Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

      This week we are discussing micro aggressions.  One experience with a micro aggression that I can remember that happened to me was really not directed at me but because my daughter can’t hear I was asked the question. We were at a church event and I was having a conversation with another church member about my daughter. As I mentioned before she is deaf but she is a dancer and people often wonder how is she able to dance to music she can’t hear. After explaining to them how she is able to dance and is not able to hear, I was asked if she could read. Although I know no harm was intended I immediately assumed that they felt all deaf people could not read. I felt angry and she was also angry because she knew what he had ask because she can read lips. My response to him was yes she can read she goes to school and is making good grades. She just can't hear.

        My observation experiences this week helped me better understand the affects discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes can have on people. The constant use of micro aggressions can cause psychological damage too those who are most venerable. We may not intentionally mean to cause harm but the harm cause can be devastating especially for young children. Although I try to pay close attention to what I say to others, this week helped me understand why it’s important. Because I have been affected by the use of micro aggressions and know how it makes me feel, it is important to me that I do not impose that type of behavior upon another individual.