Microaggressions

Personally, I believe that the weight of microaggressions is both perceived and real. For each person, each microaggression is different. Some may take offense while others may just find it as hilarious. In this way the microaggressions used are perceived by the person. They themselves determine whether it is offensive or not. An example used during professional development was a situation where a college group was having a bake sale and a black man passed by, they offered many different treats and drinks but he mainly focused on the kool-aid. He felt offended and believed they only offered him the drink because he was black. This man most likely has been hurt by microaggressions before and because of that he perceived this simple bake sale as a microaggression even though it was evidently not. This is why I believe microaggressions are both percieved and real. I believe a solution would be to keep the lighthearted manner that some microaggressions are dealt with, for example South Park, but whats important is the attitude and mindset that is associated with microaggressions. Everyone should be aware that these stereotypes and concepts of a group of people do not always apply to each person and that we should respect our differences. With this mindset I believe that we can still find humor in the use of microaggressions while also respecting each other.