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 microaggression?
One
example of microagression, simplified as micro insult, happened at work a year
ago. The school that I worked at was predominantly an all white school. I was
the only African- American, Light-Skinned, teacher and there was one other
teacher that was Hispanic. One day we had to switch classes and sub for a
teacher. As I went into the classroom the other teacher came back to explain
her procedures as to how her room set-up was displayed. As she told me how her process
went she told me of how when the children have ‘Art time’ the teacher can pick
the music that she/he want’s to listen to. Then she said “If you want Rap
music, it has to be appropriate for the class.”
I
was greatly offended. For one thing she used a basic “stereotype” for an African-American/Black individual. I then said
“I don’t listen to that type of music”, she said “Oh I’m so sorry, I thought
you were Black, so sorry.” By then one of the parents called her to have a
meeting with the students, thereby I was free to clear my mind and think of the
situation that just happened. Because of my appearance she assumed that I preferred
“rap music”, then she took a closer look at my appearance and through that I
was of a different race. Instead she did not look at my character or
personality to determine what type of music I prefer. And better yet, still to
this day she does not know that I enjoy “Classical Music”
That is an interesting post. I find it sad that your colleague assumed that all black people listen to rap music. I find that very closed minded of her. I just wonder if you ever confronted her about the situation.
ReplyDeleteWow, you had an interesting story about microaggressions. I think microaggressions have a lot to do about people jumping to conclusions about someone else before they actually get to know them. It is sad to think that many of us make comments like microaggressions to someone else without even knowing or understanding how it might affect their life. I have learned over the course of this week, I watch what I say to other people and think about how my comment might affect them. Great job
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you had this experience but I am glad that you couldn't identify other examples within the last year. This was a very concrete and clear example of a microinsult. It would have been very interesting to see the person's reaction if you had told her that you prefer classical music. I hope that by you clarifying that you don't listen to rap music, just because you are black, made enough of an impression so that this person does not make similar comments in the future.
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