One form of Microaggression that I have witnessed was when two of my coworkers were discusses another coworker at work last week.
Coworker 1: Ms. Tina told me I was gaining weight today.
Coworker 2: What? Why would she think that was ok to say?
Coworker 1: You know how those Philippine women think.
Coworker 2: I’m Philippine
Coworker 1: Well not you act like you are from here.
Coworker 2: I am from here.
Coworker 1: I’m sorry you know what I meant.
The conversation ended when coworker 2 knotted her head, smiled and turned around to work on her computer.
When coworker 1 brought up the scenario at first I understood what she was talking about I had a similar situation with that coworker and agreed with coworker 2 when she said “What? Why would she think that was ok to say?” But once coworker number 1 brought up race I felt uncomfortable and just kept feeling more uncomfortable as the situation went on. I also felt really bad for coworker 2 because unintentionally coworker 1 used a microinvalidation about her culture and I could tell she felt hurt.
This week, observing other I can see that discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people still exist. Dr. Sue said in the video that racism is was taking a new form and unfortunately I would have to agree with him. I see it through microinsults and microinvalidations.
Resources:
“Microaggressions in Everyday Life”
Amy,your scenario that you posted is way to common in the work place, I have a co-worker that is also like that. She would make comments or statements about someone or something in an audience of primarily people of same ethnic background. Making everyone uncomfortable.
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