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?
This week, I was standing in line at a Starbucks and I overheard the following conversation between the employee and the customer, both females:
Employee: "Did you want me to fill that up more?"
Customer: "No it's fine"
Employee: "OK, I just didn't want you you to think that I was trying to gyp you."
Later, while sitting at a table studying, at the same Starbucks, a young black man sat down at the table next to me. I noticed that when the man sat down, the two female customers at the table on the other side of him leaned away from him and looked very uncomfortable.
What did you think
and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as
the target of a microaggression?
Both of these microaggressions surprised me and I felt rather shocked when it happened. The main reason that it surprised me was because all of the women were young, probably in their early 20's. Unfortunately, I was exposed to racism and gender bias from a very young age because of my grandfather and great-grandfather. For this reason, I was not expecting them to be so young.
In what ways did your
observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of
discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people.
Before this week, I was not aware of microaggressions. I have heard many racist and sexist comments in my life but I did not realize that we can unintentionally communicate hidden messages that "reflect a world view that is one of inferiority/superiority, inclusion/exclusion or in some sense reflect an oppressive belief" (Laureate Education, 2011).
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [DVD]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Melissa, this week was an eye opener for me also. It has caused me to be more conscious of my own biases and how I think about others and their situations. A lot of things said are said spontaneously, without thought or consideration of the affects most comments have on people. In an effort to change me, I am hoping others will change as well.
ReplyDeleteDear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experiences! I think that now, we have had the idea of "microaggressions" planted into our heads, so we will be more aware from now on. I think that in the past, when my grandmother would say something microagressively, I would think "oh, she just doesn't realize what she is saying," or "It's not her fault for having biases- it's how she was raised." At some point, we have to stop the cycle! I guess because we have witnessed grandparents doing this, we are more sensitive and careful NOT to do the same to people.
thanks for sharing!
Anne