Being that I am a white, middle class woman, I have a hard time thinking of a time when I have experienced microaggression. I am sure that I have witnessed and possibly even acted out a microaggression, but I have also recently experienced a microaggression. Not very long ago, my Co workers and I were eating lunch and discussing the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I cannot remember exactly what we were talking about, but I recall one co-worker, who happens to be black, say so thing and then said, "Oh my God, I can't believe I am starting to talk like the rest of you". It was weird, because I wasn't quite sure what she meant by it, other than that we are all white and Americans. She is black but also from England. At the moment, no one payed too much attention to the comment, but afterward I began to think about it and it upset me. It was as if we all talk a certain way and that it was not as good as she talks.
The odd thing about this situation is that it is the opposite to the microaggressions that are most often heard of. Even Dr. Sue, in his discussion, referred to the microaggressions as all being made by white people towards others. It is not often that people who are white talk about discrimination or biases against them. Throughout this week, the readings and discussions has made me realize that microaggressions are really very small, can be intentional or unintentional, and can occur against anyone.
Thanks for sharing Nicole. Now you can understand how many of us who are black can be insulted in small but hurtful ways, when others may not understand. She may not have meant any harm but left you wondering the cause of her statement.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, it is amazing how small words and comments, regardless of the intentions, can be hurtful.
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