The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression?

Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like. As I look back, for this particular assignment I have to think of the movie Rosewood. This particular movie was so touching and a clear description of prejudice, bias and oppression in Rosewood, Florida. The movie is about a Caucasian woman who claimed that a Black man raped her and it just started a wave rage.

 In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

 It caused people to lose their lives, loved ones and family members. This situation has caused me to think about my life and how it would be different if something like that happen today. Learning about micro aggressions has definitely given me more to think about, especially when it comes to what I think and how I act. I can think back on times that I've said something to someone and they may have been offended by it.

 What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

  I felt anger, hurt, belittle, and humiliated. But I realize that people must remember that everyone has feelings and our differences make us special.

 What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

 I think that people thinking of other differences must change. Everyone has to remember that micro aggressions happen every day and we must be careful how we treat others. Dr. Sue talked about the teacher’s influence and contribution to microagression and how bad their unknown biases create the worse influence on the target’s life (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). This is something each of us needs to really look at. We have to look at our own cultural framework, biases and our expression of our views to others. It is important that we understand exactly what in our background experiences has created these views so we can work through them. Learning about micro aggressions has definitely given me more to think about, especially when it comes to what I think and how I act. I can think back on times that I've said something to someone and they may have been offended by it.