Blog: Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
- Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a micro aggression?
One example of a microaggression that I found myself as the target of was when I was the program director of a children's center. I had been speaking to a photographer on the phone about our upcoming appointment for the children's annual photos and when we finally met, she looked at me from head to toes and said "You, I was expecting a middle age white woman to be the director, well, at least you speak good English".
- In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people
This experience made me realize that sometimes we discriminate, pass judgement, and hurt others with certain comments that we make without being aware. I know that I am guilty of doing so, but this activity has helped to be more aware of how I communicate with others and how certain comments can offend or hurt others. I will try my best to choose my words wisely.
Hi Reyna
ReplyDeleteYour examples of microaggression are great and the graphics of your blog blew me away. It is fair to say that at some point during any day you will experience some sort of prejudices or judgement about who you are. Some times there is a fine line between the objective and the results of implementing diversity without discrimination. The best course of action is to be considerate and avoid the pitfalls of unconscious discrimination. I tend to watch my words because my tongue is wicked already therefore it is essential for me to listen to my inner self before I speak . Great post
Martine
Reyna, Great post. I can relate to some of the comments in the photos. I have been told many times, I do not look Mexican because I am too white. When I met my family in Mexico, at age 10 I was blown away that my family had red hair, white skin and freckles, so I learned young that Mexicans come in all sorts of colors :)
ReplyDeleteHello Reyna,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that micro aggressions affects everyone and we need to be more sensitive to peoples culture and personality.
I really enjoyed reading your post!
Bea
Your blog post is awesome. I love the pictures and how the micro aggressions are written on a board being held by the individual. You gave some great examples of micro aggressions. It made me think of the example given in the class reading from last week called Perceiving and Responding to Differences. The author's husband was born in Mexico, and every once in awhile, she would hear someone say, "I never think of you as being Mexican." She admitted that she does not know how that feels because she is not Mexican, but she did know she would not be flattered if someone said to her, "I never think of you as a woman."
ReplyDeleteReyna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your micro-aggression example. I am sorry that the situation happened. We to often as a whole speak before we ever think. The examples that your shared in the photos that were posted were evident in what happens on a daily basis. Now we need to start holding signs sharing that those comments are unnecessary and hurt.
Darci Larson
Reyna,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your example of micro-aggression. It is true what you have stated that sometimes we do pass judgement or say things without realizing it. Then it isn't until after that your realized it or not at times. I also been guilty too with saying thing without thinking. Then I think about it afterwards and wish I could take it back.
Hi Reyna,
ReplyDeleteWow! I really enjoyed your post. It is so true how unintentional and unaware we can be that is judgmental and hurtful to other. This exercise made me aware of how subtle remarks can be and that I have to be intentional not to make them.
Hi Reyna,
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry that you were treated that way by the photographer. I would argue that this comment went beyond a microaggression and was entirely a malicious and insulting comment. As a white person, it is really helpful to hear about the experiences of people of color because it is hard for me to imagine that anyone would be as callous as to say something like what you described above. While I accept that direct racism is common, I have never had any experiences where people exhibited racism in front of me, and hearing about these experiences is alarming and makes me think about the importance of starting early with anti-bias education. Thank you very much for sharing.
Reyna,
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so sorry that happened to you. In some ways I feel that that person was being malicious. They had no right to say that to you. When they said you at least you talk good English, I wonder if they realized that they did not.
Amy
Reyna,
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so sorry that happened to you. In some ways I feel that that person was being malicious. They had no right to say that to you. When they said you at least you talk good English, I wonder if they realized that they did not.
Amy
Reyna,
ReplyDeleteThese microaggressions that each of these individuals, including yourself, have experienced I feel are common. I believe that I have heard these all before when interacting with diverse groups, and I believe I have said them a time or too as well. I love that you pointed out how many people experience microaggressions in different context. Being aware of microaggressions, has made me really think before I speak. I used to say what was on my mind, because I felt that was the honest thing to do, but I quickly learned because it was in my head does not mean that it should be said. I did not do this to be mean or hurtful, but many times these microaggressions hurt those I loved. I have really taught myself to think about my actions and words before I say or do anything. I have began to think about my prejudice I grew up with and how these microaggressions are because of the learned prejudice from those around me.