One example of microaggression I detected this week is from Dr. Sue. A lady asked him where he was born. Dr. Sue replied that he was born in Portland,
Oregon. The lady responded by saying “No,
no, no, where were you born?” Dr. Sue,
with a confused look on his face replied that he was born in Portland, Oregon,
almost doubting himself. The lady
persisted then asking what country was Dr. Sue born in of course his reply
being that he was born in the United States.
The lady then left with a confused look on her face, in my assumptions,
not believing Dr. Sue could possibly be born and raised in the United
States. The type of microaggresssion in
this case is microinvalidation. This
lady had no idea she was engaged in such an interaction of microaggression as
most wrongdoers do not. The
microaggression happened when the lady re-asked Dr. Sue the question of where
he was born after he had told her several times. In this situation I felt like the lady was
being stereotypical.
This week I have learned the importance of how to approach people in a cultural way. Most people who engage in microaggressions are not even aware of doing so. This week has helped me realize how stereotyping can be very disturbing for people on the other side of the words. I am a person who believes everyone should be treated the same and stereotyping has never been a part of me. From learning about microaggressions has helped me to see perspectives from both ends of the deal and to think more in-depth from both situations.
Hi Carlos I agree with you and I believe the same. I myself have been a victim of such microaggressions and it is not a good feeling when you are in that position. I could totally relate to Dr. Sue and a situation like his too me is surely frustrating. Thanks for your thought son the situation.
ReplyDeleteCarlos,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that many people who engage in microaggressions are not aware of what they are doing. This is very helpful to know and understand when working with children and their families. Understanding how hurtful words can be is also very important and useful tools to teach children.
Thank you for your post and insights!
I agree the one thing that I learned that really surprised me was how often these micro aggressions occur without those doing it ever even knowing. It is done subtly in a way that almost implies it must be tolerated and accepted. For those who are targeted with this type of aggression the long lasting affects can be devastating. Only by educating others will type of behavior decrease as well as the power that goes with it.
ReplyDelete