Celebrating Thanksgiving with these guests added a very interesting dynamic to the holiday. Our traditions are very different for these three women, so much of our time was devoted to explaining some of our traditions to them and asking them about their traditions. As we ate our holiday meal, I couldn't help but wonder if these guests felt like we were welcoming them in the best possible way. During our dinner, I believe we did, but it was before and after our dinner that I noticed how the presence of these three women affected some of my family members.
I think that a few of my relatives were not sure how to react about three Chinese women coming to our Thanksgiving. A couple of my uncles made comments about having stir-fry for Thanksgiving dinner or bringing chopsticks to the meal. These comments made me realize that my extended family really is not very diverse. We are mostly Mennonite, and all middle-class Caucasians. The somewhat insensitive comments made by a few of my family members were hard to look past. I did not speak out against these comments, but looking back I realize that I really should have. Fortunately, my aunts and one of my cousins did point out to my uncles that their statements were not very kind. I was also proud of my family for the warm welcome they gave to our guests during our meal.
As an ENL teacher, it is very important for me to be aware of the cultural groups around me. I am sure that I will encounter guests in my classroom from all over the world. Not only do I need to welcome them into my classroom, but I also need to be aware of my attitude towards them when they are not there. Hopefully I can learn a lesson from my uncles and realize that not all cultural groups can be reduced to stereotypes. Every individual is unique, no matter what group they are a part of, and they deserve to be treated as a unique individual.
(Action #8 Practice Democratic Principles)
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