Practicing Awareness of Microagressions

               I can remember one instance when I was the target of a microaggression. In this particular instance I was working at a child care center, and on that particular day I happened to be covering the office for our office manager. A male parent came into the office to discuss his bill. He looked at me, looked around, and asked for the office manager. I told that parent that the office manager was out and asked could I help him. He hesitated, but then explained how he felt there was a discrepancy in his bill. I looked at his bill and explained where charges had been applied and payments had been made. He shook his head in agreement and said, “Wow! A pretty woman who understands accounting! Will wonders ever cease?” Besides the fact that he used a microinsult (Laureate Education, 2010) to marginalize me as a female, he used the stereotype that attractive women are unintelligent. I understand that the comment was well-intentioned, and in fact was meant as a compliment, but the insult was still taken. I chose to smile and bear the injustice.

                I understand that people can get very offended by certain comments. I am usually quite understanding of other people’s micoraggressions. However, I see now that it is extremely important to think before you speak. I reminded myself of this at work frequently, but I always reminded myself to avoid hurting my teachers feelings when I spoke with them about something which they needed to improve upon. Now I understand that it is also important to remind myself when I speak to anyone with comments that address any topic of diversity.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Microaggressions in Everyday Life [DVD]. Perspectives on Diversity and Equity. Baltimore, MD.