This week I have been practicing awareness of microaggression. I was at the local grocery store and I was waiting in line to check-out. There was a young child about five or six years old and her mother in the next aisle to me, also waiting to check-out. In front of the child and her mother there was an individual in a wheelchair. The child began staring at the individual and asking questions that were loud enough for the targeted individual to hear. The young child asked "Mommy, what's wrong with that man?" "Why does he need that wheelchair?" "I don't need one." "You don't need one?" The child's mother ignored the comments her child was making. I feel that the mother of the child should of explained to her child that it is okay to need a wheelchair. If this situation would have occurred with my children, I would talked to them some people need help getting around so they can be independent.
My observation experience this week has affected my perception of discrimination, prejudice, and / or stereotypes on people. I have become more aware of how many people discriminate and / or stereotype against any individual who is not like them. It is very unfortunate that is so much discrimination, prejudice, and / or stereotyping. Discriminating, being prejudice, and / or stereotyping causes feeling of alienation, stress, and creates inequities. After this experience, I am thankful that I have instilled in my children that all individuals are special. A parent needs to take advantage of a situation like the one explained above to explain that it is okay to be different. Being different is what makes everyone so special.
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI agree that our differences make us special. As a result, people have to respect the differences of others. It is important to use inclusive language and to avoid microagressions. Learning this has truly helped me to understand how these occur.
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteYou discussed how unfortunate that there is so much discrimination, prejudices, and stereotyping in the world. I completely agree. It can happen so quickly, but leave long lasting marks on others. These attitudes and behaviors start an early age, but we need to be aware of how they begin. I hope to be able to prevent and change these behaviors with my own children and my students. Like you, I have tried to teach my own children that our differences make us special. Good post.