The world is full of opinions, views, feelings, attitudes, beliefs and judgment. Many become messages that appear innocent enough on the surface but contain demeaning communications to its recipients. Whether it is intentional or unintentional microaggressions cut across all social identities which includes race, ethnicity, cultures, age, disability and many more.
Today everyday anyone can observe or experience forms of microaggression.
On the July 4th I took my daughters to Six Flags amusement park. There were many children from a variety of summer camps also there. While on line for a ride a young boy who is white little boy who said to a little black girl, " It's almost time for lunch and I don't think we have fried chicken for you guys." The little girl remarked " And us guys like watermelon too, did they pack that." I was shocked that children so young can pass comments like that to one another and not bat an eye!
While watching the Golden Girls (one of my favorite shows) Rose said to Sophia "I don't understand." Sophia responded "You should have that printed on a T-Shirt." Poor Rose she only speaks out of innocence but since the others have no patience with her at times the remarks that are intended to be funny in reality are insulting.
My daughters left for a overnight trip to Pennsylvania. I was sharing with a friend that I felt sad at the fact that I didn't have to leave the night light on in the kitchen for the girls. I was told "You have to get use to this. You know that the little birds eventually have to leave the nest." Not only did this make me feel worse but my feelings were just tossed aside and I felt like I was being reprimanded for missing my children.
This activity was an educational experience in many ways. It taught me that there is another word for bias comments and that we are not immune to it. These word can come from children, the media and even people you love and feel close to. It provided a deeper understanding how WORDS CAN HURT in so many ways.
When people realize that hurtful comments whether it be subtle or blatant it just demonstrates the lack of knowledge and ignorance of others. Therefore, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping groups or individuals not only hurt the recipient it can also hurt the perpetrator too. YOUR SLIP IS SHOWING, YOUR IGNORANCE IS SHOWING.
Many people have tried to change these perceptions. Some succeed others are still trying, but I feel no one has failed.
These are great examples of how microaggressions exist in interpersonal, institutional, and internalized recordings. I struggle with the first example you provided; it breaks my heart to think of little children exchanging such poorly informed racialized ideas. In the media segment, Dr. Sue talks about how the spread of misinformation leads to stereotyping and discrimination. It is my hope that those two children will have an impactful adult who provides them with correct information and talks with them in a constructive way about themselves and others. I really liked what you said at the end of your post: "Many people have tried to change these perceptions. Some succeed others are still trying, but I feel no one has failed". It's a really beautiful message and I agree with you fully. If you can help just one person to reevaluate a false truth they hold about another person or group of people, you are working to make the world a better place. Well said! -Katelyn
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