Introduction:

Name: Ric Breen

location: Arlington, Tx

Current Job: Student.. ok returning student, again.

Goals: I am hoping/working on Middle School Teaching certification. My focus is on Social Studies/History and hope to be teaching U.S. History, Texas History and/or Social Studies at that grade level.

How does Class fit in with future educational goals? This class is part of the foundation for most educational goals in that Reading is key element to every subject.

Cyber Classes: This is actually my first experience with a Cyber class. I am sure they have their place in the the world of college, but I am not sure and Education class, with the emphasis on classroom procedures and face-to-face interaction, is the right subject matter to be done online.

Cultural Group Membership:

As with most of us, I am a member of various cultural and ethnic groups: Irish, Native American Indian, English, American,Caucasian, Texan, Southern, Male, College Educated,Religiously confused/non-participant (I practice my own spiritualism).

American: This is my primary affiliation. Regardless of my ethnic background, I was born and raised here in the U.S.A. and my loyalties will always remain thus. Being an American means being proud of who you are, where your ancestors come from, and what the nation stands for. This includes standing up against those that oppose the basic beliefs and concepts that this country was founded on. While there may be conflicts regarding ideologies, and we may not all like everything being said or done, the fact that we can agree and agree to disagree is the one thing Americans do have going for them. Being an American, of course, I have the traits of my ethnic backgrounds. So, that being said....

Irish: This is probably the primary ethnic group that I have ties to as it was the homeland of my father, and the one that had the latest migration of a direct descendant (my great, great, grandfather. He migrated to join his brothers and other extended family members that came over years earlier). I think I relate mostly to this group in regards to its 'stereotypes': fun-loving, easy-going, strong-willed, and strong-hearted-- "I have my convictions and am willing to stand up to anyone that disagrees, and fight for them if necessary" type of mentality and family oriented. I am fascinated by the earlier Celtic ways, unity and spirituality. I have not yet been to Ireland but hope to visit it with my family in order to do a little 'getting in touch with one's past' type of adventure.

Native American: While distantly connected--numerous greats are in there somewhere, and on both sides of the family, this ethnic group is one I would love to know more about. I am primarily ashamed of the way they have been treated- slaughtered, attacked, brutalized, eradicated, robbed and cheated. I relate to their sense of pride, their loyalty and strong sense of family first, their 'oneness' with nature, and the spirituality they believed in. I enjoy reading about the ancient ways, and their carefree lifestyle--prior to the encroachment by the more 'civilized' cultures. Hopefully one of our family trips will involve either, or both, of the tribes we are associated with, the Cherokee (mother's family) and the Sioux (father's family).

English: While Irish traditions and ancestors were on my father's side, my mothers side were English, with a Native American ancestor or two thrown in for good measure. They migrated to the U.S. generations before my father's and go back as far as Robert E. Lee (ok, further but that is the most popular one we care to brag about). I went to England several years ago and while admiring the land and seeing the things I read about (Tower of London), Stratford on Avon, castles, etc.), I was not nearly as impressed with England as I was with Scotland.

Southern: I guess this is one culture/ethnicity that I still do call myself to this day. I was born in Virginia and spent most of my time in the South (and, forgive me, California). I love the laid back, easy going, 'gentlemanly polite', 'outdoorsy' stereotypical lifestyle of the South. I do not like the 'slow witted' stereotype, but do prefer the 'crafty' one. I do not consider myself a racist, though I do have to admit when it comes down to choosing, I do usually prefer anything southern-related (sports teams, food, etc.) than northern, especially the weather!

Texan: What needs to be said here. I was born in Virginia but spent most of my adult and 'formative' years in Texas. The bumper sticker "I was not born in Texas but I got here as soon as I could" says it all. Texas epitamizes, well used to, all the traits that a Southerner/Westerner stood for: Polite, hospitible, intelligent, easy-going, versatile, clever, steadfast, dependable and never backing away from a fight when they thought they were in the right.

Positive Stereotypes:

Polite, hospitible, intelligent, easy-going, versatile, clever, steadfast, dependable and never backing away from a fight when they thought they were in the right, laid-back, sense of pride, loyalty and strong sense of family first--- just to reiterate a few.

Negative Stereotypes:

Dumb, slow-witted, gullible, racist, hicks, cowboys, ignorant.

Rank:

Hard to do this part, perhaps the following, but it may change according to my moods:

1. American

2. Texan

3. Irish

4. Native American

5. English

Compare/Contrast Reflection:

School Environment:

The majority of the population of the schools I have been in is very stereotypical of the American society. In other words, it is comprised of a variety of ethnic cultures and beliefs. Students and teachers from all over the country, and world comprise the personality and makeup of the schools. The one thing that I think is different between my background and those of the students is that regardless of what culture I identify with, I still consider myself American. Students from other cultures and backgrounds are more apt to identify with their culture rather than the country, whether it be Chinese, Muslim, Arabic, Hispanic, Russian, Jewish, etc. The fact that many of these students are recent migrants, and that their culture is maintained at home may aid to the culture shock of our school systems. This may also enhance communication problems between myself and the parents.

As for other difficulties encountered, I think the one that may cause most problems in communication is age. Most of the teachers and faculty are not old enough to remember the Vietnam war, but know about it through their reading of history books. Similiar to my being in school and teachers having lived through World War II. Modern Technology will be another major jump as most of these students have never NOT had the internet and computers and will not realize the advancements that have happened in the last 15-20 years.

Can I overcome and bridge these differences? I think so. I have been involved in the technology area for several years and while not a total geek, I am well on the way. I have used and taught computers for years and feel quite comfortable showing others, adults and children how to use them. As for the cultural differences, I have some inkling as to what they are going through. When I was their age, I had to live in Japan for several years, and survived being a 'fish out of water'. Also, being a military brat, I moved every 2 years and was thus always a 'new kid'. I learned to adapt and survive and I think these experiences will help me relate better to what the students are going through.