This week, I took the time to really observe my surrounding looking for microaggressions that occur all the time. The main one that stood out for me was beyond obvious and I have to share it.
At lunch today, I overheard a group of people that were on their way to pick up food. It was a group of men and women, about six of them and there was one black man in the group of whites. When deciding what to order, the one guy said to the black guy "We're thinking Popeyes cuz we know you brothas love fried chicken." and they all started laughing. The black guy laughed too, but I couldn't help but wonder if he was just laughing on the outside or if he was genuinely un-offended.
What I do know is that although it seemed unintentional and they were all clearly friends, it was an insult nonetheless. I felt bad for the guy and thought how bad that sounded out loud. It was nuts! This example was clear as day, but I now know that I am more in tune with the racism that goes on around me and I am aware of the damage it does on a persons self-image, self-esteem and self-worth. We really have to stop the madness and start thinking more before we speak....only then can change begin!
Janet, I hear examples like this much too often, and it is really offensive not only to the person in the group but to others who overhear it. My family gives me a hard time and calls me the "racial police" because I will not tolerate disparaging comments like that in my home or within my earshot. It is too bad that we have become a society that tolerates and even encourages this. Carolyn
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