred my sister and I from activities of dating, sexual intercourse or even talking to boys until marriage because they deemed it to be a sin or activities that only two loving adults would do. Versus in the dominant culture we were forced to unlearn that sort of behavior as the social value of sexual abstinence before marriage has steadily declined. Another consequence of my experience with cultural discontinuity in my own life or in the lives of members of my family is behaving as spoiled kids or immature. This sort of behavior is accepted in children, but not appropriate for adults as we are seen as emotionally stuck in a place or even worse perceiving the world through the lens of unsatisfied needs.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of identity and cultural experiences within the context of diversity presents significant insights into societal structures and personal journeys. The reflective process unveils how individual identities are shaped by social, cultural, and systemic influences, often intersecting with issues of power, privilege, and discrimination. This paper critically examines the multifaceted qualities that define personal identity, the influence of dominant cultures, and the implications of cultural discontinuity, with a focus on racial and social justice in America.

One of the prominent themes in understanding identity relates to how societal perceptions and structural inequalities influence personal experiences. Black women, for example, often aspire to leadership roles yet face systemic barriers such as limited access to promotions, training, and support, partly due to racial and gender biases (McPhillips, 2020). Personal anecdotes underscore these realities, including encounters with racial profiling, discriminatory practices in housing—commonly known as racial steering—and adverse interactions with law enforcement. These experiences exemplify the pervasive nature of power dynamics rooted in racial hierarchies.

The interplay of culture and identity reveals a dichotomy between familial and societal influences. The familial emphasis on unity during national crises reflects collectivist values, contrasting with the dominant American culture’s emphasis on individualism, patriotism, and self-reliance. These contrasting values manifest in behaviors like punctuality and time orientation, with the dominant culture emphasizing efficiency and future planning, often encapsulated in the adage ‘time is money’ (Gita & Maggie, 2014). Conversely, cultural values centered on community and relational understanding foster a different approach to conflict—seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than avoidance.

Additionally, cultural discontinuity significantly impacts life outcomes and self-perception. For instance, strict parental norms around premarital abstinence stem from cultural and religious values but can lead to feelings of judgement and social exclusion in mainstream American society, where sexual freedom is more broadly accepted. This cultural gap often results in feelings of being misunderstood and stigmatized, influencing personal behaviors and emotional well-being. For families, such discontinuities can generate conflicts, misunderstandings, and emotional dissonance, affecting individual growth and societal integration.

Addressing these disparities requires systemic and cultural reforms. Implementing policies that promote racial equity in employment, law enforcement, and housing is critical. For instance, bias training for law enforcement officials and anti-discrimination laws can mitigate racially biased interactions, fostering trust and safety. Educational reforms should incorporate multicultural curricula that acknowledge and celebrate diverse histories and experiences, thereby reducing cultural discontinuity and fostering mutual understanding (Tyler et al., 2008). Furthermore, community-based programs that encourage dialogue among different cultural groups can promote empathy and bridge divides.

In conclusion, understanding identity within the framework of cultural diversity highlights the importance of recognizing systemic inequalities and personal narratives. Embracing multiculturalism, promoting equity, and fostering inclusive policies are essential steps toward a more just and cohesive society. The ongoing journey of self-awareness, advocacy, and systemic reform is vital for dismantling barriers to equal opportunity and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued (Deaux, 2001). Only through such comprehensive efforts can the overarching goals of social justice and racial equity be achieved, fostering a society where diversity is not merely tolerated but celebrated.

References

• Deaux, K. (2001). In J. Worell (Ed.), Encyclopedia of women and gender. Academic Press.
• Gita, M., & Maggie, H. (2014). Understanding cultural perceptions of conflict. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 45(3), 344–359.
• McPhillips, K. (2020). Black Women are routinely denied positions of power in America and there are consequences. Partee-Gulati, G., & Potapchuk, M. (2014). Paying attention to white culture and privilege: A missing link to advancing racial equity. Journal of the Foundation Review, 6(1), 25-37.
• Tyler, K. M., Uqdah, A. L., Dillihunt, M. L., Beatty-Hazelbaker, R., Conner, T., Gadson, N., & Stevens, R. (2008). Cultural Discontinuity: Toward a Quantitative Investigation of a Major Hypothesis in Education. Educational Researcher, 37(5), 298–310. https://doi.org/10.3102/x