Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week we have been asked to observe microaggresions around us or think back to a time when we have observed microaggresions. 

I have chosen to write about a microaggression from the past that I have observed.  Being that it is summer and we are remodeling out home,  I haven't been out and about with many people the past few weeks.

Last summer, my family and I visited Disney World for the first time.  Something that was made quite clear to us was that being an English-speaking American there put us in the minority, probably for the first time in our lives.  When we were in line, everyone around us either was speaking a different language or had a foreign accent.  I have to admit that at first, it was a little bit of a shocking feeling.  Never had I been in my own country and felt like the minority.  In hindsight, it was good that I was able to experience what this felt like.

One thing that became apparent were was that since we were there in July, it was a heavy season for tourist groups.  There were many groups from South America.  They traveled around the parks in groups pf 20 or more.  They were quite vocal, would sing out loud in line and quite often would walk right in front of a picture or cut in line with no regard to others.  I have to admit, that after several days of this, my husband and I became quite annoyed.  There was obviously a difference in culture going on.  However, at the tale end of our trip, we encountered the same type of tourist group, although this group seemed to be of Asian decent.  They were quiet in line and didn't push or shove.  My husband made, at the time, what seemed like a compliment.  he said "Look how wonderfully they are acting considering they are tourists."  I went right along with his comment, nodding my head in agreement.  What he was saying was intended to be a compliment towards that group.  However, it ended up being much like Susan's comment in our discussion assignment.  It is obvious that the two groups of tourist s were from different cultures.  We had just deemed the other group as "rude". 

Knowing what I know now, I can see how this was a microaggresion.  We needed not forget that we were tourists there too.  I'm sure many Americans visit foreign places and our culture clashes with theirs.  I believe I understand now to be mindful that just because someone's behaviors our different than ours, that it doesn't necessarily translate into rude behaviors. These unintentional types of comments can be quite hurtful, especially when a person has to hear them again and again over time.