Joseph R' Graves

1
A Closer Look

• by
• Joseph R. Graves

2
Joe Graves
3
Heritage

• I am Scotch-Irish and a formal member of the
  Grant and Davidson Clans. Both of which are
  Scottish Royalty.
• My last name Graves is Irish/English.
• I suppose an advantage of my heritage is that I
  am white/Anglo which would encompass me in the
  white privileged category.
• The Image shown is one of my family tartan. This
  is my family colors and plaid design.

4
Heritage

• The kilt shown is the Irish National tartan and
  is worn with the traditional Kilt attire such as
  kilt hose, gullies, and a sporran.

5
Heritage

• The kilt worn here is the Pride of Scotland
  tartan. This kilt is also worn with the
  traditional Scottish Highlander attire.

6
Socioeconomic Heritage

• I would consider myself to have been raised in a
  upper/middle class household
• Both my mother and father were college educated.
• Both of my parents were raised in working
  households and therefore have instilled a strong
  work ethic in me
• This explains why I work two jobs. I work in my
  fathers office through the week and at a retail
  store on the weekends.

7
Marginalization

• Going up I was fortunate enough to be able to
  travel and see quite a bit of the world and
  therefore have been exposed to many different
  cultures and races.
• I do on a daily basis interact, socialize, and
  have friends who are of minority races.
• I do feel that I have a better understanding of
  what it feels like to be marginalized being a
  part of a minority group myself by having a
  handicap.

8
Marginalization

• Because of the condition my left hand was left in
  after a automobile accident when I was 17 years
  old I do have some understanding as to what it is
  like to be stared at, gawked at, or considered
  different.

9
Experiences With Other Sexual Orientations

• As a male, I have an uncommon trait in that I
  love to shop and am a clothing snob.
• Many of the areas, here in Atlanta, that I like
  to shop like Virginia Highlands or even Lenox
  are areas with a large gay community.
• I also have two female friends, whom I met while
  shopping, that are lesbians. So I am also well
  aware of the concerns and issues of the gay
  community.

10
Reflection

• All the previous issues discussed are important
  because they have made me who I am. In particular
  the question concerning minorities and my
  handicap.
• This accident was one of the greatest things that
  could have happened to me because it has taught
  me to be more understanding, compassionate, and
  an accepting person and I believe this is how
  people view me.

11
Assignment Impact on my Future Ability to Teach

• I believe the issue that will hinder my ability
  to teach students from a diverse background is
  that I am white and there will always be issues
  that will be hard for me to address simply
  because I am white and am incapable of
  understanding completely.
• However, because I am someone with a physical
  handicap I am someone who is different and I
  believe that will be a means of bonding between
  us as well as making me more understanding and
  compassionate to diverse students.
• This assignment has been vital in that it has
  asked me to answer these very questions. Most
  people never consider these things but in order
  to be an effective teacher you have to consider
  all these issues and how you have or will address
  them.