I was very surprised to have actually witnessed a
microagression this week. It was during lunch time and the students were coming
in for lunch. One of the students is from Africa. This particular student was
misbehaving in the line and one of my co-workers said he’s been misbehaving
every day this week. One of the students,
who is an African American, said that’s the African in him. I was in awe. I
could not believe he said that. This was a micro insult. This child does not
know the extent of what he said. I told him not to say that because it isn’t nice
and where a person is from has nothing to do with their behavior.
That showed me it happens more frequently than I thought.
Since I have learned about microagrression I will be more observant when someone
is conversing and I will be more cautious about what I say. A microagression
can happen without a person even realizing it.
Interesting, so an African American says "thats African in him", is he aware of his heritage? We now learn that everyday microaggressions occur and as we become more aware of the instances, is it just to we place ourselves in a position to rectify the situation? Do we make another person know that they have committed a microaggression? Food for thought! Thanks for the post
ReplyDeleteHi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteAs I was just reading in our classmates blog, www.klinzer.blogspot.com, - where an individual is projecting an insult on his own heritage. Now in your case, I wonder how old this student is? How frustrating and a huge eye-opener on how deep microaggressions are imprinting on societal and human development. Thank you for sharing.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your posting. It is factual that children do use assumptions like these on a daily basis. I have heard them on numerous occasions, but was not aware of the term micro-aggression, as well as the effect of these demeaning meta communication. Therefore,I will have to be on the look out for such behavior when displayed by these children, so I can intervene and let them know right from wrong, although these micro - aggression can be unintentionally, unconscious forms.
Joanne.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteAs educators we have the pleasure of coming across a variety of different children from many places and backgrounds. With this particular situation even though the child did not understand the wrong that he had done, it hurts you know that the adult who is this role model in their life is showing them how to talk this way about others.
Thanks for sharing
Lauren