It was coincidental that we were learning about
microaggressions this week. We were discussing which staff were going to attend
next week’s field trip and work and one of my employees mentioned that she did
not want to go on the swimming pool field trip. She is an African American and
one of our Latino staff responded with a microagression. She asked “why don’t
you want to go, are you worried about your hair”? While everyone giggled with
one another, I thought to myself how insulted I would feel if I were in the
shoes of the gal who didn’t want to go to the pool. In thinking about
microagressions, there were so many things that I learned about the environment
I work in as well as myself. The fact is that we are constantly surrounded by
these prejudices and we don’t even realize it some of the time.
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is so sad that comments that hurt and insult are made but they are so we have to educate and model. I guess what I am saying is, I do not want to be a person who makes that insults but I know I do at times.
Barbara
Isn't it sad how people do not think twice before opening their mouths? There is little thought of how comments can hurt others. A comment may seem funny it may or may not be funny to others. Like you said we are around comments like this everyday we may just not be aware of them.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYour example demonstrates exactly what we have learned this week. That comments that stereotype other individuals are forms of microaggression. Do you think your coworker was being mean spirited or just unaware of how hurtful her comment was?
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteBefore this week, unfortunately would have to say that I would have giggled with your coworkers. I have learned so much this week about the microaggressions we are surrounded with on a daily basis. I have thought twice about the comments I have made this week because they can be taken the wrong way.