Microaggression Observations

Microaggression Observed

This week I began consciously looking for signs of microaggression.  While I did not witness any incidences of microaggressions, I did read about some.  The first was an article in last Sunday’s Flair section of the Richmond Times- Dispatch newspaper.  The article talked about a growing population of people from India.  In the article young people spoke about the importance of acclimating themselves to the culture of the United States.  They live two separate lives—their school life and their temple life.  The students explained that they were two entirely different lifestyles.  It is a shame that these people from India cannot maintain their culture within the North American culture.  There are things that I am sure we can learn from each other to make all of our lives better.  One of my co-workers is from India.  She and I often have conversations about finding inner peace in all situations.

Another article I read this week was in the September 2012 issue of Reader’s Digest.  It was taken from the March 1963 issue of the magazine and was written by Alex Haley.  The article titled “The Man Who Wouldn’t Quit” was about the life of his brother, George, at the University Of Arkansas School Of Law.  In the story George was the object of microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  In order to go to the school he had to live in the basement of a building.  He was not allowed to use any of the resources available to other students of the time including the cafeteria and the library.  He endured a great deal of ridicule, but by his senior year many students were accepting him for who he was—a brilliant man with great insight. I am hopeful that incidents such as this do not go on today with the magnitude that they did in earlier times.

The third instance was an interview on the Today Show in which women who were in the military were raped by men in the military.  There was no action taken by the military to discipline the men who had done this.  What a horrible burden for these ladies!  When asked if they would serve their country again, these ladies unanimously said they would even though this atrocity had occurred.  I know that this happens also in society.  It is very saddening to think about the secrets that men, women, and children keep within when they are the victims of rape. I wonder how it affects their daily lives.

Because The United States of America is a melting pot of all different types of people, it is important that as a nation and individually we learn to accept people for whom they are.   We must celebrate each person for the gifts they bring to our society because of the life experience they have had.  We can learn from each other, and in doing so, grow as individuals.

References

Bell, J. (Producer) (2012, September 26). Today Show. [With Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, and

            Al Roker]. New York, NY: National Broadcasting Company.

Haley, A. (1963, March & 2012, September). The Man Who Wouldn’t Quit. Reader’s Digest,

            144-151.

Prestidge, H. (2012, September 23). Indians’ commitment to one another and other transcends

            economic and social circles. Richmond Times-Dispatch, p. G1, 8.