Practicing Awareness of
Microaggressions
For this assignment, I decided to focus on what I
perceived to be intentional and/or unintentional indignities towards
others. I paid close attention when I
was grocery shopping this week. I observed
reactions of the cashiers and even other shoppers as customers paid with a food
stamp credit card. When I paid close
attention, it was amazing at the different reactions you can detect. One surrounding customer was making comments
to a friend about the type of items that were being purchased. He noticed that this customer was able to
purchase better quality items that he could afford. He seemed somewhat upset. Unfortunately, no one knows the personal
situation of this individual. There are
absolutely necessary reasons someone would need to accept financial assistance;
especially, to take care of their children.
Unfortunately, there are some that may misuse the system. This can have harmful implications and
perceptions on families that truly need this help to survive. I have reflected on my own thoughts. I am embarrassed to say there have been times
I have wondered how some individuals decide how to use the assistance they
receive. As an educator, I have learned
to make every effort not to make presumptions.
Being open to learn about my children helps everyone involved. This quality should be used in all aspects of
life.
In conclusion, I can see how this type of behavior could
lead to discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people. People that make assumptions without full
knowledge of the situation may cause distress on others. It may cause resentment among others, destroy
self-esteem, and affect our children.
Adults are their role models. If
they observe their parents talking or acting in a derogatory manner towards
others, they may take on these feelings and act the same way towards their
peers.