Discussion Prompt​: Based on class discussions, readings in and outside of class, and your

professional experience as an educator, reflect on your own beliefs, perspectives and values
related to culture and education. How do you feel about colorblindness? What approach to
race do you take in your classroom? Please use your own classroom as a reference point.
Have your perspectives changed? Why? What will you do as a result? Share your ideas.

Post
During my time as an educator, I have definitely had to face and form my own beliefs and values regarding
race, ethnicity, and culture. Being a white, middle class female, I fall into the category referenced in the Week 2
Lecture. Having been born and raised in a small town in the Midwest, and then attending college and
beginning my career in education in the same area, I was surrounded by colleagues and students “like me.” As
I reflect on my upbringing and education, I struggle to determine if my initial beliefs and values supported color
blindness. Growing up, I was taught about equality, to accept everyone and treat everyone equally. My first
years of teaching were not spent focused on race, ethnicity, or culture - of myself or of my students or
colleagues. My perspectives and experiences have changed since moving to Southern California and living
and teaching in a diverse environment. I love teaching and interacting with such a diverse group of students.
Having had the opportunity to teach in such a diverse district has opened my eyes and I truly think I would
struggle to teach again in a place not as diverse. However, I do connect with the “white anxiety” that Strauss
references in her article. I am much more aware of myself and the impact that I have on my students and
families. As a school staff, we often have conversations about culture and what that means for our students
and families. As a school site, we work hard to be culturally competent and celebrate our differences as well as
the differences of our students and families. These conversations and reflections are at the forefront for me
now, as I interact with people from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures on a daily basis. I feel so strongly
that each student and family in my classroom, and his/her unique culture, brings a valuable experience to our
classroom team. My students represent many races, ethnicities, and cultures and, as I build relationships with
my students and families, I become more aware of the intricacies of my students’ ethnicities and cultures. As I
read through Pratt-Johnson’s six cultural differences, I connected my experiences with my students and
families, especially with thinking about non-verbal communication I observe.

I don’t see color blindness as a positive way to approach life or education. I really connected with Kajitani when
he said that talking about race and ethnicity is not racism. Embracing differences in race, ethnicity, and culture
has led me to live a fuller life. I am by no means culturally competent and I am striving to always reflect on my
practices. I learn something new from my students and families and staff on a daily basis.

Response
Hi Janet! I enjoyed reading your post, thank you for sharing. My perspective also changed dramatically when I
moved to California. As a white female who was born and raised in the Midwest, I often wonder how my
culturally diverse students and families perceive me. Several of my students and their families have recently
moved to the United States. I always strive to build relationships with my students and their families and I end
up learning so much from them.