I was shopping in my local target a few days ago. I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up my child's medication. When I got up there I gave them the usual information that they ask for. I feel like i'm forever at the pharmacy and the women there know me very well. They're always very friendly, but in this instance this woman appeared to have an attitude. She glanced at my son, and then at me and repeated this a couple of times. I asked her if everything was alright considering I wasn't looking directly at my child and he's a toddler you blink and he gets into something. He was fine needless to say but she insisted that I needed to verify more information. She wanted me to verify my date of birth and my address. I thought this was a new procedure and since our insurance recently changed didn't think much of it. Well she made a comment when I mentioned my age under her breath "Oh you're a young one." Then she made a comment about my address "You live there, there's not a lot of young people like you in that area." I was in shock at the lack of filter this woman had. The only comment I could make was "Oh OK, well you have a nice day!" I was bothered by the comments she made about my age and location in my opinion my husband and I have always worked hard for what we wanted. I didn't consider myself young when I had my first child (I was 27) however I do look young so that could have been the shocker. Reflecting on what had happened I think I would have reacted a lot differently however what was said can't be undone.
The assignment this week made me realized that this person may have been speaking without the intent to insult or harm. It really allowed me to empathize with this woman because I realized that not everyone understand or has the knowledge I have to decipher an insult from a comment and vice versa.
Jazmine, I agree people can sometimes say things without even thinking of it. I hear it all the time when people ask where I live. My husband and I purchased a home in a very nice area in the city. We're not from the area but he was in law enforcement during that time so he was aware of the good areas when deciding to relocate for his job. My question is: Why would someone choose to live in an area you know is dangerous? I never understand the reactions of people when they show microaggression with race. To me you're implying I am not good enough to live in a certain location. We as people have think about things before we speak because you never know how we can offend people. I am not sure of the woman at the pharmacy intentions. Thanks for sharing your post. Great point.
ReplyDeleteElaine Darden
Jazmine,
ReplyDeleteI agree, people can be offensive and not know that they are being offensive. I do not know her intentions but it did seem like the comment was not appropriate for the situation. I get the age comment all the time and I am 39. Microaggressions has opened my eyes to be aware of comments that are being made to insult me. However, I will try to respond so that it gives the other person enough knowledge to chose their words when talking to people about race religion and ethnicity.
Sometimes I really feel bad for people because they seem to have no filter. Our actions, verbal and physically can tell how we think about people. People always tell me I look young for my age and a lot of black people always say "black don't crack" and I'm like yea it does, but it's another example of microaggression.
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