Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

     This week I noticed that a person in authority critical analysis of most of her staff was a form of microaggression because each time she would say that she meant no harm. She said one lady was like a dumb blonde, this young lady is African American with very light skin. She told her how smart and forgetful she was, if her head was not attached she would be looking for it.  A compliment before the insult was my first clue of the microinsult form of microaggression (Laureate Education, 2011). I first thought she was unaware of the effect of the things she would say, but as soon as the individual was out of her view she would insult them again. These little insults are almost constantly hurled out of her mouth, as if they were pearls of knowledge. Dr. Wing Sue said that:” …. everyday individuals who are unaware of their biases who indeed do the greatest harm…” (Laureate Education,2011). But I wonder if knowing how to use microaggression by people in authority is a close tie in being harmful.

 Words are powerful, and it is the responsibility of all to use their words to encourage and uplift, with respect. I know that I have used words carelessly in my past, but I hope my future words are more caring and sensitive to the hearer. I must be responsible and diligent that I use my words to heal and not harm intentionally, I am ashamed to recognize that I have unintentionally use my words for harm. Moreover,I am encouraged that I will remember to be:"swift  to listen,slow to speak, and slow to anger"( James 1:19). The tongue is one of the smallest members of our body, and the hardest to control. Microaggressions can be stopped, one mouth at a time, one thought to do no harm, and recognition that we all have feelings easily hurt. Prejudices and biases are a part of our world and we have the choice and chance to push it out individually with self-reflection, and respect for all.

                                                   Reference

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file].

      Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu