A microaggression that I detected occurred a couple of months ago. I was at a gathering at a friend's house and there was a diverse group present. I had meet everyone that was there before and were good friends with many and acquaintances with some others. There was conversation going on about health care and "Obama care" and everyone was expressing there opinions in an adult and calm manner and every was respectful...until the moment when one of ladies in the conversation whom was African-American made the statement as she pointed to a few of us whom are Caucasian and said "Well of course you aren't going to like "Obama care" and I bet you didn't vote for him". I have to say I was a bit taken back as I wasn't expecting the conversation to go down that road. One of the ladies in which she pointed to stated back, "Actually I did vote for him and just because I am white doesn't mean I wouldn't vote for him". She went on to say "I vote for the people I like and it is based on their views and what I think is important, it is not based on race, gender or even party lines. And just because I vote for someone doesn't mean I agree with everything they stand for. There are times when I agree with the people I vote for and sometimes I don't. So tell me what were some of Obama's points off his political platform you support and believe in?" There was no answer, so then the Caucasian lady then said "Oh, does that mean you voted for him only because he was black and not for his politics?" So that made the conversation even more awkward. Someone else jumped in and changed the subject entirely. After the entire conversation happened I felt very awkward and thought about how everyone at one point or another experiences racism. I have to say that I was glad for the woman standing up for herself and she actually made the point that the one making the initial microaggression was being biased and applying stereotypes as her statements were accusing others of being biased. It could also be said that the Caucasian woman used a microaggression in her response.
From this experience as well as reading the various scenarios this week I truly see how all people have biases and stereotypes. Some are at the surface and some can lie more below the surface in a more unconscious way. For the most part I believe many of our conversations or statements that contain a microaggression are unintentional and no harm was intended. However there are times in which people do intentionally say things to cause harm or hurt other people's feelings or jump to conclusions as my example showed. My learning experiences this week have opened my eyes and has given me new insights on how to be more conscious and aware of what I say so I do not cause any hurt feelings.
Hi Rhonda
ReplyDeleteThis was a great example of a microinsult. I believe that the Caucasian woman's response was due to the way that the microaggression made her feel. It is rather sad that our words and actions though unintended can cause harm to other. As you said we need to be more conscious of what we say and do.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey Rhonda, that was a very interesting learning experience for you, all those who were present and for me as well. These types of thoughts about others and especially political views can get very messy. Great story, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, I can related to your experience. I have been in your shoes many times and it's sad that in our socoety today racism still enters in our conversations.
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