As I read this week’s assignments I was not really convinced that I would actually observe an example to write about…
As I was talking with one of the teachers at my children’s before and after school program she started to tell me about what her and her family were doing for Thanksgiving. She said
“We are having Thanksgiving dinner at my parent’s house and my Aunt is bringing
some friends with them. They are from Japan so they probably don’t even speak English.”
She spoke about how it may be awkward and then continued on with her plans for Thanksgiving. I immediately thought about this assignment during the conversation. I guess I was somewhat surprised when I heard her make the comment. She is a younger teacher and I guess because of her own personal circumstances I just thought that she would be more open to diversity. I certainly do not think that she had meant to marginalize that family’s heritage but I also do not believe that if she was to take a step back and hear herself make that comment she would truly understand what she had said either.
From what I have learned this week this would be an example of a microinsult in which the statement is unintentional but demeans a person’s racial heritage (Laureate, 2011). I think that is what is so hard to swallow about microaggressions. They can be unintentional but can hurt to the core of one’s being and can be so damaging. It is our job to empower children to be open about their differences whether it be cultural, religious, of sexual orientation, etc. and be proud of who they are.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Microaggressions in Everyday Life. Video retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn? CourseID=6060903&Survey=1&47=7539640&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Emily-
ReplyDeleteIt is scary to think and observe how we have become so indifferent to our comments. These comments are not normally meant to be hurtful but they are. I know I have made many comments without realizing it. I just hope that I can be more sensitive. Great example.