Friday, November 22, 2013
Week 4 Blog
An example of a microaggression that I can remember happened last week in my classroom. My assistant was on vacation so a substitute was placed in their with me. It was lunch time and the children where having burritos for lunch, there is only one Hispanic child this year in my class. The teacher started to fix plates and pass the lunch to each child when she got to the Hispanic child she made the comment," I bet you eat better burritos then this at home." I don't think she intended to be disrespectful in any way. Having a better understanding of what microaggression's are I think that it is important for us as educators to be sensitive and think about what we are saying before we say it. What may be funny to us may be hurtful and offensive to others. Hearing what the teacher said made me instantly think how I would feel if that where said to me, I would feel like an outcast like my culture or the way things are done in my home where not the right things to do. Before this class I had never heard of microaggression's knowing what I know I will be more aware of what I say or do when dealing with the families and children that I work with.
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LaRoyia,
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see how the substitute thought she was complementing your student by saying he probably eats better from his family and not realizing the generalization she was making. Many times we say things and don't even really pay attention to what we say. This week has definitely brought microaggressions to my attention and hopefully this awareness will help me introduce it and bring it to others' attention. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie
Hi LaRoyia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. After this week's assignments, I am realizing how much microaggessions are used on a daily basis. I have also realized how many times this is done unintentional. I will be more mindful in the future. Thanks for sharing.
Amy
LaRoyia,
ReplyDeleteI will admit that I have made similar comments in the past as the one that you mentioned in your post. At the moment, it may seem okay, but now that I am reflecting on the scenario, it was never okay. I would not appreciate it if someone jokingly commented about a particular aspect of my culture. I know that I need to be more aware of my opinions and think about how they might affect a person or the situation if they are shared aloud. Thanks for your post!
Tiffany
Laroyia,
ReplyDeleteIm happy that you made that point because as educators we have to be aware of how ours students may feel about the things that we say inside as well as out side of the classroom. This class has also allowed me to be more aware of how I feel or think about situations in regards to life and early childhood education.
Laroyia,
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent example of how an otherwise innocent comment can actually be a microaggression. Your associate teacher was well meaning and might have been attempting to connect with the child over his culture or show respect or acknowledgement of his culture, but in fact may have actually caused him some distress.
Lisa
Laroyia I agree that the substitute should not have said that. I think sometimes we speak without thinking what we are really saying and not realizing the signal it is sending or how it is affecting the person we are talking about.
ReplyDeleteLaRoyia, I agree with you. I would feel hurt and upset if someone made a comment like that to me. I get upset when people say all you black people eat is Chicken so I know I would be upset If someone say I know you make better burritos at home.
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