Practicing Awareness of Microagression

Microaggression has stood out more to me within this past week than it ever has before. I can recall a instance that occurred last year when I was speaking to a friend and she invited me to join a women book club that she herself had recently joined. I was extremely excited because I enjoy reading as well as meeting new people so this should have been perfect for me. I arrived at the home of the host a couple of weeks after we began reading our book. To my understanding the host did a few finger foods or a dish that everyone can enjoy and we could bring a bottle of wine if we chose to. It being my first time I brought a bottle of red and white wine. I was greeted by the host and saw my friend immediately as I entered. The first thing the host said with a beautiful smile on her face was welcome and " you're not at all what I pictured when Sandra told me about you". That should not have surprised me. I do not think that she meant to be offensive in anyway with her statement however, it was. As others gathered and greeted each other the host was interestingly attentive to me. I tried to push away my feelings of discomfort as she walked over to me and says my name and proceeds to say "I was not sure if you would be okay with what I prepared so I just ordered some pizza and wings". I am certain she saw how offended I was in that moment. It took me by surprise and was extremely upsetting that she would assume anything of me without asking first. I attempted to respectfully tell her that I appreciated that gesture however, I DO NOT eat pizza and wings really are not my thing either. My tone was a bit sharp and I genuinely tried to display a smile as I spoke those words.

This week has been emotionally stressful. I turned on the television which is a part of my morning routine when getting ready for work. Although I generally listen to it more than I am still enough to watch it I found myself staring in disbelief with watching the officer resting on the neck of George Floyd killing him. I am sadden to learn of anyone's death and one that is as senseless as this. As a result there have been protest that have evolve into senseless rioting, destroying property , vehicles and and landmarks that will not bring about the justice or a sensible resolution. I feel that while police are there to protect and serve maybe there should be an added platform of  training or skill set taught to handle situations in a more conducive manner. Resting your knee in a person neck to the point of causing their death, fist fighting, roughing up or other hostile approaches are NOT warranted for every circumstance which of late appears to be occurring more and more in the African American community. It is disappointing and upsetting that we have come so far and yet have accomplished nothing.

Reference
photo:https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamrowe1/2019/11/24/one-app-is-helping-thousands-of-book-clubs-organize-in-the-digital-age/#492f34a51b26