Awareness of Microaggressions

This observation is one that has happened before,however it also occurred this week. During the school year, I have a hard time getting together with the friends I have from the restaurant I previously worked. When the school year finished, we immediately had a get together and of course they asked about my school year and all.  After talking about the year, one person stated, " I do not know how you teach those kids and work with those parents.  You should start working in a school that is a better fit for you."  This comment has always bothered me, but it really bothered me this week partially due to the discussion from this week. When this comment was made, it made me think about the comments , " those children and parents" and " a better fit for you"  I am a Caucasian and  work in a predominately African American school (Which in my opinion should not really be an issue). I feel the hidden message in this conversation was that teaching African American children was separate and different from teaching other groups of children. I am curious to know how people who say this find it to be "different." Are they implying it is easier, harder or what? It also made me feel that they thought it was not a good fit for me simply because of the difference in skin color.   For those of you that are curious, I responded very calmly stating I love my job and I love my children, that's all that matters. This kind of response usually lead to a change in topic which is best. Of course in my mind I did not want to respond calmly, I wanted to use very "not so nice" words, and have actually avoided her at gatherings since the incident.

 In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people?


After looking closely at the conversations with others this week, I feel the biggest effect is that it separate others from each other. Certain comments and how they are perceived can set up a wall between people. More importantly it is similar experiences that can also occur between parents and classroom teacher, co workers, and children. If such a wall develops between these groups it could impact the overall effective education we are trying to provide our children.  This is why I think it is so important to remember a simply saying that many of us teach our children- " Think before you speak!"