I have experienced many situations in which microaggression was felt. As a mother I pride myself in the way in which I rear my children. I have taught them to stand up for what they believe in and never let someone treat your wrong. They attend a majority white school that is considered a top school in the district. It took a while to get them accepted to the school but once they began to attend I began to notice many subtle forms of racism. One that stands out the most are the ones done to my children. I have had some situations in which teachers have assumed just because of their color they were not capable or able to do things. I expose my children to different cultures in life. I teach them to be acceptable of all people regardless of their race and socioeconomic status. There have been a few situations that I have had to stand up for my children. I do not want them to feel inferior to others just because of the color of their skin. I recently experienced my own form of microaggression at my new job. Being a woman, I am often stereotyped as not being able to perform certain duties. I work in corrections which is looked at as a "man's" job. I deal with small forms of microaggressions daily but I do not let them stop me from achieving my goals in life.
This week's lesson have taught me that forms of discrimination still exist in the world today. It saddens me that it is so, but it has lead me to teach my children about the world that we live in. I want them to understand this world but not be affected by the way people treat them. I teach them to strive for their goals and not let the ignorance of others deter them.
Shorlone
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration about the teacher. It is sad that she thought that because you are a minority that you could not pay for your child's costume. My son goes to a predominantly white school and I myself feel like I always have to go out my way to prove that I can financially pay for school activities and functions. I also agree with what you tell children. It is so important to strive for your goals and not let the ignorance or HATERS stop your show!
Shorlone,
ReplyDeleteI think your children are very lucky to have you there backing them up all the time and teaching them to not stereotype people. It is sad that there are parents out there who do not stand up for their children. Also corrections is a hard job, but if you want it bad enough you are going to do it, so good for you for sticking with it. One day those men who are stereotyping you are going to realize you can do the job just as good as they can.
Thank you for your post and insights!
Shorlone,
ReplyDeleteI often have had similar experiences with micro-aggression when it comes to my son who plays hockey on a 85 % white hockey team. When my son signed up for the team, my husband and I were repeatedly asked if we needed financial assistance with his membership fees. The were also many times we walked into hockey arenas and were the only or one of two or three black families in the building. In private we often spoke of our frustration with the comments and occasional stares but we weren't surprised by our experience being that we knew well ahead of time of the world we were stepping into.
Shorlone,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that so often we have explain to our children how this world we live in can be so cruel. It has been a struggle in teaching my child about this world. It will always be pure racism in this world as my child goes to middle school next year I am preparing her for the issues she may face. I was told many issues begin in these puberty years.