Examples of Microaggressions:
1. My sister was telling me about one of her
patients from work and their family. She shared that a women walked onto their
floor (pediatric unit in a hospital) and the nursing staff gave her a visitor
badge instead of a family badge. The reason behind this was because the mother
of her patient was already on the floor and the nursing staff did not think
another mother would be coming as a “mom” for this patient. This woman is
transgender therefore, this patient has two Moms. The nurse that gave this women
a visitor’s pass was unaware and unconsciously insulted this woman by assuming
she was not the mother of the patient as well. This is an example of
microinvalidation as Dr. Sue explains this to be invalidating one’s feelings
and experiences (Laureate Education, 2011). When I heard this story, I felt sad
for the mom as she was upset that she was not looked at as the mother of this
patient. This story also made me feel uncomfortable because this situation
could be awkward as the nurses were unaware, and clearly did not have all the
information about this family.
2.
Reflecting back to the past football season, I
remembered the time when several NFL teams had players kneel during the
National Anthem. I believe this is an example of a microinsult because these
players were taking away from the meaning of the National Anthem while trying
to protest for matters unrelated to the National Anthem. When I saw this
happening, I felt sad and frustrated because I feel these players were disrespecting
our country and the men and women who fought to get us to where we are today.
These players actions were intentional; however, I feel these players may not
have considered how these actions could impact many individuals within our
society.
Reflecting on these observations has allowed me to understand
that discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes occur every day in several
locations. It can be challenging at times to be aware of a time where you may
have stereotyped an individual as you did it unconsciously. Thinking about and
looking specifically for examples relating to these topics has helped me to
understand that individuals can truly be impacted even when it was
unintentional. This task has allowed me
understand how important it is to be aware of what you say and cognizant of other
individual’s cultures and viewpoints. In my first example, had the nurses known
this family had a transgender mom they would not have been presented with the
opportunity to offend her. This confirms how important it is to truly get to
know your patients, students and their families, as well as peers.
References
Laurate
Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions
in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.walden.edu
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteThe first story you shared is heartbreaking! In the present day, awareness of families with gay or transgender parents is growing but still not consciously enforced due to internalized oppressions (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). I agree that it is important to be cognizant of other individual's cultures and viewpoints, but to also understand that there is nothing considered "normal." Everyone has a different normal. Thank you for sharing your stories!
Tara
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Brianna
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Blog. I am relating on the scenario of the NFL players kneeling down during the National Anthem. I feel it was a microinsult as well, however, we must think about the other players cultural beliefs as well. They showed respect by kneeling down and not just down right doing it. But I really do understand your post.
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your first example of a microaggression occurring, specifically a microinsult. My best friend's mother is gay and has married a woman. Often, it is questioned and overlooked that there is a possibility for her to have two mothers. A similar incident happened to them at a hospital as well, this took place before gay marriage was legal throughout the US. Her second mother was not allowed to visit her in certain wards during a surgical procedure because she was not considered immediate family.
I think your second example is a great example of individuals having varying opinions on whether a microaggression is present or not, and who the victim really is in the situation. I can understand both sides and am really torn on what the right solution is, some components can truly be controversial and trivial to understand fully. Thanks for sharing!
-Crystal