While eating dinner with my family tonight there was a couple next to us having a conversation about our waiter and the way he talks/walks. They had assumed he was part of the gay community because his voice and body posture, which was microaggression even if they had not made a comment to them. This conversation annoyed me because even if their assumption was correct what does it matter? Was it worth having that conversation? Did he hear them? If so, what affect would it have on him?
This week had helped my awareness of microaggressions, within myself and others. It seems that people are constantly stereotyping and most of the time it is not to harm the other person. I have made a conscious effort to think before I talk, as well. What I think is not harmful might in fact harm someone else in ways you would not expect.
Chrissy
ReplyDeleteThere are many times in which I hear the same type of conversations related to individuals the food service industry. I find it unfair that men are usually targeted with this form of microaggression. It is important that we not only think before we speak, but we teach the next generations as well.
Carla
I agree that that type of conversation is unnecessary to have because it doesn't truly matter whether or not he was gay. It is unfortunate that people are constantly stereotyping one another. I also feel I have become much more aware of what I say, as well as what I think. It seems like microaggressions are much more common than I would have imagined.
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