Microaggression
Example 1
This week was our last week of school. During this week we had a pre-k graduation and awards day for the school. I had to watch the door during the awards day to ensure that parents were going through the office to check children out and not through the classroom halls. As I was standing there another faculty member approached me and said, "that family (which was white) has been stalking me and they really give me the creeps. Everyone of them is married to a black person". This microaggression was not directed at me and just happened casual conversation. I was a little surprised because the person saying this was is suppose to be one setting an example. I felt uneasy because I began to think about the children of these families, and what interaction had taken place if any between this person on staff and this family or any other biracial family.
Example 2
I was speaking with some (black) co-workers about the topic for this week "microaggression", and what it means. The reminded me of a time that another teacher was talking with a Hispanic family. She She aid to them, "you get food stamps don't you, you are a minority". I know because my daughter was dating a Mexican and I know you can. Once again shock for me. I have known many people that require public assistance that are from different races and classes.
Example 3
I have always lived in the inner city where it is predominately black. I am white and I catch a lot of slack for living there. Talking with another coworker we were discussing some shootings that happened near them over the weekend. She turned to me and said, "I guess that would be pretty normal for you, you're pretty use to it with where you live". I have become fairly numb to these comments so I usually just say, "ya pretty much". Thinking about it with this weeks comments in mind brought things to a whole new light for me. It's really not ok, I like where I live and it's really not that bad.
Example 2
I was speaking with some (black) co-workers about the topic for this week "microaggression", and what it means. The reminded me of a time that another teacher was talking with a Hispanic family. She She aid to them, "you get food stamps don't you, you are a minority". I know because my daughter was dating a Mexican and I know you can. Once again shock for me. I have known many people that require public assistance that are from different races and classes.
Example 3
I have always lived in the inner city where it is predominately black. I am white and I catch a lot of slack for living there. Talking with another coworker we were discussing some shootings that happened near them over the weekend. She turned to me and said, "I guess that would be pretty normal for you, you're pretty use to it with where you live". I have become fairly numb to these comments so I usually just say, "ya pretty much". Thinking about it with this weeks comments in mind brought things to a whole new light for me. It's really not ok, I like where I live and it's really not that bad.
Perceptions of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people...
As I mentioned in example three. I always replied to comments of this type with ya I guess or something to that effect, but looking at microaggression these are hurtful words. Sometimes I think we do become numb to some of these comments because we do hear them so regularly sometimes. I listen more closely knowing the effect I could have on someone with my words. These have been made more clear to me and therefore more noticeable when heard. I think people use these more than I first realized unknowingly maybe or maybe just without care.
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