Microagression is the verbal annoyances that are uttered
between races, gender, religion or social class; and these verbal utterances
could be said unintentionally or intentionally. Whatever the situation the
effect on the one receiving the message is what needs to be addressed (Derald
wing Sue, Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). An example of microagression, I get constantly
is meeting acquaintances or people for the first time and when I speak someone
is bound to remarks “I like your
accent”, “where is your accent from” “Where are you from originally?” And my response is always “OMG! I like your accent also, where is yours from?’’
“Are you from New York or from the south or from Texas?”. As Derald Wing Sue (Laureate Education, Inc.,
2011) notes Micro aggressions carries some psychological effect
on the recipient as it creates a clash of racial realities. The implication or hidden
messages to me is “you are different from us” or that “you do not belong here”.
It creates emotional challenges because you
feel like an alien, not accepted, a misfit and there is nothing to do to change
the accent. The focus should be on the content said and not the accent. Yes, we
are different and talk differently based on our regional boundaries.
Prejudices, injustices, and discrimination
are part of my experiences in the society. This week, I observed a situation
between an African American Student and another student from Korea. The African American girl referred to the Korean
student as “that Chinese student”. It was a teaching moment for me to intervene
and clarify the students that all people from Asia are not Chinese, despite the
correction one of the students still blurted out “but they all look alike”. I thought
about all that I had read on micro aggression and smiled to myself.
Stereotyping and generalization about races or ethnic groups is prevalent in society
and only through education can we create awareness in our homes, schools
communities and the society at large.
Reference
Perspectives on Diversity and Equity: "Culture
and Diversity" [Video]. (2013). Derald Wing Sue,
Laureate Education, Inc. Walden University Multimedia Program.
Minneapolis, MN: Walden University Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com).
3 comments:
Mary,
Thanks for sharing your personal experience with microagression. How did you handle the situation when your student said "but they all look alike"? What was the Korean student reaction? Thanks for your post
Maryam
Hi Maryam, I had to tell them that that was an example of stereotyping which was unacceptable.I also asked her if all black people look the same and how she would feel if some one emphatically said so to her.The Korean was pleased and nodded as I explained the differences among ethnic groups in Asia.
Hello Mary-
I’m sorry you had to face such an awful experience…yes, it’s very disheartening to imagine that there are some individuals who think they are inferior based on their cultural background. It’s very sad. Your story gave me chills just reading what happened to you and your friend. I’m glad you followed you gut in leaving as you never know to what extreme these individuals would take. Again; so sad.
I also thought of you this week as Dr. Eugene Garcia talked about his sister’s first school experience and how Ms. Emily shortened his sister’s name. It reminded me of your experience with your son’s teacher and shortening his name. They don’t realize the significance or the “roots” behind the name.
Mary, you are an amazing person and continue to move forward in making each child’s identity visible and use the teachable moments to minimize the daily microaggressions we face each day.
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