This week's assignment was a real eye-opener. I had never thought much about some of the comments I have heard throughout the years. But, through this assignment I can completely see how some people would take offense to comments made toward them.
I have spent the week in DC at the NAEYC conference and haven't had a lot of time to observe others. I mentioned my coworker who made a comment about not taking a class presented by a Jewish man, because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to understand him. He just assumed that this presenter, whom he had never seen nor met, wouldn't speak clear English.
Another example I witnessed was when my colleague and I went out to dinner. I had intended to pay for dinner, however, the server handed to check to my male colleague. I understand that usually the man pays the bill, but we were not there as a couple, we are colleagues and it was presumptuous of the server to think the male was paying the check.
This week I have been enlightened about microaggressions. I am not a prejudice person and have a difficult time with people who are prejudice. I never thought about some of those very slight words or actions that could cause a person to feel insulted. This assignment has helped me to become more aware of microaggressions and I feel confident I can help others to understand how the little things we say and do, even unknowingly, can cause a person to feel bad.
3 comments:
Crystal, I never thought about how putting the check in front of the male could be considered a microaggression. When I was a server I would put it in the center of the table, because you are exactly right..many times they are friends and not a couple. Even in that case..many times women pay too!
I agree that this has opened my eyes up a lot to what I say as well as others.
Caitlin
Hi! Crystal, It was interesting to learn different forms of microaggressions. I have also came across the similar situation you had with your colleague at the restaurant. I didn't realize that it can be microaggression, and now that If i think carefully, it is microaggression and how people always assumes that man are responsible for paying. It is still very common in my culture for man to pay. But I am trying to be equal even with my male friends. thanks again. Good luck!
Crystal,
Your restaurant story shocked me, because I have never thought about it being a microaggression. I will now pay attention to where the check is being placed when I am out with male friends.
This has certainly opened my eyes to all of the microaggressions that exist everyday.
Post a Comment