Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
I would have to say the microaggression I experienced this
week was my own at the doctor’s office. I went to see my doctor because of some
pain I have been experiencing in my foot and big toe. I had some x-rays taken and some blood drawn
and the conclusion came back as I have gout. Having no clue what gout was, my
doctor explained that it was due to uric acid that builds up in the blood and
begins to affect the joints of areas such as the big toe, knee, or ankle. I
then asked him what causes it and he said it was due to lack of exercise,
weight gain, and diet in which he asked me if I was interested in losing weight.
I was not offended by his suggestion, because I said I was interested. I am
very sedimentary and have not exercised properly in 9 years. Someone else may have taken this suggestion
the wrong way and it could have been as a microaggression suggesting that I am
overweight which I am. I need to start eating healthy and exercising because I
will be 50 in October and too many people in my area have died from massive
heart attacks.
This week and this class continue to make me stop and think
before I speak about someone. My husband had a microaggression moment last night
in regards to the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado. He has expressed some very
strong opinions about the person who committed the shootings. I am sure all of
us at some point yesterday had those same feelings. I think I continue to make
myself more aware of how I speak about someone because of my daughter. She is
17 and will be a senior this fall. I don’t want my lack of discretion and couth
influencing her opinion because of something I said. There have been several
times when she has had to remind me to watch what and how I talk about people,
especially people she goes to school with. She does a great job and I am amazed
at how she handles herself.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteThe doctor asked a direct question to which an answer was expected, personally, I do not think anyone should frown at that. The issue of microaggression is when insinuations are made, to which answers are not expected, like, ‘it is a common ailment with the obese’ or something more derogating. Thanks for sharing.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI have really noticed that microaggressions happen everyday and normally the person that is the micoraggrssor has no knowledge of what they are doing. They feel that what they are doing is normally and not offensive. Thanks for sharing you experiences this week.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to think before we speak about someone in front of children. I don’ know if my case is common, but I remember that I was judging my parents because of their discriminative and disrespectful words even though they did not say them in public when I was 12 if not even earlier.
Aya
Ayako,
DeleteI believe microaggressions are so whether stated in public or private. Very good question. I wonder what our colleagues would comment on this insightful question.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI had the same observations, and probably accusations, this week when I heard of the events in Aurora Colorado. I have become surprisingly aware at how many microaggressions occur daily. I observed at least a handful this week, just at work (that did not correspond to the events in Colorado).
Thanks for sharing your personal experience... and good luck!
First I am sorry to hear you have developed gout. From what I understand it can become rather painful and annoying. Secondly, I thought it was interesting that you pointed out the assumption your doctor made about your weight. I believe many people do take those type of comments the wrong way and become offended. Because of this, many doctors have stopped suggesting lifestyle changes and instead just prescribe medicine. I think in certain relationships, the doctor-patient relationship for example, you have to look beyond any insult you may incur and just say what needs to be said.
ReplyDelete