An example of a microaggression I witnessed this week would
have to do with sexual orientation. At
one of the cosmetic stores where I live, there are two males who work
there. I was looking over the various
colors of rouge, when I overheard a lady ask one the males if he could help her
find the right color foundation for her face, and then added, “You’ll be better
at this than I will.” After observing
this microaggression, I immediately thought of the video I watch with Dr. Sue
and when he said that unintentional microaggressions are more damaging than
others. I believe this lady was trying
to compliment the guy, but naturally assumed he was gay and that gay men are
better at dealing with make-up. The man
was friendly and did help the lady, but I wondered what he was thinking and if
he was gay, how did he feel about her assumption?
This week’s readings and video reminded me to be more
sensitive to stereotypes, discriminations, and prejudices. I did not realize unintentional
microaggressions could do more harm than the others, as it demeans, insults,
and causes it targets to feel less valued.
I also did not realize that prejudices can begin at age 3. Personally and professionally, as an early
childhood educator, I feel it is so important to instill in children positive
social-emotional developments to value and respect all people, especially those
different from themselves. Children
should be able to recognize differences and embrace those differences instead
of distancing themselves from it and producing negative feelings, which are
difficult to reverse as children grow older.
We must strive to be an inclusive society for all people and to educate
our young children about the need to perceive the views of others and work
effectively together to make positive connections, which will produce positive
outcomes towards a better society.
Reference
Laureate Education
(Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://class.waldenu.edu
Hi Jana,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. However, what I have learned is that sometimes, many of these thoughts and perceptions are those that are ascribed, or learned. If the parents in the home are neglectful or unaware of the damages associated with stereotyping, discrimination or prejudice then this can and in most cases will be passed down to the children as well.
In this lady's case I wonder if she was just saying because he worked there that he might be better at this than she was. I totally agree and feel that maybe she presumed the he was guy. I always just try to look at the glass half full type thing.
ReplyDeleteJana,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, I have to agree with Dr. Sue in that unintentional microaggressions are the most damaging. It is so unfortunate that we don't tend to think before we speak. I express this to my child on many occasions you have to think about what you might say and how someone may find it offensive.