Last year my washing machines knob stopped gripping and turning around so that I could select my wash cycle. So, I called the appliance store and told them about the problem I was having with the knob. The man at the appliance store told me what I needed to bring in so I could get a replacement part. As a very self-sufficient, independent woman, I took the knob and parts off and went to the store for replacements. When I walked in the door with the parts, the man behind the counter asked surprisingly how I got the knob off so quickly and where my husband didn't come in with me.
I clearly took this as a microinsult towards women. The implied message was that women are not capable of doing any manual labor especially if they are married. In this case, I was confused by his statement and taken off guard because I'm not stupid and very capable of doing such a simple task. Then, I felt very angry and slighted by the comment. It's a common microaggression that I deal with living in a small, rural area where manual labor is stereotypically men's work and housework is women's work.
I learned this week that discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes are the underlying motivations for microaggressions. Also, I learned that microaggressions and their impact on the individual adds up and could lead to bigger issues over time. I also feel that people are very unaware of microaggressions and their unintentional impact. To be perfectly honest, I never heard of microaggressions before but now that I know what they are it is easy to see how easily they can occur and looked over without a second thought.
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that in 2012, people still stereotype women as being incapable of completing task that involve manual labor. You make a great point in that sadly many people do not know what micro-aggressions are, let alone their huge impact on the well-being of all humankind. I too was unaware of what micro-aggressions were until this course, I now know I must teach others, not just children but adults especially.
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI remember my husband's surprise upon my return from a week with a friend when I told him of the projects we completed at her new home. It is amazing how over time a microaggression can affect a person.
Great post.
Tamara
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes men when we complete a task that they think only a man knows how to do. What surprises me is that it usually takes us less time and energy. This is a great example of simple mircoinsult. Thanks for sharing.
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI have suffered from similar microinsults over the years. I am also an independent women who is not afraid to do "mans" work. Keep smiling, and keep fixing!
Mary L.