Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

This week topic in regards to racism microaggression can be elaborated in regards to many examples that happen every day in America.

I moved back to the South after living in Minnesota for over nineteen years; did I experience racial microaggression, sure I did, more frequent than others. But it wasn’t until my children and I move to the South when my son experienced it for the first time, and it was so very obvious.

We moved to these apartments in a low income neighborhood, because it was what I could afford at the time. My son was twenty-one years old and had never been in trouble before as a child, teen or young adult. I think the most he had ever done in high school was being caught in the hall without a hall pass; outside of that he was a good kid. He happened to be waiting on a friend that he meet through me job to go sight seeing Tennessee, because he was new to the area. As he waited on her, a Southaven, MS policeman drove by and got out his car to ask my son, “why was he just sitting outside?” and my son replied “I’m waiting on a ride.” He told my son to stand up so that he could check him for weapons, and my son was like what! By this time I could hear the commotion; so by now I’m walking outside to see what was happening. And he told me to step back, I explained that he was addressing my son, and I needed to know what this was about. This man tells me that there was a shooting two blocks over about a week ago and he was just riding by and happen to see my son sitting there, so he took it upon himself to see who my son was. If this was not racial profiling, please tell me what is? I explained to the officer that I have a two year degree in Criminal Justice, and I know my rights. He seemed to have backed off a bit after me saying that. But one thing I have learned about police officer’s, they profile victims are mainly people who live in poverty areas, and minorities. You never see police ride out in the upscale suburbs and harass those people unless they are called out there.

In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people

Now that there is an educated name for the forms of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes, I have gained a much broader perspective in regards to microaggression. I have always tried to live by the notion to treat people accordingly to the way I want to be treated. I try not to judge nor place stigmas on people race, cultural or religion. The statement Dr. Sue made in terms of unintentional microaggression in regards to race can be unintended to be hurtful, but the person receiving the message could be an insulted (Education Inc., 2010).This teaching has help me become mindful and more aware as to how I will address people of other cultural groups on my job or just in every day converstions.

Reference:

  Course Media: "Microaggressions in Everyday Life" (approximate length: 27 minutes)
In this program, Dr. Derald Wing Sue presents a lecture about the concept of microaggression in everyday life

Perspective on diversity and Culture

Their definition of culture

Their definition of diversity

*My Mother definition of culture is what we appreciate and value.

My Mother definition of diversity is being different.

*My friend Bethany is Caucasian and she lives in Minnesota, her definition of culture is what we are raised to believe or accustom to.

My friend Bethany definition of diversity means to her is accepting other’s for who they are.

*My Auntie Rosie was raised as a Catholic, and she feels that culture is defined as acceptance of what we value and believe in.

My Auntie definition of diversity is understanding that we are different people, who have various beliefs.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples? My reflection of the answers pertaining to culture and diversity that I have studied that’s included in the above answers would be each person elaborated on what their beliefs and values were in regards to culture and diversity in similar ways.

Examples are the values and beliefs that certain cultural group holds; such as acceptance, understanding our differences and beliefs we are accustom to.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

I don’t believe that there was anything my friends and family omitted, because each person was honest and straight forward about the questions being asked.     

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

I would have to say as individuals we all hold certain values, norms, and beliefs. This may come from how we were raised and what we were taught as children. We have the right to our on beliefs, I feel that it is important to be able to conversant, and listen to others in regards to their culture values and how they feel about diversity, because this helps us to understand why we are different and unique. And when this happens, you gain a better perspective of others.  

My Family Culture

My Family Culture

If my life took a turn for the worst and I experienced such catastrophic incident, the three most important items I would bring would be my bible, a family picture, and keep sake item of my dog Gracie.

1.    My bible is a book that I turn to in a time of refuge. It has rooted and grounded me into the person I am today. My faith and belief in Christ has given me the strength to do the impossible.

2.    Having a picture of family who was not able to come or may have lost connection during this incident would remind me of our time spent (Memories).

3.    Knowing that my dog Gracie wouldn’t be able to come, I would have to take a picture of her with me. I love my dog just as much as I love my children.

If I were told to give up the other two items upon arrival, as pain for it maybe, it would have to be the photos of my family who was left behind or I lost connection with and my bible. Some people may find it a bit strange for me to give up my bible. But I’m pretty familiar with most of the scriptures in the bible. I would have to keep the photo of my dog Gracie. I’m such an animal lover that I truly believe knowing that I couldn’t see my dog anymore would just be devastating to my heart.

My insights in regards to leaving this country to migrate to another country would be hard, but knowing that my family is with me would make the transition easier. I believe after a while becoming adapted to the lifestyle of this other country wouldn’t be so hard. Of course anything you are accustomed to and you have to give that up is always difficult.  What we practice in our country in regards to accepting other culture beliefs this would be our time to embrace those feelings