“An ism is about the institutional advantages and disadvantages people experience due to their membership in certain social identity groups. Isms are found throughout society and its institutions” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p.24). I believe isms are learned through observation. Children are influenced by their parents, family and early childhood professionals. Some isms are sexism, classism, heterosexism, bisexual-ism, racism and ageism.
Some isms that I have personally dealt with is racism and classism. Dealing with both of these isms were a struggle for me. Both left me with feelings of hurt, anger, and defeat. These are feelings I would not want anyone to feel however if I am completely honest, it has affected how I have treated others.
As an early childhood, I understand that my previous experiences can interfere with those I will have in the future. I would like to be conscious of the things I say and do. I do not want to hold any stereotypes, discriminate or neglect families or children due to something I have faced in the past. If I am not mindful of my words and actions these are things that could happen. I hope to treat my previous/current experiences as isolated incidents and not allow them to affect how I treat of interact with children and families.
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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