Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions...
One example of a microaggression that I detected this week was at work. I work in child care and we have a Fall Camp we run during the week that everyone is off of school for Thanksgiving. During this camp we have a lot of different kids that we do not normally look after.
One of the teachers was talking about one of the children and made a comment about how the parent did not even know how to speak English. That every time he comes to pick up he barely looks at her and she is unable to talk to him about his child.
On one hand I can see her frustration with not being able to communicate with the parent, but I was shocked that she was frustrated that he did not speak English. I understand it is not always easy for people who only speak English to communicate with others, but the tone in her voice was upsetting.
My observation experiences this week affected my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people in that I was much more aware of how much it was happening. I was oddly surprised that so many things were happening around me that I felt I had no control over. Sometimes I was able to walk away or change the subject, but there were many things that were said that I was ashamed of. It made me sad to see and hear these things happening and I could only wonder what the other person felt like when they did happen.
I truly felt like we all need to stop talking more and learn to smile and listen more :) in my opinion.
Thanks,
Cortnee :)
I agree with you in that there is not enough listening going on. Everyone has to have a say in what is going on around them whether it is appropriate or not. Too often individuals who do not speak the dmoinant language will not give eye contact. I'm sorry you were in so many situations this week. With time maybe you can start to gradually change some things.
Cortnee,
There truly is not enough listening going on. I had a situation with people who did not speak English either and it seems a sad statement to make that people can still be so ignorant! I felt like I should have done something, but truly did not know what to do! Did you feel like there is something we could have done to help that situation? I am still feeling pretty helpless. We are on such a similar track! Thanks for sharing!
Cortnee
Did the teacher ever think to herself that the parent may not feel comfortable coming to the class because he can not speak English. As educators we must learn how to adjust to every situation that comes before us. I know that it can become frustrating, but it is frustrating to the parent as well.
Cortnee,
With all the information learned this week do you feel any more equipped to have shared some information with that teacher about ways of making the comments without being offensive and en-lighting her on the vibes she's giving out to the parent and how that parent may potentially feel? Thanks for sharing!