Creating Art

A Poem About Diversity

Whether Caucasian, Mexican, Asian, or Black

In this diverse world we live in, no one should care about that

Short, tall, big, or small

There are only basic differences between us all

Our insides are the same

All of our hearts beat too

Who’s to say the differences give us light to judge who’s who

Another factor of today’s time is that of age

Age means nothing but how far you’ve come

We should cherish our elders

And hope to say that one day we’ve become one

 

 

 

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

I want to share a story that is not totally stereotyping but it was something said about someone that was different. When my granddaughter was 3 years old (she is now 4) we were in Wal-Mart and this lady walked past us. My granddaughter looked at her and said “she got a big stomach.” My daughter and I could not believe what we had just heard. Both of us said be quiet do not say that. My granddaughter said “she having a baby.” My daughter and I told her that everyone who has a big stomach is not having a baby.

Our response probably made her feel as though she said something wrong. We all notice differences, but children are quick to point them out. It took us by surprise, so our first instinct was to tell her to be quiet. We did not want the lady to hear her say that. I also did not want the lady to think we teach her disrespect.

As an anti-bias educator I would teach her that everyone is different. I would tell her we do not all look alike. I would also tell her it is ok to ask questions about differences. I have been teaching her about differences. My mother is in a wheelchair, but she has never asked why. I will continue to teach her about diversity until she understands. She does understand some of it.