Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

     One example of a microaggression in which I detected this week was between two staff. One staff is Muslim/Hispanic female and the other is African American male. A child in the classroom in which these two teachers teach has a fear of clowns. This was discovered as the children were engaged in an art activity. The teachers were engaged in a conversation regarding their approach in easing the child's fear. The female staff made a comment, "You're a clown, an evil clown!" The male staff appeared irritated and responded, "You've got nerve, clowns wear the same kind of stuff on their head like you do!" The female staff shook her finger at him and stated, "Don't make fun of my Religion!"

The context of the microaggression was intentional, but as a rebuttal to an insult.

     I was tickled initially, but I did not laugh. I felt that she was out of line by calling him a clown. We have to recognize that when we speak words to people, we never know what we will receive in return as a response. I felt that the male staff could have handled the situation differently, and that it was an exchange of words based on retaliation.
    
     My observation experiences have affected my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and or stereotypes on people by acknowledging that people react based on their strengths as an individual. Some people may become withdrawn, defensive, physical, or vocal as a means to protect themselves. I believe people have the right to live their lives without being judged, period! No one is perfect in this world...as long as people are not causing harm to others, being productive, ad teaching our children to be respectful and positive contributors to society...the only judgments made should be regarding the manner in which people attempt to stop the negativism, discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes.