Awareness of Microaggression

     Experiencing micro aggression is one of those things you never forget, even in conversations with others who have experienced it stands out strong in my mind. I would like to discuss a friend of mine whom experienced micro insult from a relative. A friend of mine is a lesbian female in her early twenties. She always dreamed of being a mom, but because of her love interest the thought was easier than the actions. In her attempt to express to family members how she wanted to become a mom, and her options. A cousin said to her, "why would you want your child to go through all of the troubles you are going through now." Once my friend got over the shock of the comment, she asked, "what do you mean by that?" Her cousin said, "You are gay, and your child will grow up to be gay, and have to go through the same issues with acceptance that you do." At this point, my friend said that she was so hurt on the inside that she couldn't respond to react to the comment. The micro aggressive remarks from her cousin implied that if you are a gay or lesbian person that when you have children they will be gay or lesbian too.
     Even though this week we were suppose to discuss a situation where we experienced micro aggression ourselves, I though that this topic was more interesting to discuss. For a person of the gay or lesbian statue there are many other stigmas and stereotypes to discuss, but I found this to be a very serious topic. In my years of being an Early Educator, I have had the privilege of working with a few families of the same sex, and their love, nurture and care was on the same level as the other parents that take good care of their children. As far as their children growing up to be gay or lesbian because they are gay and lesbian is something that should not be stamped on them. I think it goes into the same category when you say to people because you are a single parent, then your children will grow up to be a single parent.
     Hearing stories like this makes me think of my teachings from the Bible that talks about how we as people should not judge one another, God is the only judge. Even though I may not agree with a person's life style, I still believe in respecting others and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. Parenting and influence is one of those things that the topic is so broad and wide that the best thing to do is hope for the best outcome for all of our children.

Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Microaggression in everyday life. Retrieved on the Walden website https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_6529245_1&content_id=_23292860_1