I've experienced disability microaggression being targeted at nearly daily. One of examples: people often asked me if I could drive, write, read, and so forth. It is often degrading because they determined that being deaf equals to being vegetable. This kind of response from others are irritating.
Another example: I applied for a job position called Job Coach. This position entailed duties including working with deaf and hard of hearing clients that required fluent in American Sign Language. I got an interview. When I arrived at the site, the interviewer said the company would not hire me. The reason they would not hire me was targeting at my hearing ability. In their perspective, lack of hearing ability means I could not manage the job responsibilities.
Beside being a target of a disability microaggression, I found myself targeting others based on racial microaggression even though it was not my intention at all. At a gas station, I pumped my vehicle while watching three young Latino males walking from their odd looking vehicle to the store. Based on their appearance, I immediately felt unsafe. Although I did not have direct contact with these gentlemen, I caught myself reacting in such a manner.
Thankfully, the course for this week focused on microaggression. I learned a great deal about it for I have never heard of microaggression until now. This has helped me clarify what behaviors I'm displaying toward others. I realized that it may be difficult to compose my behavior responsiveness toward others at times. It will take some discipline to refocus my attention on being just.
I have come to realize that I am guilty of prejudice against groups of young men more than any other group. I, like you, feel immediately unsafe when I am confronted with a group of unsavory looking young men regardless of race. I have had an experience with a group of teenage boys being disrespectful, but never of being in physical danger - so this tendency to feel self defensive is pretty unfounded.
ReplyDeleteI think one way or another we have found ourselves engaging in some form of microaggression. The important part is we are now aware of it and in my case I will make a concious effort to be mindful of it. This week I tried to pay attention to the little comments we hear and take for granted. I had some interesting conversation with coworkers who made unintentional comments and not realizing their biases.
ReplyDeleteThrough our studies of microaggression this week, I have been able to re-examine my initial reactions to situations like you with the Latino gentlemen. Because family beliefs and images through media are so ingrained into us, many bias thoughts are just immediate and made unconsciously. Thanks for sharing your stories!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that through our lesson this week we have all learned alot. With that job you interviewed for I applaud you on your reaction and not allowing that to stop you for reaching your goal.
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