This week I became aware of micro aggressions that occur in my daily life and back from another time. The one example that I feel shows the micro aggression I experience is when I play softball in the men's high arc league in softball. I am the only girl that played this year and I heard many statements that made me feel insulted and/or targeted because I was a girl playing with men. These acts were non physical, but were inappropriate to making me feel uncomfortable at times and not even want to play. I feel these were micro insults to me even though I played better than most the men that come. I believe that being the target of a micro aggression actually made me play better and prove to them that girls can play with them. They stereotype that they are better, when in reality softball is typically a women's sport.
While observing this week on my experiences with micro aggressions I have perceived many changes of how I look and feel about the stereotypes that I have on people. I find myself judging people way to quickly, sometimes on their appearance and how they present themselves. After this week, I will research and find more out about their way of life and what they believe in rather than just assume. I believe that for the most part most of my stereotypes of people are unintentional. Especially after this week learning about these interactions I will reflect and accept that everyone is different and lives life differently.
That's horrible that you had a negative experience while doing something you enjoy. People should really think before they speak and consider how others may feel.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you continued to go and did not give up, way to go! We had a similar issue this summer, but with 4 and 5 year olds, on our teeball team. The boys were chanting that baseball is for boys and that cheerleading is where girls should be. Our team was split down the middle with half girls and half boys, but yet the little boys were under the impression that it was their place. It is sad that both little kids and grown adults have this same impression, and I hope that sometime soon we can put an end to all the non-sense. We have better things to do with our time-pollution, ozone layer, fresh water..
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that you would be treated that way in sports in this day and age! Especially when there are so many professional woman's sports around. I'm glad that you were able to turn the situation into a positive one by using your energy to play harder.
ReplyDelete