Microagression
When it comes to managing an early childhood classroom
especially when the class is diverse, the teacher must be aware of their bias
towards others. These biases could have developed during childhood or through
the media. Most teachers are not outwardly racist or discriminatory to others.
Most teachers would not consider themselves a racist but when personal bias
towards other are not address then microaggression can occur.
According to Dr. Derald Wing Sue, “microagressions are brief everyday indignities that
are verbal, behavioral or environmental, that they may be intentional or
unintentionally communicated to women, to people of color, to gay/lesbians that
have an insulting message behind them that often time causes severe
psychological distress and harm”
My example:
Since I was in high school I have always been told by my
white friends that they are “colorblind” and that there is no race but the
human race. I just had this talk with one of my co workers this week. This
statement always bothered me but I never knew why until I got older. It is hard
to confront someone who says this statement because they really believe they
are saying something positive and non racial. Most people did not understand and
said I was overreacting. This is a type of microagression that does not invalidate.
This statement dismisses my experience as a Black person. The hidden message is
“your race and/ or culture are not important enough to acknowledge.” The human race is made up of a diverse group
of people so we must be seen.
Getting to know and understand the cultural beliefs and
traditions of your students’ families is a must when working in early
childhood. This prepared awareness with help teachers to not use microagression. It will also close the teacher/ parent
(family) gap that we as educators often see when working in a diverse school
setting.
Zena
ReplyDeleteI agree that education is needed in the areas of diversity and the inner biases of teachers. Do you think we should start teacher education in these areas earlier? I personally had very little training and formal education in this area while earning my BS degree.
Marie
I don't know if this is microaggression or a segway to let you know that you are more than just the color of your skin. I get what you're saying but have a hard time putting everyone in a box.Great Post
ReplyDeleteZena, I never thought of it that way, but I can see how that conclusion could be made. I always say "we are all human beings". We all breathe air and bleed blood. When we sign up to become an organ donor, it is just that, anyone can have an organ transplant and it doesn’t matter if the donor was white, black, green or purple. The only thing that matters is the donor has to be a human being. Now, know telling what the future holds, but that is opening up another discussion........
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