Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week we are learning about different types of microaggressions. This has been really interesting to me because I have never taken a sociology course and all of this information is new to me. When thinking about microaggressions, one situation that I experienced comes to mind.

My friend Dazell, who is an African American female, was hanging out with myself and some of my friends, who happen to be Caucasian, at a pub. The guys that were there started talking about classic rock music and Dazell mentioned that she loves Led Zeppelin. One of the guys said "wow, I didn't realize you guys listen to rock music. Do you not listen to rap?" I saw the look that immediately came over Dazell and the situation became very awkward. She played it off, laughed, and said that she pretty much listens to all kinds of music. I could tell though, just by knowing her, that she was offended. I felt embarrassed for the guy that made this comment because it was, to me, an ignorant comment. I also felt bad for Dazell because she was being stereotyped and not looked at as just a human but a race. This situation is an example of a microaggression.

I think that by learning about microaggressions we can learn to become more aware of them. As a professional in the early childhood field I am constantly in close contact with children and families from different backgrounds and cultures. It's important to be aware of microaggressions and be sensitive to other people's cultures. We have to remember to think before we speak because our words can truly hurt others, and often times, without us realizing it.