For many of you, you
may not have a full understanding of the meaning of microaggression. According
to Laureate (2011), microaggression is the intended or unintended remarks or
behaviors people say or do to others to make the individual feel uncertain,
inferior, marginalized or cause unsettling emotions. After reading this
definition, I begin to search my memory to see if I was a person who impedes
microaggression upon others. We are all guilty of this at some point in our
lives; now that you and I have a better understanding, we should become aware
of the ways we talk and act towards others. There are many categories of
microaggression including racial (racism), religion (religion-ism), sexual
orientation (classism), and ability (ableism) (2011). Take a moment to recall
the last time you were a victim or witnessed someone else being a victim of
microaggression; did the comments pertain to race, religion, sexual
orientation, or the abilities of you or the individual? After becoming aware of
the part I played in this topic, I began to explore ways I could change my
circumstances.
Now I work as a nanny,
and I am able to witness many forms of microaggression. The other day, the
four-year-old that I was caring for told me that his little brother could not
do something (whether cleaning-up, listening, etc.), because he was too little
and he does not understand what I am saying. I feel that this is a form of
ableism because; the boy assumes his two-year-old brother cannot perform duties
because of his age. I am sure many of you may say, the boy is only four and he
does not know what he is saying, and he does not mean anything negative about
the comment he made. You are correct, he does not mean anything negative (this
is a form of microaggression) whether he knows it or not. It does not matter if
you are four or ninety-four it is still considered microaggression. This week,
I was the target of microaggression when I was at a park. I was with the family
I work for and I was introduced as the nanny. My family (people I work for) and
I are from three different nationalities; you should have witnessed the
behaviors of the by standers when I was introduced as the nanny. By the looks
on their faces and their hesitation to speak, I am sure they were wondering why
they hired a black nanny. After witnessing their behavior, I did not feel
comfortable; I simply walked away and continued to do my job. I was thinking,
“Wow did they really just stare at me and look at me as if I were incapable of
performing my duty as a nanny? I bet I am more qualified than all three of
those women put together. Anyway, I am the one being paid well for my skills
and abilities. Thank God for unbiased people.”
Through my observations
this week, my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes on people have improved
greatly. I realized that words and actions could hinder, harm, and hurt those
who are victims of microaggression. Although some individuals pretend that they
are unaware of their actions, microaggression continues to have an emotional,
physical, and psychological effect on those who are victims. Microaggression
not only leaves lasting scars on their victims, but also, individuals do not
receive adequate employment, health insurance, or health care because
of these biases (Laureate, 2011).
Lah-Lah
Reference
Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday
life [Video file].
Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
