Well, my husband and I just relocated from NYC to NC. What a huge difference? During this time of transition my husband and I had to get NC licenses. We went to the DMV and they go through all the formalities and ask questions. Well, my husband went first and the gentlemen asked him all the formalities and also asked him What race are you? My husband answered White and my ethnicity is Latino. They also asked my husband numerous times to validate his address. It seemed like they didn't believe the address he was saying was his. Now, you might ask what is the big deal. Well, the big deal came when it was my turn to go to the teller and she didn't ask me the same questions my husband was asked. So sometimes it takes a while to realize a microaggression has actually happened. I felt this was an example. It was subtle and I'm sure the man was well-intentioned.
My observation experiences this week affected my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people. The biggest thing that changed my perception is the way I view people by the way they are dressed or speak. Are they speaking with slang words, or accents. I realized the stereotypes I have are based on first impressions. Just the fact that I think I know a person's cultural background by looking at them, shows that I follow a script in my mind that is full of stereotypes.
Johan - Well first lets just say a trip to the DMV is never a pleasant one! I think you were probably right, the person may not have even intended what happened. I have lived in NC and other communities that are not so "savy": with diversity. Some people are actually confused and don;t understand when you say while/Latino. They are trying to understand what that means. People still do not understand when my husband says he is American yet Hispanic at the same time!
ReplyDeleteJOHAN,
ReplyDeleteI must applaud you, because it take a mighty person to see their own shortcomings. And for you saying that you follow a script in your mind, just tell me your a woman who's willing to change things about herself for the greater good! Excellent Johan! KUDOS!!!
Johan - Yes, that was subtle but definitely an insulting situation. The teller probably didn't even think about what she was asking, or why.
ReplyDeleteI think we all tend to stereotype in one way or another...changing that takes awareness and a willingness to change the way we view people.