One example of a microaggression that I experienced this week was during a conversation with my co-worker. The week before the conversation, I went to the hair salon to have my hair done for a banquet. The hair dresser added a few small extensions in the front of my hair just for some color. So, my co-worker asks me "Tina, did you get your hair colored?" I, not wanting to come right out and say that it was extentsions, say " Not exactly". She continues to say, "Oh! I should have known!" (I still did not mention the extensions.)
I smiled and did a small laugh and we continued on with another conversation. I felt a little bit irritated. I wondered why she felt that she should have known without my mentioning it previously.
My observation experiences show me that microaggression is a part of everyday culture that we are surrounded by. It is on TV commercials, shows, etc. These can have a negative effect on the targeted group. No one wants to wake up and go through their day feeling judged and discriminated against. The microaggression may not be noticeable at first, but once it is, it can really have long term effects on anyone.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you microaggression is a part of everyday culture and we are surrounded by it. Judging someone or a group based on stereotypes is false because when you get to know them you find out that they are completely different from what you originally thought. Race is a social and political construction. It is a constructed
paradigm of division among people and a hierarchical evaluation
of people rooted in long histories of exploitation and violence, the
denial of human rights and resources, and the attribution of
characteristics and capabilities, limitations and propensities to
entire groups based on the colour of their skin and other physical
features.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience! Yes, I agree with you and Kerrian that we are surrounded by microaggression. I have witnessed several microagression situations. It is very unfortunate that this will most likely never end. Situations like the one you experienced would probably make someone view their "friend" in a different manner. Sorry you had to experience that. Do you view her differently now after that incident?