Describe at least one example
of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another
time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and
feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the
target of a microaggression?
During a parent conference my first year of school, I had a parent
make the comment to me that “you don’t have children, so I wouldn’t expect you
to understand”. I replied by simply saying that she was correct, however I am
learning and trying my best to understand and help any way that I can. This to
me was an intentional comment meant to hurt my self-esteem and confidence. I
have also had other young mothers my age tell me “you don’t have children, you’ll
find out what I mean when you do” and other comments along those same lines.
These comments I feel were not meant as a jab at me, however I took them that
way. In my mind I was thinking, “I have a degree in early childhood, I’ve
taught in a school for 2 years, or 3 years, I’ve handled classrooms full of
children, but yet you’re telling me I don’t understand or that I will understand
once I have children? That’s absurd!” Most of these comments came about in
conversations about young children and parenting. Unfortunately, I feel that
until I have children, I will continue to be the target of these comments. What
bothers me the most is that people think that just because you have children,
means you know so much, or you know more about kids than anyone, but I have to
disagree. There are many people out there who have children and have absolutely
no motivation to understand them, they just see it as “having kids”. Just
because you have kids, does not make you a better person or a better parent.
Your parenting choices influence that.
In what ways did your
observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of
discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people.
Through readings and discussions I have learned that as an
educator, it is extremely important not to make presumptions about a child or
the child’s family. Stereotypes can be harmful and detrimental to anyone, and
we need to be aware of the ways in which we speak to and of other people. Instead,
we need to get to know their culture and differences, and try not to pass judgment
based on what we think we know or assume about them.
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteSorry about what you went through. This teaches us how sometimes we make comments without thinking how they will affect another. Communication, after this weeks lessons needs to be well planned. As an educator especially, we are handling children at very tender levels, the words we speak to them will go so deep. I am reminded of often times when doing homework with my own and we disagree on something because teacher said. What a teacher says is very important to children and their families. It is my prayer from this day forward that, Lord help me speak alright (KJV) and help my respondent to receive my words and make them plain as they will come through them that they will build and not destroy.
It has been a week of great reflection.
Thank you for your post.
Florence
Aloha Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteTo add to your comments on parental guidance I must say that so many are incapable of listening to even the smallest directive. Most all parents could if they would learn from their kids. Keep doing what you are doing we all need you out there kid or no kid, Aloha
Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteThat is a very hurtful comment. I was told that a few times before I had children. From experience, I learned to not let others words effect my feelings. Our jobs as educators is to ensure the safety and educational progress of our students. Most of the time when a person is mean or insults you it usually means that they are feeling pain within themselves. Kill them with kindness. LOL!