It very interesting that we are talking about micro-aggression this week and I experienced this in a very important meeting I attended this week. We were attending a Policy Council meeting where there were key staff, parents, board members and community representatives present. During this meeting individuals were elected for the five officers we have and all were Caucasian except for one individual. At the end of the meeting a VERY key employee, who is African American instructed a staff member to take a picture for the local newspaper and the group proceeded to get together for the picture. Well needless to say the one African American female was sorta on the side of the group and this KEY staff member stated “Now you know you need to get in the middle because you are a minority” to the African American female, who currently serves a community representative. I immediately recognized the comment as being a micro-aggressiveness statement but didn’t comment to anyone about this. However, I had my community representative and parent riding with me so as we made it back to our community they commented on how they were offended by the comment, both of whom are officers , included in picture and are Caucasian. Therefore, I had to explain to the individuals that I really didn’t feel that this was intentional and that the two of them are respected and appreciated. I feel that this experience just reiterate how important it is to be mindful of what we say because the two representatives from my community took a total offense to this comment and felt as though they were not appreciated. Therefore, again it’s so vital that we are cautious on the words that come out of our mouth, especially those of us who hold key management position, because these are leaders!
Wow, isn't that amazing and sad. Although a perfect example of a microagression. Nothing like a little reverse discriminaion. I think I would have felt slighted as well. Isn't it interesting how more heightened our awaremenss of microagressions are now that we are in this class? Well the incident came as a perfect opportunity for your blog assignment.
ReplyDeleteBetty,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience.
Discrimination is one of the inequities that leads to segregation in society. Maybe the individual who made the comment to the black woman had no idea of microaggression and thus the comment seemed unintentional. Maybe the perpetrator meant well by reminding her to be in the middle. We don't know! In reality, it is true to say that discrimination and racism are far from over; far from being eradicated and continue to plague the nation.
Hello Betty,
ReplyDeleteWow, your scenario this wee was a perfect example of a microagression unintentionally or not. I would have felt the same way the other representatives did if I would have been in this situation. I am glad to see that you took the time to explain to the representatives that the comments were not intentionally. Yes, word usage does hurt, and as an individual it is important to think and choose your words appropriately when communicating with others.