Reflection #20

Intersexuality is when a person is born with two gentiles, and posses the chromosomes of both male and female, which is also known to many as hermaphrodites. Parents, who have these children with this born at birth; therefore, often omit one of the genitals to allow the child to become either male, or female,. Their choice of schooling is suggested having home-schooling to cause the child scrutiny in the public school system. Thus, there are some parents who allow their children in public school to have a normal environment. On the other hand, transsexuality is when the person feels that they are in the wrong body, and transform their sexual organs from male to female, or vice versa. These individuals are known to have gender identity disorder, and they are more common to undergo surgery and have sexual change surgeries. Individuals who dress in the opposite sex attire are known as transvestitism. Transgender people adjust their new identity fairly well, sometimes heterosexual people are involved with transgender people, and remain heterosexual, yet the misconception many have is that the person involved with a transgender is homosexual. In the study I have learned the difference between the intersexuality and transgender, I have been aware of this information prior to being introduced to the study, yet I learned the difficult challenges that one faces when they becoming aware of their diverse lifestyle. Perhaps the most surprising information that I stereotyped, but found to be knowledgeable was that those involved with transgender or transsexual can have a normal relationship with a heterosexual. Homosexuality has come to my attention that the American society is not ready, nor comfortable with idea of that type of change, and is accepted to diversity, but not in the matter of transexuality.

Reflection #19

Homosexuality has become a controversial topic for the American society because most Americans are part of a religious denomination, and forbids homosexuality in their religious group; moreover, it introduces children to an unorthodox lifestyle that is not perceived well with Americans. They are uncomfortable with homosexuality because it crosses the path of religion, and defeats religious purposes of marriage between a man and woman.

In my opinion, I believe that homosexuality is a choice and it is not a genetic disorder as many speculate in recent studies because of the mere implication of teenagers being introduced to it by sexual activity and hormonal urgency. It is a sensitive topic among many and although it is a different lifestyle, it allows one to appreciate the diversity in an individual. I was not exposed to homosexuality, until I reached in my freshman year of high school. I had to change my mind-frame and the naïve knowledge I had prior to knowing about this topic In recent years as I have become knowledgeable about homosexuality, and like many, I am not comfortable with homosexuality; I have come to accept it. Homosexuality has become a topic that has shifted from homosexuality being a possible genetic trait within a person from a choice within peoples’ lives. As many are conducting a study to understand the concept behind homosexuality, there are some misconceptions of homosexuality, such as homosexuality is contagious. In addition to, homosexuality being a sensitive topic within the household, many children are also knowledgeable about homosexuality and its affliation,there have even been children as young as nine to admit they are homosexual; sometimes If a guy has a small characteristics of a woman they are often told they are homosexuals, such as their feature,walk,or voice. Personally, I try to accept people for who they are as a person, not for their personal sexual orientation because we are all human, and we ultimately control what we as individuals believe is moral.

Reflection #18

In the Tales of two Islands, the common thread for the countries of Cuba and Haiti are both citizens of these countries are treated maliciously by their government, and are in the quest to find freedom for their families. The Cuban immigration centered on Cuba citizens emigrated to American, specifically Miami, Florida to escape the dictatorship of their former president Batista, but he was later overthrown by Fidel Castro in the 1950’s. Throughout the 1950’s the Castro regime took away freedom from the citizens in Cuba; limiting them to the amenities they once enjoyed. In 1959, an estimated 124,000 Cubans were living in the United States, those who were in exile had fled the country that they once loved; subsequently, many homes were confiscated by the Cuban government. In 1994, President Clinton signed the wet-feet, dry-feet policy for Cuban immigrants; however, the Haitian Immigrants would have to fight for their rights to live in American, prior to what the Cubans had dealt with during the beginning of the Fidel Castro’s regime.
In 1957 after President Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier brutalized the citizens of Haiti, even in 1967 many were executed by the president, after Francois passed his son Jean- Claude resumed his father’s mistreatment of the island people. More than 55, ooo people of Haitian descendants exiled from the Duvalier’s’ governs for the better life in Florida. In September 1981, President Regan signed the Alien Migrant Interdiction Operation, which helped Haitians have temporary placement in the United States. In 1990 Jean-Bertrand Aristide became prime minster of Haiti, but was later overthrown.
Throughout the early 1990’s into the late 1990’s laws were placed on the president’s desk, house and senate but later denied. The treatment towards the Cuban community and Haitian community are similar, yet different, and a conflict among Americans, who believe neither, should be given the rights to stay because it is illegal, on the other hand, many believe that this country needs multiple countries of diversity. Either country should resolve the problems that divides, and allow immigrants to have a voice and place in the American society because American was founded by immigrants.

Reflection #17

There is only one race as explained during class, the human race which everyone is apart of regardless of the ethnicity; however, in modern terminology the ethnicity of someone goes onto become race in today’s society Through history it divided people because of there skin tone, which is known as racism.

In the understanding of history, race and racism are the pivotal role behind minority groups being targeted both historically and currently that plagues America. Some of the most unprecedented racism against a cultural group includes slavery and the holocaust. In dealing with racism many people were subjected to several types of racial prejudice, individually some included Emmett Till and Rosa Parks, as some of the most influential people particularly within the African-American ethnicity that opened others eyes. Pillars of racial bigotry formed an alliance that scorned, belittled anyone that was not white Anglo Saxon protestant, this group evolved through two centuries beginning with slaves and continues to this day in minimal amount, called KLU KLUX KLAN, but the climax of this group was during the Plessey vs. Ferguson case, and the civil rights movement.

According to James Jones, “…defined as inferior by individuals and institutions with the intentional or unintentional support of the entire culture”, Ethnocentrism, gives power of superiority to one culture, and degrades another cultural group. The KKK, is an epitome of ethnocentrism against black, jews,and other cultural groups that were not Anglo; even in the law enforcement and high positions their power of authority allowed them to ridiculously charge an innocent person because of their stereotypical character that was enforced when blacks were treated unfairly; ultimately, the law has a strong voice that even the highest position demonstrated racism.

Historically, race and racism shows that race has always been involved in American’s view, yet even my the smallest means when we are subconscious prejudicial ideas and views about people or things that are uncommon and unusual.

Reflection of Emmett Till

In retrospect of the event that started the civil rights movement, Emmett Till’s story allows one to gain understanding of how racial tension was represented in the 1940-1960’s. An adolescent male’s behavior was the source behind a brutal murder that awoke the nation that would forever change the course of African-Americans in America. Emmett Till’s story signified how far hatred can rise by the simplest measures of a common gesture used among men when they find women attractive. Emmett Till’s case and story opened the doors to the civil rights movement, but unfortunately he paid a heavy price that is incomprehensible that would allow others their freedom of racism in America. As Emmett’s mother described the graphic torture of her son’s body of mutilation and indescribable treatment towards her son like his body set on fire and thrown into a river, all due to racial segregation and laws that were not constitutional at that time. In the Video, Emmett Till: the untold story, there was a candid approach to how he was a typical teenager to a racial targeted victim. It represented in many ways that segregation was very present at that time, and that not even a teenager was secure to be themselves in front of others who were against African-americans.In the fury of a child’s death, and the concern within the black community, adult white men were praised and cheered on as they were acquitted for a hate crime to remind many that it was prejudicial issue that plagued the nation, yet it was Emmett Till case, that allowed african-americans to stand-up for the hatred to cease. The case allowed these white men to be heroes instead of murderers, in which after the case voices of cries for a change led the nation to Rosa Parks, 100 days later, and Dr. King in the 1960s’. African-American Ultimately, giving a long-awaited voice to those who were degraded, and dehumanized because of their skin color. Emmett Till’s life was shortened by racism and opened doors for a culture, although his untimely death was to make a statement, no human on earth should have suffered at the hands of what this fifteen-year-old teenager was subjected to, and his killers exonerated because of their race in the end, a life was taken, and race was a role inthe murder.

Reflection #16

The Genocide and ethnic cleansing of Darfur, yugslavia, and other countries; this crime has become historical situation that remains present in existing countries today. It started in 1915 with of the Armenians by the Turks, and the current genocide of Darfur. In the center of the ethnocentrism is a direct correlation between these countries. There are children as young as seven years old being murdered over their position of being involved in the genocide of their own culture. Europeans do not treat African descent as equals, as they tend to separate themselves from the Africans, same as the Egyptians’ do not consider themselves Africans either. Europeans degrades against other groups, such as native, Hispanic, and Asian Americans.
Kofi Annan, believes that Rwanda is a prime example of genocide, and in most recent years Darfur has plagued the world with its numerous killings against Kosovo, serbs, and Bosnians. In the ethnic cleansing people lost their homes and belongings because they were forced out by their enemies. “Tens of thousands of women were raped, some of them more than a hundred times, while their sons and husbands were tortured in concentration camps like Omarska and Manjaca”. The current situations of these countries are being compared to the holocaust against the Jewish people, and how the Nazi’s tortured and killed many Jewish people, including the mentally challenged.
The insights that has helped me understand the history and current situations of genocide and ethnic cleansing is,in the history of other countries war has contributed to the genocide and ethnic cleansing of many countries, and it continues to exist in today’s poorest countries; even in the smallest manner there is even ethnocentrism in the American society, which is apart of the prejudice of ethnic groups, one culture thinks that their group is “superior to other cultures”. As it is known the American culture is Macro culture simply because America is diverse by culture allowing many to understand others, or form perceptions of others, but ethnic cleansing and genocide allows Americans appreciate what is in America.

Reflection #15

In one of the most devasting attacks on a culture, the holocaust has remained a cultural tragedy in the history of the world against the human race. However, as the photographs, stories, and numerical markings on the victims presented throughout the decades that they lived to tell their stories; there are those who speculate the holocaust did not occur. As the millions of people suffered at the hands of one man’s cruel idea to wipe out anyone that did not fit-in the blues eyes, blonde hair category; consequently, Adolf Hitler influenced high law enforcement officers, including the Nazi party, and formed an alliance against those who were Jewish, gypsies, and anyone else that were not in his category to callously murder them under various outrageous circumstances. Although the torture of the Jewish culture was in the most staggering numbers of an estimated six million, there were others that were murdered. Ironically, Adolf Hitler did not fit into the category of the blue eyed, blonde hair; which so many wonder why did he posses an enormous amount of hatred towards a certain group of humans? “The Nazis began to put into practice their racial ideology” by 1933 and by 1945 Hitler began to dominate and initialize the order of his prejudices’.
In the understanding behind the holocaust, many people were subjected to prejudice of one man’s hatred, and eagerness to dominate a country; Hitler used his power of government to belittle a culture that he disliked. In those who were apart of this horrific part of history, it was a surreal experience; believing that one man can dominate and destroy a human race, yet for those who believed that this event did not occur allows one to only realizes if it did not occur because it was fabricated their accusations are absurd. The photos and people’s lives, including family members that survived are actual evidence to rationale the holocaust. In the evidence proven to those who do not believe are in denial stage due to their experiences, and their generation of the stories of survival, or the deaths of relatives and friends; in retrospect the history behind the holocaust it is how the story is passed down, and the generation gap in between the times it occurred, it is based on experiences of situation whether one will believe, or deny.

Hispanic Heritage Event

Mexican Mariachi Band
In honor of Hispanic heritage month, Miami Dade College hosted an event that celebrated the enrichment of a culture that is becoming prevalent in America’s melting pot of all the diversities that graces Americans. The Hispanic heritage celebration focused on music, dance, and poetry that invite everyone to enjoy even if you did not speak the native language of Spanish. In the diversity of their own culture, which includes afro-Cuban, Puerto Rican- Mexican, and others, they celebrate their own sub-cultural influences merging them with influences that are brought to America. The event highlighted poetry from Adrian Castro and Miami Dade’s own faculty member Geoffrey philp, some of his works included poetries called Bachata and Miami; he said “most of my poetry is inspired by the diversity in Miami”. In true, Latin style nothing is finalized without music, and the beautiful sound of the Latin Jazz band of Kiki Sanchez Project; the instruments of the piano, guitar, and bongo drums fill the stage with rhythmic eagerness to dance at a fiesta. The Miami Mexican Mariachi band played traditional regional Mexican music; their voices powerful and rigid with the songs they gravitated throughout the room. The dances of the New World School of the Arts students introduced Afro-Cuban, flamenco and salsa added spice to the event. The inspirational event shines a light on the diversity within the Hispanic culture; like every culture music, food and poetry is an element in the pieces that molds the culture to make its own unique creation. As the event showed diversity in different elements, and allowed others to become aware of what the growing number of minority groups formed representing who they are and where they come from.

Reflection #14

The word Prejudice has been around since the 19th century, it relates to a person being dehumanized against because of certain attributes that is in correlation to a person, such as gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and disability. There are two types of prejudice that focus on the learning aspect: unintentional and intentional prejudice. The unintentional prejudice,” These types of actions do not allow the observer to really know the intentions of a person”. They are unconsciously aware of the magnitude that offends the person, or child, for instance, A child would appears of a different culture is represented as an outsider, and unintentially is mocked because of the heavy accent they carry from their home country. The unintentional prejudice is commonly witnessed at a young age; primarily in children in elementary school; prejudice is not tangible, it is developed through a person’s surroundings that begins in the home, and the unfamiliar people that their environment consists of altogether. Children within elementary school are prone to their feelings being deeply hurt by bulling. Sometimes, words can have a powerful meaning; therefore, without prior knowledge of their prejudice, they are able become prejudicial.
On the other hand, in the intentional prejudice, people are consciously aware of the discouraging discrimination that one is burdened with, which includes certain racial slurs that many demonstrate; In today’s society, particularly in Florida there are a growing number of Hispanic and Haitian immigrants coming to Miami, and their native language is not English, the students who barely know English are often a target for native English speakers, some racial slurs include, “Go back on the boat to Cuba” ,or you’re in America now, go learn English”. These types of prejudice among a diverse group of ethnicities are common within the community that includes cities filled with immigrants. In the cruelest manner of the prejudice is the discrimination against the Gay, Lesbian, and trans-gender community; these individuals are singled-out because of their choice to live a different lifestyle than the average family consisting of the “American family”, of the man and woman living with their children. In recent years, there is an enormous amount of prejudice about their public display of affection in front of children. This prejudice against this diverse group has caused controversy within the American society.

Reflections #13

In the understanding of ourselves, people identify this as ‘self-awareness’; in self-awareness there are components of self, which includes “self-As-object” and “Self –As-Doer”. As we learn about ‘the self’ aspect there sections of how the mind works during this process perceiving, performing, thinking, and remembering belongs with self-awareness; In self awarness,It is how one looks, feels, and thinks; it begins with the influence of the parent, or guardian, then continues into society. As a person who is developing and gathering thought of their ‘self’ as person questions arise from the ego and super-ego of the human. Self is questioned by personal Identity, personal goals, and life-style preferences. “The self has ebbed and flowed with the currents of philosophical and psychological pondering since the seventeenth century when the French mathematician and philosopher Rene Descartes first discussed the "cognito," or self, as a thinking substance”. He developed the common phrase within philosophy as “I think Therefore, I am”, which is part of developing self; meaning how one thinks of him, or herself, reality allows the thought process to react in reality. In a case such as, a student who does not score well on the FCAT test believes because he has poor reading skills, he will fail, and once he has taken the FCAT, his score reveals he failed the reading portion; that student’s thought process allowed the reality to occur. One’s self-esteem significantly identifies with the social interaction with others (external forces). Another attribute to self, is the reinventing process of self-concept and self-esteem. Self concept, “it is a social product and the self of experience made up of what really happened”, and self-esteem, is the how one feels about their selves internally, while the external force contributes to self. The idea behind self is ultimately discovering one’s true identity, and then accommodating the person’s personality to adapt to society. In finding self, we become better individuals that contribute to society and to our environments’

Reflection # 12

Freud’s theories of the components of our personality are of three stages as the human: ID, Ego, and Super – Ego. In these components there are stages of which as we mature develops throughout our lives. Freud’s theories are important to all because it starts as an infant with ID by the factor of “I want” stage, and carries into the toddler age. ID is described as the factor of urgency in the child, and our conscious minds control this portion. Through the age of four and five we start to develop the ego which is developed by the nature of our environment; therefore, we are developing our own personality as an individual; it is controlled in the conscious of who we become as indidvuals. The super-go is the conscious within; the super- ego tells us of our rights and wrongs in pondering for the decision-making process; moreover, this process elaborates further with a statement, such as “Honor Thy mother”, as the center of the decisions to be eventually initiated. There are three areas of psychosexual stages of development, the oral, anal, and phallic stage, but it is the phallic stage is the setting for the greatest, most crucial sexual conflict in Freud's model of development. On one hand, the ego is the reaction in which takes place from the external force; the results of the ID and Super-Ego relies on the ego formation to act into a reality; In the ego it is dominated by the reality of actual events, but it has to control the Id from the immediate desire of the person. There are various stages in the development of the child, which includes: oral phase, Oedipus complex, cathexis, latency period and genital period; finally, the fixation and regression periods. These are Freud’s stages of age and personality to the human.

Reflection #11

In every classroom a teachers’ non-verbal communications allows the students to understand their body language, whereas, verbal communication can show the students how the teachers’ reaction can influence the students’ performance in the academic setting. The teacher’s beliefs, values, and attitude signify a role within the classroom. The most essential element that enforces is the teacher’s attitude, espically in the classroom and during instructional time. As the teacher, attitude allows the students’ to witness what type of environment the student will be in during their time with the teacher. The attitude domain is a strong influence within the classroom, for example the students’ are disruptive to the learning environment, and classroom management is under control to a minimum ;the teacher becomes irritable, and starts to scream at his, or her students to control themselves, or face consequences. So, the teacher enforces extra assignments to their assignments tomorrow. Attitudes may convey an aggressive or enforced on positive behavior; attitude “This image might evoke feelings of anxiety, stress and nervous tension, predisposing her to study compulsively even when her efforts yield diminishing returns”. Students are positive once the teacher, remarks that the student has done well; “We like to believe that hard work always merits reward and recognition”. The teacher’s attitude impacts the students both directly and indirectly. In the case of the teacher beliefs and values are important; however, it can conflict with personal versus the career, thus it is inappropriate to combine both. Overall, attitude is an essential element in the academic setting, thus it’s important on the teacher’s part as well, and the attitude of the teacher can progress the student in the formation of their attitudes, sometimes beliefs and values also contribute to the teacher. In changing attitudes’ the teacher must have the paradigm shift mind-frame; they are to have appositive enforcement for their students, as well as, their actions on the attitudes that one carries within the learning environment. In order to change attitudes the teacher must posse the quality of positive attitude towards his or her student even when the students are at their worst, the teacher’s attitudes reflect on the teacher in the classroom.

Reflection #10

In the role of the teacher inclusion in the classroom has evolved, from a classroom of students’ that were “regular students” to regular and special education students; however, during the earlier 90’s, this was apparent in the classrooms across America. The atmosphere of diversity involved in the classroom, which included races, gender, and religion as a major aspect of the common classroom involved in the inclusion. In the 2oth century the teacher was exposed to diversity as an entity of the students’ in his or her classroom, but shortly after the inclusion process raised questions for many parents. Therefore, inclusion ceased in the classroom, and many teachers had to shift their teaching into the regular students in their classrooms. In the 21st century the process of inclusion in the classroom has resurfaced; placing students with language barriers, learning and physical disabilities returning to the classroom. As the teacher we are faced with diversity by religion, gender, and race. In most recent years, sexual orientation has also become apart of the diversity pool. In the teacher’s role it is best to be student-centured, and inclusion focuses on the aspect of the students; moreover, in the inclusion environment teacher consciously be sensitive to different discrepancies within the classroom of inclusion, such as some students have lack of confidence, or personal issues at home. In the classroom the lessons being taught through the students learning styles, and accommodate the students who are in special education. Although there are ways the teacher can direct the lesson back into a divers teaching mode; visual aids, cultural experiences, and role playing can better the lesson for the students. For the teacher who is a first-year teacher is can be something getting used to; however, it is the teacher’s job to set ground roles, and what is tolerated in the classroom related to the teachers’ expectations for their students.

Reflection #9

There are different stages in which we have awareness, which include intellectual, subconscious awareness and conscious; Awareness is a subconscious mentality, we gather knowledge through awareness and conscious, and being able to apply this to our reality and everyday lives. Awareness is everything that one is surrounded by. In the understanding of how one is able to function in his or her environment. There are two forms of conscious in the formation of the comprehension process; the conscious and subconscious of one’s understanding can derive from their conscious, or subconscious. Although the subconscious, only present in the mind; it does have a significant role in the process of awareness as it relates to collecting and restoring the information. In natural awareness we are in complete understanding. In the field of science, awareness and consciousness relates to quantum physics by relationship involved in one’s country; therefore, it has an identity with culture, and multi-cultural identification as well. As a whole we are subjected to fundamental and essential levels of awareness. Awareness is the actual process of feeling, and the perception is the element that tracts behind it. The perception of something is the conscious of reacting, and our perception of gathering the acquired knowledge all done by awareness. One can be aware of their actions, and conscious of their actions. The physics of science can allow the understanding of having awareness within in the mind, and it gives insight of the capabilities a person may have, once they are aware and conscious of their surroundings. In any event a person’s awareness and conscious allows a person to understand their personal awareness.

(Jamesetta On My Mind) music is...

Music is the sound that when you hear it your mind is at peace,it is a thing that allows one to be expressive,unique,and diverse when we listen. Music always has a message to covey.

In our darkest moments,in our happiest moments,we are surrounded by music;its apart of its own culture diverse by everyone who listens to it. Music comes in all different colors,and magnitudes:Hard, Soft,Exciting, Sadness,and even questionable! Jamesetta on my mind is completation of a woman's soft tone voice that meets the microphone with an ease.

Every song has a purposeful meaning,and a song is written for someone,or something to relate to when feeling in love,or blue. Jamesetta on my mind,signifies a person's relationship to the one can identify with in a song,and the message behind the song. Love song's can resemble one's pain,or joy;the memory of a song can even trigger the person's memory based on their feelings.
If you listen to a person's music,then that will tell you alot about that person. Music is an escape from the good, the bad,and the OKAY attitudes. It is there for you when you need to meditate, it is there when ever ything seems wrong,just by the simplest words the artist sings one can relate.

Many children grow up with an artist that they admire,and imitate,so music is a way of expressions,that a person can indentify with in many aspects. Children listen to music as a gate-way to mask their problems,or simply listen to a good artist that they can identify with.

My infulences as a child were Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey; Selena was the artist in my pre-teens that infulenced me throughout my adolecents and into adulthood. As a Female growing up it is hard to identify with one particular artist,unless the artists is EXTREMELY GOOD! Today I still listen to Selena and Jennifer Lopez as role models even as an adult;their apparent humbleness has taught me values in music,and it allows me to be positive just as Selena was,and Jennifer Lopez is;therefore, music is like Etta James voice, soft and an ease to one's ears.

A casual look

The Casual Look:Celebrities set the trends;we follow!

LATE LATIN SINGER: SELENA& HUSBAND /GUITARIST CHRIS PEREZ

The look of a celebrity,a casual look is one that we admire,we allow ourselves to immitate,as close as we can get !

The casual look of a 'puppy love',or one who is the simplest of any woman,or man. As love knows no color, or race,its the means of anyone who finds their crush attractive,yet it can be a casual look in the person's eyes.Many are quick to judge today on the "look of perfection",but there is no such thing as the perfect-look,or image,but only the casual look of a person in love. The look is a mere physical look of the clothing,the non-verbal gestures all apart of the casual look. On some standards it is the why celebrities are photographed by their every move.

JENNIFER LOPEZ,HUSBAND MARC ANTHONY,AND THEIR TWINS

As the high-culture can afford fancy attire,and extravagent trips,and buy $300 jeans,some of the middle-class society admires a person just by their attire. "Looks are everything",as some in the High-culture would say.

Showing middle and low economic status individuals that what you wear ;people in society will give a first impression , there are some people judging you by your "casual look". As trends set-in can lower clss afford sneakers that the popular cultures are wearing?, In some cases those who want to fit-in would do anything,or almost anything just to fit-in!

A casual look means everything,just to that one person,or student;impressing their peers by wearing the latest trends,common in adolesecnts,and pre-teens. Today society is no exception,even when times are tough,many still are eager to dress like the next person beside them,and allowing that to open doors for kids wanting to "dress to impression" because the casual look means something to someone in society.

(True love)Never dies

In the modern day,the Man and Woman, It is the woman and Woman,It is the Man and Man,it the transgender couple;that faces the love world head on! The power of love knows nothing when it comes to ethnic backgrounds,or gender. LOVE IS DIVERSE,LOVE never dies...at least TRUE LOVE never perishes.True Love is the manifestation of what one's heart feels, the affect it has on the person in love,can be overwhelming. In love with You...is what a person says to their significant other.Often fantazing what the person your in love with could do together.it is an embodement of the way the mind,heart,and soul works. If one can find a 'true love'it makes the search that much better because in the end your heart and mind is at peace. Many students have their first love in their youngest years,and others develop it years later. Love is word that is in everyone's vocabulary called

Here is Selena's song she wrote herself originally in spanish,but this version she performed in English,that describes how one feels when they are in love : Bidi bidi bom bom live !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN5nvuQuto4

(Raindrops) is a man's tears!

In modern times the male figure of the Household, they are dominat and a rather large figure,who's supposed to be an authority in the home and in society they are superior to women. They are known to society as Hard Individuals, who work late to provide for their families. Yet, a man's tears are not a man's tears! There comes another synoymn for this simple word that describes a weak,and fragile person; It is non-exsistant in a man's vocabulary. This term is referred to as RAINDROPS. Rarely is the head of the household even seen crying,or his eyes welding up like the river that is nearby.

In the face of the darkest times, one would try to be strong,yet women are "too emotional," The men are consolers to the woman,but instead of tears they have Raindrops that fall from their eyes. If a boy cries usually the male figure says "STOP CRYING,or STOP BEING A WUSSY"!!

A BOY,NOR THE MAN CRIES; THEY HAVE RAINDROPS AND THEY ARE DIFFERENT!!

Music and culture(the blues had a baby)

In the past music has been a powerful infulence to students, a get-away for those in trouble. The music one listen's to infulences their deminor is some form,it is how they use what they hear it react in a positive ,or negative outcome. Music transforms a person's behavior,including the person's own cultural musical infulences. Like blues, rock and roll brought stabilty and transformation among many. The genre of music's identity and expressions through has changed slightly,but like the history and current times once a genre of music has changed,or been introduced to another ethnic group,such as what Selena did with The Pretenders like culture it's exposure is widely expoused. During the late 70's and early 80's the blues were formed ,then turned into rock and roll,but in the beginning there was Smokey Robinson and Ray Charles that contributed to the BLUES,then it evolved into rock and roll.
Chrissie Hyndes of the Pretenders made a song with rock and roll infulencing many,the song made its debut in November of 1982 called "Back on the chain-gang". This song is the epitome of a rock and roll in the early 80's evolving overtime when drugs played apart in american normal society.Here is chrissie Hyndes orignal version:


During the early 90's (1994),latin singer selena coverted the song into a spanish song placed some of her own touch by turning it into a cumbia for her fans, it is called " Fotos y Recuedos: photos & memories. Today the song has gained noturity in both English and Spanish speaking fans to hear. Here is selena's version:



Rock and Roll has come far as it evolves it has turned into more of heavy metal and punk styles. some of today's artists in 2009 in rock and roll include such as Kiss and AC-DC.

Reflection #8

The influence of two cultures shaped my understanding of the middle-class society, the Jamaican culture that I was raised in. Compared to the lower-class that my parents, and the country in which they migrated from. In both cultures, as the media describes most “Islanders” are considered to be lower and middle class residents in America. In the social economic status, these cultures are introduced as the middle-class, and lower class. The media depicts “islanders” as foreigners, often requesting government assistance. My parents’ social class allows my siblings and I appreciate the simplest things in life. We were taught to value our smaller items, and give to those who are less fortunate, or even though they could afford continue to help by any means necessary. In the aspect of being a female who is of two cultures, we are depicted to be the house-oriented individual, who cooks, cleans, and provide for the children, not to mention working full-time. All of which are not a challenge in the male’s perspective in the media and within the culture itself. As the matriarch of the family we are regarded as strong-willed women who can also hold a household together. In my culture due to a strong affiliation in religion some of the prevalence among Americans today are not accepted, such as being openly homosexual, that is within my culture. However, in my perspective all should be treated as an equal, I accept a person regardless of their sexual orientation, in fact I have friends that are within this group, but my parents’ values does not condone this type of behavior due to their cultural beliefs. Their beliefs are traditional, and as they believe a man and woman should live as one. On the other hand, I believe it is beyond their decision, and everyone should be overlooked, and it is to the higher power to acknowledge what is correct, and what is inappropriate.The media scorns at homosexuality, and reinforces that those in society who are within this group, should be shunned upon. In retrospect, my social society and my gender plays an essential role in my understanding of the social class and what my parents value, and sexual orientation of those in certain cultures ,such as my own are degraded, and shunned, as I accept everyone within different communities and within society as a whole.

Reflection # 7

The rites of passage is symbolic in many cultural socities, it varies in cultures and countries. The rites of passage are significant among both genders, and their forms of traditional cultural aspects. In some cultures, for example women in the Indian cultures parents provide a wedding at an early age, and arranged marriages by age of fifteen, or sixteen years old. These are customs that is apart of their culture; therefore, and passed down to future generations. In the American and Hispanic cultures’ one of the most important part of a little girl’s custom is the sweet sixteen and quince; although similar these are coming of age parties are significant for the young girl becoming a woman; rites of passage allows the communities, tribes, and village to witness these children becoming adults. In other cultures, the boys’ are also apart of cultural customs, such as the bar mitzvah for Jewish boys. In a formal education teachers are exposed to various customs within a diverse cultural academic setting; their students will also witness classmates’ customs, and learn about the customs that their peers also have. The customs resemble ones’ culture, and incorporate their traditional ceremonies, foods, and behaviors. In the educational setting the students’ customs are merged with other cultural customs, thus learning about other cultures gives a person a sensibility of growth and knowledge. Recently in past few years, there is a prevalence of homosexuality in the American culture, although semi-acceptance with the British culture, Americans’ are not fond of the idea of same-sex, or trans-gender partnership. This unorthodox relationship, and although rare, even some children recognize this custom, which become a new custom within society.

Reflection # 6

In my opinion, I believe these students were correct in their position to defend what they believed was right. I would not have wanted to be one of the Little Rock Nine” because these students were faced with a candid reality of what racism was like during that time, it was a unmoral action of what these students had to agree to disagree with of inequality. I couldn’t have imagined the prejudice of being belittled by these armed guards just because of racial issues; I would have been in disbelief and would have fought for equality just the same. These students’ believed that they deserve an equal education as the others students; therefore, the students opposed by any means necessary to be heard both by the administration and the government. The government could have agreed with changing the law to have integrated schools; however, they choose to punish these students to prove that racial segregation was far from fair and apart of the law at that time. The vulgar language others used to belittle those students was irrepressible; consequently, the consequences of their actions of protest gave the students’ a voice to disagree of separate schools, thus in allowing others to treat them unfairly. Although African Americans were unable to voice their opinions against their choice of attending schools, and the right for a proper education their voices were not in vain of being noticed many years later, yet many of the racists decided to agree with the government; moreover, the government decided to enforce the restriction, instead of trying to solve the issue. The government was aware of the situation, even though their decision involved the Supreme Court, the most evident change was the replacement of the new government to address the issue, and blocked the students from re-protesting was no success, these students eventually got the respect they deserved. In such a case, as the Little Rock Nine were violating the law, but with perfect intentions to cease the discrimination that existed; I applaud them for their actions, protest, and resistance for equality. If these students did not become apart of equality for racism and education position the classroom would be without diversity; these students’ are brave individuals who risked their educations for a purpose.

Reflection #5

In society culture is an essential part of ones’ life; as we approach society our cultures will merge in our everyday lifestyles. Culture is learned beginning with our families and the morals they instill in us. Today culture is revolutionized in the 21st century as we merge our own cultures with other cultures by marriage, career environment, and our social lifestyles as well. Historically culture was made of a single-type of ethnic group; however, today we have a multi-cultural society; therefore, culture is becoming more acceptable in certain aspects. Culture can also be separated by socio economic status, and residency. Although a culture has its own sets of values, beliefs, and attributes, what may be considered acceptable in one culture may unacceptable in another. In the classroom setting the idea of culture merging together allows for other cultures to interact with one another, and learning about other cultures. In many instances, a person who is of middle-class society compared to a person who is finically stable by affording private school for their children. A child would feel comfortable with their peers, rather than someone who is more extravagant in their lifestyles. In some cultures, sometimes they prefer to join within their own cultures, such as when living in a neighborhood. Cultural attributes comprise grasping knowledge from one culture; applying it to other cultures, and vice versa with your own culture. Overall learning from one culture, and merge your own culture with another to strengthen your own values.

Reflection #4

In Sam’s case, the diversity class in necessary because as she enters the classroom, as a teacher she will be exposed to different diversities. The class will allow her to change her own mind-set on how to incorporate the diverse lectures to the students’ cultures, deal with the customs in each student’s culture, for example a Chinese, or Vietnamese student looking to a person’s eye would be a sign of disrespect in his, or her culture. As Sam might not realize that it is not the student; however, it is his or her culture. Sam could also learn about how to cope with a student if there is problems arise, and the student comes to her out of confidence. The diversity course will allow her to demonstrate the knowledge she has learned, and incorporate those skills into the classroom. In previous situations I’ve learned how diversity is around us consistently; in retrospect, I can relate to dealing with diversity because I have witnessed first-hand a classroom of students from different nationalities, gender, economic status, and otherwise. I can remember walking into a classroom there were children from all backgrounds: Haitian Jamaican, Hispanic, and one Chinese student. These students were all in low-income families, and their school was very out-dated; however, these students were in gifted classes. The exposure to these students allow me to understand how their diversity, and become more aware of how these students interact in the classroom. As a result, Sam will also capture how a teacher is exposed as she does her community involvement in the classroom. I am comfortable with entering a classroom that allows me to learn and interact with students from diverse backgrounds. This course will also teach me the values that each culture is unique, and the incorporation of the classroom environment will enhance the knowledge profoundly in other cultures as well. Sam will notice a variety of diverse customs, and the knowledge she gains from the diversity course will demonstrate her effectiveness as a teacher with multi-cultural students in the classroom.

Reflection#3

Paradigm is an ability to believe, or think one way; however, a paradigm shift is way of thinking on two different aspects. There are several occasions that I’ve experienced both the paradigm and paradigm shift views. Throughout my life experience I’ve dealt with the battle of learning mathematics, and due to my learning disability, I was unable to comprehend certain areas of this difficult subject. I often felt displace, and thought I would never grasp the knowledge enough to understand, and do well in this area; I often would have doubts, fears, and constant failure. Throughout my college experience I’ve gained an understanding of how mathematics works, although I realized how essential mathematics is to our daily lives, with tutorial sessions and practice, I’ve gained the necessary knowledge to enhance my weak math skills; moreover, my math is not perfect;however,I have improved tremendously. Teachers are exposed to paradigm change because they are supposed to think out of the box, rather than having one-sided opinions. In addition, today’s teachers are exposed to different personalities, religion, nationality, and experiences in the classroom. They are exposed and aware of thinking on different terms. Open minded teachers can also be helpful as they transform their thinking to a paradigm shift attitude, for example a teacher who has a variety of cultures in their classroom can help a student struggling in learning how to read in english; therefore, the teacher can use the student’s learning style to help him, or her with understanding the material better. As a result, teachers are reinforcing the paradigm shift. Teachers can be exposed to different situations in the classroom, so in order for them understand their students better, if they have a one sided way of thinking they will be unable to teach effectively. Paradigm shifts are essential to a teacher as they begin to learn about diversity in the classroom, and relating it to their students.

Reflection #2

In contrasting ways, these articles show the diversity in a person, and the positives and negatives to one’s self-image of themselves; how society views them as they transform. Transformation can alter a person’s life there are physical, mental, emotional, and psychological transformations at some point in ones’ life. An individual goes through transformation as early as five-years old adjusting to change from either a day-care to a regular school, or home life to regular schooling. There are different stages that one can allow them to transform over the years; particularly in upper level schools when children and adolescents are convinced their peers are right and parents or guardians are quick to judge. In most cases transformation is essential when a person is uncomfortable with their appearances, and their peers suggest a change rather than accepting ones’ individuality. Despite accepting their peers advice one can decipher either to be passive, or outstand their peers. Consequently by the alterations one has done to them their eagerness to please their peers’ puts a strain on their personality. Generally, the individual who has grotesque image becomes the society’s mocking target, usually results in a outcast level to be accepted, rather than a tolerance level to being an ordinary person. In pressuring, the person can face traumatic depression because a person made a comment about their style, or feature. Parents who have overweight children or teens tend to ridicule them unfortunately often parents can damage a child’s self-esteem, before reinforcing healthier eating habits. Many parents adore their children, but pressure their children to transform to be accepted into society. Transforming over the years can be a recovery process of many. Many of these people who transform themselves even by the smallest of the feature may feel confident about their overall appearance, yet these individuals spend an excessive amount of money that will give them confidence in themselves, as well as society having confidence in their appearances.

Reflection #1

In many aspects these stories reflect the past of ancient human survival skills, invention of transportation,and the use of writing for communication. Ancient humand were unknown creatures to society 200,000,000 years ago.The Era that humans were discovered in Africa they were unusual to other creatures around them. Ancient humans were not provided with shelter, or any amenities existing even a century ago. In their time the limits of survival in their surroundings were limited; essentially what they could provide as food and shelter for themselves, although finding food by hunting animals, and fishing in the ocean. Subsequently, cooking their meals by using fire would be the only source. It would be an effort for survival skills for their era in time. Another survival skill would help them find food, transportation for the hunting and fishing purposes. The invention of the wheel proved to be a challenge of getting around their tribe, village, and homes. Now the humans had shelter, food, and transportation; they needed to find a way to communicate by writing, so tribe and villages would be able share secret codes and talk miles apart. Humans evolved through a expanding change allowing ancient human to nothing, but their surroundings. Some form of communication evolved allowing for the ancient humans to communicate. As teachers’ history, communication, and transportation is essential in everyday life. Teachers are able to apply what was used in the past of survival skills with essential skills used today. Learning is a process; therefore, how to provide for ourselves as humans with the basic necessities as cooking, or grooming ourselves, thus we can pass these basic needs onto our children in the classroom. Many of these skills will be used throughout our lives; therefore, it is our responsibility as teachers’ to educate the young children about how humans prevailed, communicated, and traveled many centuries ago. It is about of history, and exsisted,but without previous knowledge of history like dinosaurs ,and other creatures humans will also be extent.

My Biography

Welcome To All,

My Name is Yasmin, I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My nationality is Hispanic-Jamaican American. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and writing poetry, traveling, and learning new languages. My favorite artists are Selena and Jennifer Lopez. I’m a simple person who loves life, and enjoy attending school because my family is conservative on educational values. At very young age I enjoyed attending school and being around children younger than me and helping others; for that reason, I was told repeatedly by family and friends that I was suggested to become a teacher due to my kindness and patience. I pursued this suggestion by attending two magnet schools for the education profession. Currently, I am an Elementary Education Major at Miami Dade College and I am completing my Associates of Arts’ degree this fall term. In the future, I plan to receive my bachelor’s of arts and master’s of arts degree. My love for children is unconditional; they are fragile and vulnerable, yet strong and full of life. I believe education is a priority in life, thus without a proper education a child will be mislead down the path of life. Teachers are the foundation to our doctors, lawyers, and other professions. Children are like flowers and the teacher is the seed to the flowers. Learning is something that no one can take away; it is a person’s decision to keep his or her education, or throw away what they learned in the classroom. Life is about learning, every student has the potential to live a successful life, and as a teacher it is my responsibility to teach them the tools about life’s secret message. Everyday is a learning process, and if I could touch one child’s life with life’s secret message, then I have done my career as a teacher.