I recently had an experience with microaggression in the workplace. My colleague, Lisa, is an openly gay woman, who has never hid her lifestyle from anyone at work. My work place has 101 employees, 4 of which are men. One of the men I work with, Bob, walked up to a group of woman including Lisa and greeted us by saying, “Ladies…Lisa”. In my mind two things happened, first of all Bob gave Lisa a microinsult on two levels. He insinuated that Lisa was not a lady, and should be greeted separately. That microinsult made me feel that Bob marginalized Lisa in a very demeaning way. He greeted her separately almost as if he believes that gay people should be on the fringe of society, not a part of the dominate culture.
I never asked Lisa about this incident, but I have been thinking about it long before this lesson on microaggression. I have a brother who is gay, so I am sensitive to stupid remarks from heterosexuals to homosexuals.
That's awful that someone would make that remark. I know that a lot of microaggressions tend to happen unintentionally, but that one was much more intentional. It is sad and unfortunate that people believe it is okay to condemn someone else. I am sorry that you and Karla had to experience that event! Regardless of her sexual orientation she should be treated with respect.
ReplyDeleteJennifer I to have family members that are lesbian as well as gay. And my daughter's best friend is gay. When she got married this pass October he was her man of honor. Life is hard for men and women who are transgender I find it hard to tolerate stupidity. I am a strong Christian and I do believe that Jesus last rule was treat people the way you want to be treated. Thanks for sharing.
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