Now, that I am aware of Micro aggression and how they
can easily develop but go undetected, there are so many I have experienced and
witness throughout. One of them is back in high school, where the dominate
culture was Anglo sexton. there was this particular spot where all the African
American students would gather together between classes hang out and chat. I remember walking with my friend who is
Caucasian and she said: "Oh that is the black spot, don't go there because
then people will think you are like them". I remember saying ' but I am'
and her comment was 'but your different, your black but not black, do you know
what I mean?' ok and I walked away. At first I thought maybe I should really
not relate to them since I am black and I wanted to continue the friendship, but it did not work out that way. Things
started changing once I became friends with many of the girls in many social
group, that girl stopped talking to me. I am who I am and will not limit my
friendship based on what other perceive me to be or who I should associate
myself with.
This week's topic has been such an eye opener and
increase my knowledge and awareness even more. I have done some searching
around Micro aggression on the web and you will be amazed on how many stories
there are in regards to the topic.
This is an unfortunate example of microaggression that I know all to well. My friends would also make similar comments without even thinking how I would receive it. It was unfortunate that she insulted the racial group but quickly commented that you were not like them. It is unfortunate that people create stereotypes about particular groups without considering the person and who they really are as an individual.
ReplyDeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience of when you were in high school. It is unfortunate that you had to go through that because I'm sure SHE lost a great friend. Did you ever have a conversation with her later on about what she said to you? I wonder why she had those feelings about the "other" group. I appreciate you not changing yourself for particular friendships based on how others perceive you. If they cannot accept you for who you are, they are not meant to be your friend.