Awareness of Microaggressions
- dorothyavant
- Oct 2, 2020
- 1 min read
One time I remember I was talking to a group of people and they we speaking about hair. One Caucasian lady was speaking about weaves, and she asked me what kind of weave do I wear? I do not wear weave, but I guess because I am African American she automatically assumes that I do. I was a bit offended when she asked, but then I just stop to think to myself that maybe she honestly does not know. So, I explained it to her and I also explained about African Americans and their hair. This class has been very helpful in understanding this type of topics. I just call it stereotyping, but I did not know there were so many names and types of microaggression. I think that the best solution when you encounter these situations is to practice patience and understanding. We cannot forgive the ignorance, but we can educate.
Hi Dorothy,
I enjoyed reading your post and very much, so I can relate to it. It is interesting how African Americans are racially stereotyped in one form or another. I, too, have been asked questions about my hair in Korean beauty supply stores. My response to the sale associate, not all black people hair texture, is the same. The readings this week have made me understand that this is microaggression. No matter what race, gender, or culture, “All” people are not classified as the same. In my opinion, educating other races about your culture opens a dialogue for understanding. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Dorothy,
Learning from each other includes giving and receiving feedback. Often the feedback is positive; occasionally it is not. Lidz (1973), in dis- cussing groups for parents at the Yale Psychiatric Institute, remarks that family members may be able to accept "blunt comments" about their behavior from others that they "would deeply resent and consider biased if made by a staff member" (p. 121). The group experience, if properly led, provides both support and stimulation to change, or, to paraphrase, both "plea- sure and pressure" (Lowy, 1976, p. 125). Keeping all this in mind, I feel it is very important to not only receive but we should all give feedback when it comes to those, we feel support us…
Dorothy,
You are clearly wiser than most and seeing your level of patience have experienced microagressions more than just this example. I can never fully understand your experiences as an African American woman (being white) but I can relate to being misunderstood and treated with inequity as a woman. The insight I gained from your post when reflected on 'how would I feel?' (and what have I experienced) is that of your humility and understanding. I think the cumulative effect as Dr. Sue speaks to in the media segment is something that can not be emphasized enough. When someone is hurt time and time again, the hurt can often turn into anger. Your post however has helped me shi…