In describing at least one example of a microaggression I detected this week and in what context did the microaggression happen and what I thought and felt when I observed the microaggression here is what I describe as racial microaggression.
This week in the media I observed what I believed to be racial microaggression as Jan Brewer, Governor of Arizona wagged a disapproving finger in the face of the President of the United States, President Obama. By wagging her finger in the President’s face was a hidden message of disrespect. In the video this week with Dr. Sue he described three forms of racial microaggression: microassault, microinsults, and microinvalidations. Of these three forms of racial microaggression, I believe that microinsult (demeaning a person racial heritage by suggesting they are intellectually inferior in one way or another) took place in this scenario with Governor Brewer and President Obama.
When I observed this my first thought was she is disrespecting the President of the United States of America and Mr. Obama personally because he is a black man. I personally felt angry when I observed this on television because so many discriminating things have been said about President Obama because of his race. In my own personal opinion, which I could be wrong, I don’t think Governor Brewer would have done this to the President of the United States of America if he had been a white man, regardless of the conversation and his walking away.
My observation experience this week did not affect my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people. However, I understand the different ways in which we all are guilty in one way or another, which I did not consider before. I realize that the effects of having to deal with discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes can cause severe psychological stress. Also, I understand that sometimes our microaggressions are not intended the way it is perceived, but that we have to work on the ways to prevent negative microaggressions. No one chooses his or her race, sexual orientation, and/or social status before being born. We are all God’s children and we need to accept each one for who they are.
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). “Microaggressions in Everyday Life” [Video Webcast].
Hi Allison,
ReplyDeleteI did not see that clip this week but I agree that was disrespectful to our president. I am white and I have been so disappointed how the American public has continuously disrespected President Obama. He inherited a lot to deal with and from my point of view his is doing what he feels is best for our country. It is sad but something’s just never seem to change and racism is one of them.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, it was very disrespectful and would not have happened to any other president. I know she would have felt disrespected if someone waved their finger in her face. This country needs to go back to the basics that we teach elementary students, treat people how you want to be treated. I have never heard of a president being talked about and critized as much as he has. It is very sad that in this major step forward in electing a black man to hold the highest office in our country we still are far behind.