Value and Richness in Diversity

Value and Richness in Diversity

I have read and fully understand the article Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life: the Implications for Clinical Practice. However, I must admit the article does not sit well with me and I have learned I have been a microaggressor since my early days; specifically, I have offered microinsults many times over without even realizing it. Through the years, I have thought of myself as one who consciously believes in equal rights for “all”; not just the American people, but people of all races across the entire globe. Granted, I have never marched in an equal rights parade, but I feel I have made many contributions in standing up for the rights and respect of others, to include myself (a woman who faced and endured a twenty year career in, essentially, a dominate male” field).

After reading this article, I have been enlightened to the fact that I have erred many, many times while communicating with those of color, including very recently. Just two weeks ago I asked a Venezuelan friend and co-worker where she was from. She stated she was born in Indiana, but I proceeded to inquire as to where she was “really” from. She explained her parents were Venezuelan and that she lived there most of her life. I found this to be very interesting and told her so, but had no idea (till now), I could have offended her. In fact, the authors of this article would probably want me to offer her an apology for alienating her as United States citizen. Further, the authors have suggested I need to be extremely conscious of how I may serve a drink or offer food to my friends. If I should offer to pour a drink to a white friend before a black ...