Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

About a month ago, I went to an early childhood development workshop with some of my co-workers. I arrived at the workshop early, placed my belongings on the desk and went to the restroom. When I returned to the class room to get in my seat, I saw that my belongings had been moved to the end of the row and Sarah, a Caucasian co-worker was sitting in my seat. I said, “Hey what happened? Why do you move my stuff? She grins and said, “Oh I didn’t think that you were coming back any time soon, you know yah are always late? I simply smiled said thanks for saving a seat and decided it would be best to address the issue after the workshop.

I feel the microagression was of the racial context. Sarah was applying the stereotype that African Americans are always late and felt it was ok to move my things. I felt disrespected when my things were moved and offended that she felt like it was ok to make that comment to me. I also questioned my sensitivity to the situation. I did not know whether I was over thinking the situation or if I truly should have been offended. I felt better after I spoke with Sarah and explained my feelings. Punctuality is not a cultural trait and I work really hard to try to be on time for events.

My observation experiences this week has made me more sensitive the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes on people. It has also let me know that even as a minority we are all guilty of slight microagression weather it’s for ableism, religionisms, racism, or classism. As a child my grandmother use to tell me that stick and stones will break your bones but words will never hurt you. I now realize that is not true. Verbal microagression cause just as much harm if not more harm to a person’s self-esteem, pride, and confidence. The goal that I have for my self is if in doubt to ask questions instead of making assumptions about people.