Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

After reading all the materials this week and reading the different posts in the discussion forum this week has brought a higher awareness for me.  I really thought that I was more aware of prejudice, discrimination, and /or stereotypes with people.

As I went through the week reflecting and observing other’s along with myself, I have come to the conclusion that a the human race most of us do not think before we talk and laugh at things that shouldn’t be laughed out.  I found that some just shrug words and actions off.  Deep inside I know that they are hurt and scared. 

It is important that I look at the person as a person first and as I create the relationship, learn about their culture and race and/or ethnicity. I feel that this is going to make me aware of not discriminating and stereotyping.  These Microaggressions are so prominent around me. 

Working in the restaurant industry as a server there is much microaggression happing.  I am so much more aware of it after this week.  As humans, it seems that we just go along with everything without thinking if it doesn’t affect us. 

Working as a teacher in Headstart there is much diversity.  I came across several microagressions this week and am ashamed to say that this was my aide in my class.  We were on home visits and visited a home that was of Brazilian decent.  We had a nice visit with Mom and Child.  She was speaking clear English and we were communicating about what was happening with her child.  When we left we were going out to the car and my aide began to speak about, “Well those people think that they are entitled to everything.  They get their Headstart for free and all the services and they do not even appreciate what they get!”  I said, “Why would you say that”?  She just answered, “Well it is true!”  This really made me start to think how I can talk to her about this.  It is not all right to treat people this way.

I was on Facebook the other day and I saw a demonstration about how bullying and words and different actions can scar a person forever. The demonstration went something like this:  Have children or adults crumple up a piece of paper.  Then have them try to smooth it out. They will find that it will never smooth out, they will see that there will be creases and wrinkles forever.  This works with people as well.  Think before we talk.