Cultural Competence
This past week we encountered some “teachable moments” with Miles when it comes to cultural sensitivity. We realized we need to be a little more proactive in exposing him to different people. The great thing about this city is its diversity. We need to seek it out more!
At Costco we were in the bread aisle with a Muslim family. The mom was in full hijab including a facial veil. As we walked by, Miles says quite loudly: “She’s a ghost!!” (Cringe.)
Later at Costco we were in line in front of a Japanese family. The mom was speaking in Japanese to her son. Miles was listening intently and then began to chatter along with her… in gibberish. that’s what it sounded like to him. He was just imitating her. (Yikes.)
At a restaurant, a young black man with hs hair cornrowed in to thick cornrows walked by our table. Miles pointed and yelled, “Look! He got Halloween hair!” (Ouch.)
In the toy aisle at target Miles asked for a specific fire engine for “Harmonica.” He meant Hanukkah. (Oy Vei!)