Microaggression

There are times when verbal behaviors create feelings of uncertainty, inferiority or marginalization even though no offense was consciously intended. Such behaviors are called microaggressions( Laureate Educaiton, 2011).  Sometimes behaviors that are non-verbal can also be considered offensive as well.  

These behaviors are all around us if we just take notice. I went to a store with my daughter this week.  A group of young African American girls walked in soon after.  The store clerk looked strange when they walked in and another clerk kept an eye on them closely.  I can only deduct that they were under the assumption that they may steal something. 

I also observed this week that for a new Hispanic family came to enroll their two-year-old.  The child arrived in footed PJs without shoes and a bottle.  The child also had a disability.  Without a thorough review or knowledge of the full case.  Some staff began to assume his swallowing issues were due to mom was still nursing and on a bottle.  His hearing issues were due to lack of proper health care.  I had to explain to get the complete picture and never begin to make assumptions.  And don’t draw a conclusion based on how we think a culture raises their children. 

I went to another store this week.  A bi-racial( white male/black woman) couple walked up to the counter to pay.  The clerk looked the woman with a displeased look and rolled her eyes.  The man did't even notice.  

In my observations, this week conclusions were drawn based on a superficial look of a person.  The  observations did not give the people involved a level chance.  The girls proceeded to shop and brought a lot of items.  The newly enrolled child will require additional observations to ensure him and the family is treated like all families. 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu