I watched Responding
to Microaggressions.
I agree that
they can be subtle…and what assumptions can be made. It’s tricky when I think
about asking someone where they’re from. Perhaps it’s just conversation and
looking to connect with them in a particular way…it’s worrisome that someone
might assume I’m exhibiting a microaggression and trying to “other” them.
I thought the “I can’t say your name so I’ll call you J” was an interesting microaggression. Frankly, I witnessed versions of this in my teaching career. Since I’ve been primarily high school, by the time students get to me they’re fully aware that their name is challenging for typical English-speaking teachers to pronounce. Many times they would have a handy nickname ready for me.
The first day of class would go something like this …
ME: Can you please pronounce your name correctly for me?
STUDENT: Pronounces name …with a quick followup…you can call me __________ blank. Blank is a shortened version of this name and easy to pronounce. It’s also a name that most students called this individual.
Looking back …at times I realize I took the easy way out. Now the hair touching is interesting…students loved to touch my hair… not male but female. I always found that fascinating. So, it’s a microaggression, which I get if it’s not what someone wants…hmmm.
I thought the “I can’t say your name so I’ll call you J” was an interesting microaggression. Frankly, I witnessed versions of this in my teaching career. Since I’ve been primarily high school, by the time students get to me they’re fully aware that their name is challenging for typical English-speaking teachers to pronounce. Many times they would have a handy nickname ready for me.
The first day of class would go something like this …
ME: Can you please pronounce your name correctly for me?
STUDENT: Pronounces name …with a quick followup…you can call me __________ blank. Blank is a shortened version of this name and easy to pronounce. It’s also a name that most students called this individual.
Looking back …at times I realize I took the easy way out. Now the hair touching is interesting…students loved to touch my hair… not male but female. I always found that fascinating. So, it’s a microaggression, which I get if it’s not what someone wants…hmmm.