Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions-Week 4


A microaggression that happened this week that I observed was between two adults.  One adult was making some copies on the copy machine at my work and it jammed.  She went through the tutorial on what to check for the jam.  After doing so, it was still jammed.  So she attempted to do it again.  Another adult quickly came into the room and said “move, I will take care of it.”  As I observed this, I immediately thought back to the discussions we had this week and the examples of microaggressions.  Though it was not a direct hit, it had to hit that person inside.  She probably felt like the other lady didn’t think she could handle doing the job.

 

My other observations this week affected the way I view the effects of discrimination.  I felt like the lady was trying to get the copier unjammed, which at times is a bit difficult.  I feel that she was following all the steps she could and chose to try again before giving up.  The lady that walked in definitely discriminated her ability to complete a task that she felt superior at.  It makes me re think the ways I may say something to someone to give them suggestions are feedback to assure that I myself am not giving that person a microaggression.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Lynette,
    This week has some of us thinking what our actions and words will do to another person. Often times we live like we are the only ones in this world, ignoring the truth that there are several others. We are ever rushing not only with our words but actions as well. It is time however to stop and take stock. Whatever the outcome, be able to learn from them and purpose to try minimize and eventually stop hurting others especially when often times they may not be able to speak out. I believe this is going to be a life long adventure as we take time to learn about other people and appreciate them for who they are.
    Than you for sharing.

    Florence

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, Lynette that really hit home. I can think of times when I said "just get out of the way, I got it". I will now see this for the faulty character it is and stop doing it. Why not give the person the chance to make a difference. Aloha

    ReplyDelete