Before I started taking my current class, I was unaware of the term "microaggression". I was aware of the implications of a microaggression, the unconscious insult that is meant as a possible compliment which does not phase the "talker", but leaves a psychological damage to the "listener". I hear microaggressions everyday since I moved out to Western PA. I grew up in South Jersey and was probably victim to microaggressions there and was not aware of or remember them. My husband to this day is more aware of microaggressions than I am, he getting more upset when someone says something that should offend me. I tend to brush it off, leaving it to karma or some higher being to take care of later on. We all have our biases, our stereotypes, our prejudices. I have them, as much as I do not like to admit it, but I try to aim mine towards people's character, their actions, and whether or not they are trying to better themselves. I could care less about their race, ethnicity, nationality.
Several weeks ago, I was working and a person who will be left unnamed made a comment that "the foreigners at our center all bring their kids in for half days". I was left utterly shocked and annoyed. Right now typing that makes my blood pressure rise. The person I was speaking to had no idea what they just said or the implications of their comment. I could not even respond to the person for fear of not being professional, since that day I have held my own bias and prejudice against her. As far as microaggressions that have been aimed at me, one that happens every time I straighten my naturally kinky curly hair, "Oh my gosh, your hair is so soft/straight/flowy, it does not feel coarse/stiff at all! Your hair is more white than black." What? Even my grandmother has fallen prey to the comment. As a kid, I took it as a compliment because I always wanted soft flowy "white" hair, but now as an adult I find it annoying and ignorant.
I now find myself looking for the hidden messages in everything that people say. Especially at work, where I hope to have a staff meeting focusing on culture and diversity within the education field.
I took a really interesting test, I invite you to take it too, it is an eye-opening experience.
Teaching Tolerance. (n.d.). Test yourself for hidden bias. Retrieved May 25, 2011, from http://www.tolerance.org/activity/test-yourself-hidden-bias
1 comment:
Amber,
I seriously emjoyed your post. I find myself having to ignore various comments, but lately they have really had me thinking about the unfairness of the comments. We all need to view ourselves in the orhter person's shoes to imagine how we would feel if what we say hurts. Its something to think about; totally.
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