This week, I have learned about microaggression and
its impact on others. Dr. Sue defines microaggression as brief everyday
indignities that may be verbal, behavioral, or environmental (Laureate
Education, 2011). These messages can be communicated intentionally or
unintentionally. Microaggressions happen outside the level of awareness of
well-intentioned individuals and reflect views of superiority or exclusion
(Laureate Education, 2011).
In observing and thinking about microaggression, I realize
that they occur more often than I thought. Throughout the week, I was able to
detect several examples of microaggression in conversations, in the news, and
on television.
The one I am that impacted me the most was on one of
my favorite reality television shows, L.A.
Hair. I wasn’t looking for any unintended insults but noticed it towards
the end of the show. One of the hair stylists was opening up her own salon. She
invited all her friends to visit and see the new place. As everyone was having
drinks, one of the ladies, who is a nail artist asked did she plan to have a nail artist at her salon. She said “yes, I will definitely have to hire some
Asians because they do the best work”. When I heard this, I immediately thought
about this week’s course work. The stylist did not mean to insult. The hidden
message was that she believed that all Asians did great nail work. The stylist
wanted quality workers throughout her new salon and because of her past
experiences she assumed the best nail artist would be Asian. She did not intend
to cause any harm or stress.
This week’s observations made me realize that microaggressions
are very powerful. They can impact people more than ‘old fashion racism’
(Laureate Education, 2011). In order to grow as a society, we must work to
prevent these microaggressions by speaking up, speaking out, and learning to
interact in diverse circles. We must learn to connect with one another of all
cultures as human and respect and embrace differences as uniqueness.
Reference
Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions
in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Trinecia,
ReplyDeleteGood post! I had not thought to look on television for examples but I am sure that would provide a wealth of examples of this issue, unfortunately. I agree that I did not realize how big of an issue this was or how common it was taking place. My own observations were eye opening this week as I looked deeper into the interactions this time around.
Ashley Richards
Trinecia
ReplyDeleteI like your example you selected from a television show it was a perfect example how most individuals are stereotype by what they her, see within their environment.
Therefore, your observation about"The stylist wanted quality workers throughout her new salon and because of her past experiences she assumed the best nail artist would be Asian." and "She did not intend to cause any harm or stress." However, without consciously or unconsciously knowing she created a remark that is consider to be a racial microaggressions that is imposed upon people of color in everyday life.
Thank you for a excellent observation !
Hi Trinecia,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I never watched that particular job but great observation that's insulting and demonstrates microaggression insults. I feel this way because it states only Asian people are good at this skill, however, this is not true. I recall even before nails became so popular I had a friend who did mines in the 70s manual and must add an excellent job! In my opinion she was the best. I believe to be the best one most take pride in their work.
I saw the episode you referenced, and remember thinking the same thing. I was disappointed when she said it. I have become so much more sensitive to microaggression since learning about it, and the effects. I am happy you shared this example, and definitely less likely to disregard these types of comments.
ReplyDelete