What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

When I was in high school my entire team except 2 of us got busted at a party. We had big games coming up. They got suspended for 2 weeks. We brought up jv players to fill the roaster. We won both games and not one of us got praised or told we did good. It was like nothing happened. I also feel that during my time at Walden I have read papers and opinions from scholarly work that has been biased toward my political affiliation and to my race.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

I think that by not acknowledging our accomplishment it meant no matter who or what that coach did not value our effort or accomplishments. Our teams never said good job or that they were sorry. I felt very low at that point because I was not sure why I wanted to be part of the team. From the incidents of the material I have learned that I need to be very knowledgeable and realize that biases and prejudice happen all the time you may not see it.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

With my team the feeling was frustration and anger. I only remember twice that I ever want to quit and this was one of those times. These were times that I realized that not everyone handles adversity properly. I new that my friends were sorry but it was hard to admit it. The feelings from the articles is frustration and complete disbelieve that these individuals are providing information to the early childhood professionals that are suppose to be teaching unbiased in the classroom to children. My daughter had a teacher this year that taught about FDR. Her opinion of him was that he was a bad president. My opinion and the opinion of her other teacher was not that he was a bad president. I told my daughter that it was how you saw his presidency and who you are affiliated with. She was still confused and not sure want to believe.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

I have learned that not every person knows how to admit they are wrong and apologize. I have learned that I am only in charge of my actions and education. I just need to be the role model to help individuals change.