I can recall during various moments in school
(including college), times when I would overhear some people say that you
better get an Asian friend if you want to do good in any of your challenging
classes or get a good grade period. This classic case of racial microagression falsely recognizes that all
Asian students naturally excel in all academics regardless of the subject
matter and who they are as individuals. I have never identified with this stereotype. Like many other harmful
misconceptions, this is totally untrue and lessens the credit deserved for the strong work ethic and dedication that many people of Asian
descendent possess when it comes to wanting to make a better life for future generations.
I also remember the shock of some students when they found out there were no magic tricks that Asian students had to just getting
the answers right (Big Surprise, Right!!!). It actually took a lot of self discipline and devotion to
studying to earn some of the top ranking scores in the class. In retrospect, whenever there were students of Asian descendent that
didn’t have the highest of grades, comments (including those from teachers) would then be made referencing them
being different from others in their race (so inappropriate) and I'm sure also damaging.
Taking the time to reflect on the importance of knowing what microagression is and moments of it that I have witnessed in the past, has caused me to be even more mindful of my selected words during my conversations. Even when harmful assumptions are made unintentionally, the ramifications can still have the same affects as if they were done with malice intent. I am thankful for my insight.
http://www.sausd.us/Page/12092
One aspect that I have come to realize is that we all seem to grow up with these little microaggressions based upon stereotypes. Some of us still utilize them, thinking that they are just harmless little jokes or snickers among friends when really they have hurtful and hateful undertones as they were originally intended to be negative. This is something that feel should be discussed and possibly these "so called joking" microaggressions will begin to disappear.
ReplyDeleteDantaya,
ReplyDeleteI too am happy that my eyes were open to microaggression. I will utilize this new knowledge with my family. Microaggression is a new term for me, I used stereotype in the past now I have a deeper understanding and discovered that many have become numb to that word. I am going to use microaggession now.