The conversation I observed between two students in my class
identified gender microaggression. A
girl and boy student wanted to assist in putting up nap cots. The boy student
told the girl student she could not pick the cot up because she was a girl and
did not have any muscles. The boy student felt because the other student was a
girl she was not capable of lifting the nap cots.
My feelings toward gender microaggression are that it is wrong
to have preconceived standards of any individual. Children model adult’s
behaviors and actions and begin to develop microaggression that they may hear
or see other do
The observation between the students show me that at a
young age we start to develop and gain prejudice biases against particular
groups, sexualities, genders, disabilities and race. We as individuals build relationships that are supportive of our children and their families without
any biases.
After reading your example, I realize that I am guilty of doing something similar to the gender microaggresstion. Often when I need students to carry something, I typically choose boys. Yesterday, I just asked two boys to carry books into the classroom for me instead of choosing girls. I know that I typically do this, I am now more aware of my microaggression and will make a conscious effort to provide the same type of opportunity to girls as well.
ReplyDeleteMy students often say gender microaggressions and even my students’ parents do this as well. Whether it be saying "why are you coloring with a pink crayon that's a girl color?" to saying "be the strong boy you are". This week's lesson reminded me of the importance of reminding students that boys and girls can do the same things and one is not better than the other. I've always responded to parents that get upset when their sons are playing with dolls by saying "they are practicing to be good dad when they grow up". I now realize the importance of demonstrating that other behaviors or neither a boy or a girl behavior since microaggressions can be so impactful in someone's life.
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