Microaggressions
As we learned this week microaggressions are a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority) (Webster-Merriam, 2018).
I can’t believe it happened to me
I am shocked to find this is our assignment this week because I had something very personal happen to me and it is microaggression whether she believes it or not. I scheduled a facial because it’s summer and that’s what teachers do when they can spend an afternoon doing anything they like, (when they are done laminating) they do things for themselves.
I laid on the table, ready and anticipating some major relaxation. When I was told, someone stole her chair while she was on vacation last week, she left the room to find it. When she came back I asked where she was on vacation last week. She explained how she was at a music festival. I assumed one of those woodsy ones with lots of electronic music. Afterall I was in a spa, and it was playing in the background. She said, “No, you have to be under the influence of something to listen to that crap.” I almost rolled off the table. I was truly offended. I love electronic music, I don’t do drugs! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, she completely disregarded my own interest in the conversation. I had been micro invalidated and micro assaulted. Perfect timing for this assignment, I know!
When I realized what was happening, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, maybe she was joking. How could someone that was supposed to be giving a peaceful treatment say something so harsh? I could hear Dr. Sue’s voice ringing in my ears and heard him say, “Well-intentioned individuals who are unaware of their racial biases (Laureate Education 2011).” I tipped her while starting up my electronic Pandora station, and was on my way.
This week my observation experiences shed a lot of light. Many things that we think are minuscule are really hurtful, and unless you have lived a life where you are constantly feeling attacked and microassaulted, microinsulted, and microinvalidated, you are probably oblivious to microaggressions.
love is religion
Here are some more microaggressions in case you are still wondering what they sound like.
http://www.microaggressions.com/
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
