I was at the mall earlier this week and decided to sit and do some "people watching". It's always so interesting this time of year. All kinds of people were walking around... some doing Christmas shopping and others seemed to be just walking laps. I sat down on a bench that had 3 others with it in a square around a huge potted tree. A couple of girls sat on the bench adjacent to me and I had fun listening to their teenage conversation! :) Four girls came walking towards us doing some shopping and I heard this comment from one of the teenage girls sitting near me: "Now those girls probably know how to play some good basketball!". I had to chuckle because I knew at that instant that I could use the comment somehow this week for our course. The girls that walked by and "probably know how to play some good basketball" were all tall (at least 5'11'' - 6'-something), African-American, and dressed in athletic clothing. Two of them wore sandals while the other two wore what did look like basketball sneakers. I have no idea if they play - we are in a college town and they very well could play for the team.
I found myself wondering if I would have thought the same about the tall girls that walked by had the teenagers not made any comments. I guess I'll never know!
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteThe mall would definitely be a great place to "people watch." I found myself looking for examples of microaggression throughout the week as well. It was definitely not hard to find examples as they were all around me. This week has sure helped me become more aware of what I say around people and to people. I even shared an example with my 5th graders this week. I think that we need to share examples of this with our students so that they can be aware of how remarks that are made, even if they are unintentional can be hurtful! Thanks for sharing!
Amy McCoig