Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

I went to a church function about six months ago, and I ended up sitting at a table with a Principal that I had interviewed with awhile back.  We were very amicable and talkative at the table for awhile.  When her husband sat down, she introduced me to him as a teacher that she interviewed awhile back.  She continued to go on and say that I didn’t get the job because I lacked a few qualifications. 

According to Dr. Sue in the video this week, I experienced microinvalidation.  The principal insulted my professional experience.  At the time that this took place, I felt embarrassed and shocked.   I was embarrassed that everyone at the table heard that I was not qualified to teach at her school even though I have my teaching certificate, and I was shocked that a leader like herself would publicly degrade a person. 

The assignments this week helped me recognize my perception as well as others regarding discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes.  Today I called to reschedule a doctor’s appointment for my son, and it took nearly 30 minutes because the lady did not speak English well. My knowledge of microaggressions kicked in because I did not want to say anything to offend this lady.  I was very polite and very patient knowing that she must have felt embarrassed that she could not understand my spelling of my son’s name.   This week I realized that sometimes we do not think before we speak, and these words can really have lasting effects on a person.