On a television show I watched this week, a young boy was becoming involved with a young girl who was very protected. She wasn't allowed to watch TV except for one-half hour once a week, was homeschooled, and had a strict curfew when at the boy's house. The boy was letting the girl believe he had done several bad things in his life because she was impressed by them. Her parents, which happened to be lesbians, appeared at his door one night to tell the boy he couldn't see the girl anymore because he was a bad influence. As he was trying to find the right words to explain that he wasn't a bad person and that the stories he had been telling weren't true, he said he was willing to follow the rules of their lesbian, then corrected himself and said family, home. He used a microinsult by labeling their home a lesbian home first before correcting himself.
I thought it was obvious he was nervous meeting the parents for the first time under the set of circumstances and corrected himself appropriately. His character doesn't have a lot of dating experience so he verbally stumbles when he is around authority figures.
I tried to focus on what people were saying to each other as I was observing this week, but didn't hear any microaggressions. It has heightened my listening skills to learn about this topic and I'm sure I will be aware of interactions between people as a result of the information learned as I watched the resource video.
Hi Laurie. This is a great example of microinsult because this shows verbal and communications that subtly convey rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person's racial identity. There are certain belief systems and behavior patterns associated with this form of negativity. Perpetrators of micro-insults are often unaware that they engage in such communications. Subtle insults and stunning nonverbal interactions occur frequently out of deeply rooted ignorance and old habits. Research conducted though Columbia University indicates that, “Micro insults represent subtle snubs, frequently unknown to the perpetrator, but clearly convey a hidden insulting message to the recipient. Great post, Laurie.
ReplyDeleteReferences: Unmasking 'racial micro aggressions.’ (2009). Retrieved on July 27, 2013 from http://www.apa.org/index.aspx
Laurie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post!!! You brought out a great point. What we watch on television also encourage our conversation. We should also be aware of microaggression on the television and radio.
My focus is on not offending anyone unconsciously. Thank you for sharing your post.
Chere'e
God post, I think insults and verbal aggression damage the self -esteem of the persons,(micro -insults).
ReplyDeleteHow important is to communicate in a good way not hurting people.
thanks
Maria
Laurie-
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example of microaggression! Do you think you would have noticed this before taking this class? I have noticed that I have become more aware after this week at listening for and pointing out microaggressions.
-Melanie