Throughout this week I really tried
to observe and listen to other people conversations to be a witness to
microaggressions. To my surprise I was a witness to two incidents.
In one scenario there was a dispute between two teachers. One teacher
was from the dominate culture and the teacher was of African descent.
Apparently, the lady of African descent was supposed to share information
that was pertaining to the renewal of the teacher’s contract. The
information was due January 25. The teacher of African descent did not
inform the other teacher about the information. The teacher from the
dominate culture feelings were hurt because she was not aware of the
information. The teacher from the dominate culture said, "That is
how her culture is, they are selfish and only look out for themselves."
In the second scenario, another teacher who is of the apostolic faith was asked in private why does she have people, including the students, call her Sister. They asked if she was a nun. Also, she was asked does she have to wear a turban all of the time. The teacher explained the nature of her religion and thought the experience was over with. Within a year she was transferred to another school. The rumor is the principal, a male, did not like that she practiced the Apostolic faith, wore a turban and she refused to call her Sister or have the staff including the parents and the students call her Sister.
In the first scenario, I believe that the teacher of the dominate culture flew off the handle because she was scared of jeopardizing her job. I believe she was scared of losing her job. However this does not excuse the comment she made. Her comment was a display of racial microaggression and she needs to be aware of how it sounded and the meaning behind what she said. This situation might have been an oversight by the teacher of African descent. For the other teacher to say that is how her culture is, is demeaning and because of her action that does not mean all people of African descent are like that. She stereotyped all people of African descent together.
In the second scenario, it is a clear representation of religion and gender microaggression. The teacher was discriminated against because of her religion and because she was a woman. The principal was showing power over the teacher by getting her transferred to another school.
From each person experience I realize that perception is everything but can also be wrong. It is important to really be mindful of the comments you make and the way you perceive other people actions. It is important to understand and recognize your own individual biases. The effects that microaggressions have on people can be intentionally devastating however; maybe it can cause people to learn more about each other.
