Second Navy Lesson - Racial Insensitivty & Microaggressions

A few weeks ago, I passed along a story of a story of one racial instance I had experienced at my first duty station – Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Todendorf, German.

(Aerial view of NSGA Todendorf, Germany, 1964-1967 - yes, before my time !)

Todendorf was a great place to be stationed. Only a small contingent, even with dependents. The site itself was right on the beach overlooking the Baltic Sea. We had all four seasons. I was taught early that the focus for all was to work hard and play hard – all of which we did.

As I stated in the earlier writings, there were very few minorities, three, and no women military types on the command.

Last time I mentioned the story with our first Diversity training and having to attend “Watermelon U.”

I only recall only one other instance where we (minorities) came face-to-face with that ugly racial face.

I was one of those weekends where my watch section had the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. Being that we only got the weekends off like every 3 months or so we took full advantage of it. We all gathered at the club to have a great time. If memory serves me correct there was a local band playing in the club so there were the officers, all enlisted, that weren’t working, and several spouses at the club.

Exact time that it happened eludes me as it was many years ago but somewhere as the evening went along one of the senior enlisted guys came up to me with a rather angry look on his face. I wasn’t sure if I had done something wrong or he was just upset at something else. Anyway, he walked directly to me and said “Flash, you and Ron will stop using the bathroom to come your hair. You doing it in the mirror over the sink and when your hair gets in the sink it looks like pubic hair and is disgusting. You tell Ron and you two do not comb your naps in the club bathroom.” He then stormed off.

I had never encountered that before and was taken aback with the comment. I had never been told my hair looked like pubic hair before and had never had my hair refer to as “naps”. It was a bit hurtful and made me a little irritated. I went and talked with Ron and passed to him what had been said.

From that day on I was very cautious and aware of where I was combing or picking out my hair. If I was in a bathroom somewhere other than in my barracks room, I made sure I rinsed out the sink in case some hair fell into the sink as I didn’t want to be confronted again.

Eventually I got over it, but it took me some time to get over those words and not be worried about what else I may be doing that might offend these sailors I was stationed with.

I had a couple of challenging experiences dealing with racial insensitivity and microaggressions during my time at NSGA Todendorf. In this instance, where a senior enlisted individual made hurtful comments about my hair, is an unfortunate example of how prejudice and ignorance can manifest in everyday interactions.

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional acts or comments that convey negative stereotypes, bias, or discrimination towards marginalized groups. In this case, the comments about my hair and the use of racially insensitive language were hurtful and inappropriate. It's understandable that such incidents do have a lasting impact and create a sense of discomfort and anxiety.

It's important to address and confront these instances of racism, but doing so can be challenging, especially in a hierarchical military environment. While I eventually got over the incident, the fact that I was concerned about inadvertently offending others indicates the lasting impact it had on my mindset.

It's important to remember that everyone deserves respect and dignity, regardless of race or ethnicity. If you ever encounter such situations in the future, you might consider discussing your feelings with a trusted superior, counselor, or someone in your support network. Raising awareness about these issues can contribute to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.

Additionally, I hope by sharing my experiences can also help others understand the impact of their words and actions, promoting greater sensitivity and empathy. Over time, as conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to grow, it is hoped that such instances will become less common, and individuals from all backgrounds will be treated with the respect they deserve.

Uncover Hidden Histories with Genealogy for Diversity

Uncovering hidden histories through genealogy and diversity is a powerful way to explore and understand the intricate tapestry of human existence. Genealogy, the study of family history and ancestry, combined with a focus on diversity, allows us to unearth stories that might have been marginalized, overlooked, or forgotten in the broader historical narratives. Here's how these two elements come together to reveal hidden histories:

1. Exploring Family Histories: Genealogy involves tracing family lineages, which can reveal personal stories and experiences that are often not captured in mainstream historical accounts. By delving into family records, old letters, photographs, and oral histories, individuals can uncover the struggles, triumphs, migrations, and connections that shaped their ancestors' lives.

2. Diverse Perspectives: Embracing diversity in genealogy means recognizing that our family histories are not only composed of a single ethnic or cultural narrative. Our ancestors may have come from various backgrounds, which can lead to fascinating insights into different historical events, cultural practices, and societal norms that have impacted our family trees.

3. Challenging Stereotypes: Many historical narratives have been dominated by certain perspectives, often overlooking or misrepresenting the contributions of diverse communities. Genealogy can challenge these stereotypes by providing concrete evidence of the roles played by different individuals and groups throughout history.

4. Reclaiming Hidden Stories: Some families have stories that have been deliberately hidden due to cultural, social, or personal reasons. Through genealogy, individuals can uncover these hidden stories and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage, even if those stories involve challenges or hardships.

5. Connecting Personal and Global Histories: Genealogy can tie personal family histories to broader historical events, creating a more comprehensive understanding of the past. For instance, learning about an ancestor who lived during a significant historical period can provide insight into how global events affected individual lives.

6. Promoting Inclusivity: Emphasizing diversity in genealogy promotes inclusivity and acknowledges the presence and contributions of various ethnic, religious, and cultural groups. It also encourages collaboration and sharing of information among researchers from different backgrounds.

7. Educational Opportunities: Uncovering hidden histories through genealogy and diversity can provide rich educational opportunities. It can teach us about the complexity of human experiences, the impact of historical events on different communities, and the importance of preserving and sharing cultural heritage.

8. Preserving Oral Traditions: Oral history is a crucial aspect of genealogy. Recording and sharing oral traditions can help preserve languages, customs, and stories that might otherwise fade away with time.

9. Social and Cultural Awareness: Engaging with genealogy and diversity can foster greater social and cultural awareness. It encourages us to question dominant narratives, recognize historical injustices, and work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

10. Inspiring Dialogue: Uncovering hidden histories can spark conversations about the past and its relevance to the present. It encourages people to engage with their own histories and those of others, leading to a deeper appreciation of the complexity of human experiences.

As I close this session, genealogy and diversity intersect to reveal hidden histories that expand our understanding of the past and promote inclusivity. By embracing these elements, individuals and communities can contribute to a more comprehensive and accurate depiction of human history.

Cultural Preservation - 10 Ways to Succeed.

Cultural preservation with a focus on diversity andgenealogy is an essential aspect of safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of human history and heritage. It involves the conservation and promotion of various cultural expressions, traditions, languages, and historical knowledge, while also recognizing and embracing the diversity of human experiences and ancestry. Here are ten (10) components and practices related to cultural preservation with a focus on diversity and genealogy:

1. Documenting Genealogy and Family History: Encouraging individuals and families to document their genealogy and family histories is crucial for preserving and understanding diverse lineages and connections. This can be achieved through oral history interviews, written records, photographs, and DNA testing.

2. Cultural Heritage Institutions: Museums, libraries, archives, and cultural centers play a pivotal role in preserving and exhibiting diverse cultural artifacts, artworks, and historical records. These institutions should actively seek to represent a broad range of cultures and traditions to reflect the diversity of human experiences.

3. Language Preservation: Languages are an integral part of cultural identity. Efforts to preserve endangered languages and promote linguistic diversity are essential for ensuring cultural continuity and preventing the loss of invaluable knowledge and traditions.

4. Intangible Cultural Heritage: In addition to tangible artifacts, intangible cultural heritage includes traditions, rituals, performing arts, folklore, and other non-material aspects of culture. Recognizing, documenting, and supporting these intangible aspects is vital to celebrating diverse cultural expressions.

5. Community Involvement: Active participation and involvement of local communities are crucial for successful cultural preservation initiatives. Communities should have a voice in decision-making processes and should be empowered to protect and promote their own cultural heritage.

6. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and genealogy is key to fostering a sense of pride and ownership over cultural heritage. Educational programs, workshops, and public events can help spread knowledge and appreciation for diverse cultures.

7. Digital Preservation: Embracing digital technologies can enhance the preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage. Digitizing historical records, artworks, and artifacts can make them available to a broader audience while ensuring their long-term conservation.

8. Cultural Exchange and Collaboration: Engaging in cultural exchange programs and collaborations between different communities and countries can foster mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation for diverse cultural practices and genealogies.

9. Advocacy for Cultural Preservation: Advocacy efforts aimed at policymakers, governments, and international organizations can help raise awareness about the importance of cultural preservation with a focus on diversity and genealogy. Encouraging policies that support cultural heritage protection is crucial.

10. Ethical Considerations: Cultural preservation initiatives should be conducted with sensitivity and respect for the cultural beliefs and values of the communities involved. It is essential to avoid cultural appropriation and exploitative practices.

By integrating these ten principles and practices into cultural preservation efforts, we can help ensure that the wealth of human diversity and genealogy is safeguarded for future generations, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected global society.