May 26, 2012

Awareness of Microaggressions

In a recent gathering of peers, we had very adult discussions (I can sense the age of 30 approaching quickly) involving politics, gay marriage, and even Christian beliefs. As we approached the topic of Christian beliefs and religion, it was brought to my attention that "because of my beliefs I might view things much differently" than my peers. The tone in which this statement was made is what made me realize how although it was not stated directly, it seemed as though my beliefs might be wrong because I grew up with Catholic faith and religion. Although I didn't press the issue as having my feelings hurt, I could see how this might be degrading to one's self-esteem or sense of self.

It's interesting to see how even though the U.S. is supposed to be "land of the free" where you are supposed to be okay in what you believe or say, there are still some prejudices and discrimination that occur. In my example, it felt as though my religious beliefs and upbringing were wrong. We are living in a society that has been working for many, many decades to relieve the racial stereotypes and religious prejudices. However, it is evident that even today, people still feel differently toward one another if their beliefs/ family culture even slightly disagree. It can be mentally draining as the person that is the target of a microaggression, whether intentional or unintentional.

3 comments:

  1. Clara,
    Thank you for bringing this topic about religion. I did not realize about it until this week lesson and everything sunk in my mind when I read your post. I grew up being raised as Catholic also and other (not all) religion or sects were convincing us that our religion is wrong and theirs is right. We are taught to respect their belief and not argue about it but realizing now that being quiet or not do something about it make us tolerate the microaggression more and it ends up hurting ourselves and the religion which holds our family together. I believe it is about time that we let them know that we respect them for who they are and for what they believed in and they should do the same way.
    Thanks for your posts.

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  2. Clara,

    I can relate to you when you felt your feelings were hurt because the natural assumption by your group was that your religious beliefs would in some way hinder you from understanding the concerns of others. I think it is good to have more than one view on a particular topic...it not only adds food for thought, but it sheds additional perspectives in which we may become empathetic to the feelings/views of others.

    Nicky

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  3. Clara,

    Your topic of religion reminds me of how there is discrimination/prejudices within the Christianity faith. So many times I have heard people say "I don't want to go to that church because all holiness people do is shout and holler". It baffles me that people who are suppose to serve the same God, have so many stereotypes about their fellow brother and sister.

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