At the beginning of this week you were asked to observe your own and other people’s verbal interactions and detect examples of microaggression. In this Blog Assignment, you will share what you experienced and what you learned from your observations.
- Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?
Late last week while speaking with a group of women, 2 African American and 3 Caucasian. We discussed education and children in south Atlanta. One of the caucasian women said to one of the African American women when discussing African American families and their involvement in their child's education "well, you know how your people like to do...they only come to the school or do something if the police gets involved."
In my opinion this implied that parents of African American students don't get involved in their child's education. I had to speak up and let this women know how involved my husband and I are in addition to many of our friends...in our children's education. In addition, we not only care about our own children but others in the community. I was appalled at what she said so comfortably within our small circle. It put both myself and the other African American women in a very awkward position.
- In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people
My experience this past week made it very known to me that discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice still exist in 2011. Although we have overcome so much as a nation we have so far to go. It makes me even more motivated to teach my children about the correct way to treat others and to not pass judgement.
Shayla,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that experience. Shame on her! That is exactly what Gorski discusses in the article "The Myth of the Culture of Poverty". Many parents don't participate in school activities/functions because of lack of access, childcare, or work, not because of lack of interest.
I just can believe that someone can be so disrespecful making these type of comments. You are right Shayla our country still has a long way to go, in regards to respecting and accepting all cultures. We are all valueble people in our society and we need to be seen as that. We can start by making sure that all our comments have a purpose, not to harm but to improve way of life of others.
ReplyDeleteHi Shayla,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that even in the year 2011 we have to deal with prejudice. I think that it is wonderful that both you and your husband are very active in your children's education. I know that there are some parents who are not which is sad. My sister (who is white) is vry involved in her children's education and she has four kids (a 9 year old and the triplets who are 6). The kids are all in seperate classrooms and my sister volunteers in all the classrooms. Unfortunately, her ex-husband could care less.
It is sad that someone within your group would say something that mean.
Shayla,
ReplyDeleteI am sure that the comment caught you off guard. The sterotypes that are found in America is so vast no matter what part of it you live in. Southerners have become more open in speaking on race relations than they were 20 or 30 years ago. Microaggressions do exist, we just don't always know who and when it will happen.