Microaggression Awareness
Living in South America and working with a lot of foreigners, I have seen a lot of microagrressions over time. One that I remember is when I taught one of my American friends how to dance salsa, merengue, and bachata. When we would go out dancing, so many people would comment on how much rhythm she had and how she could actually Spanish dance well enough for being a white girl. Right away people thought that because she was a `white girl`, that she was going to dance off beat and with no rhythmic sense. Although she was thrilled with people telling her how she could dance and all, she was a little offended that they would think she would not able to do it. Being with her most of the times this was said, it made me feel a little awkward and I was not even the one being targeted. It is almost like you feel like covering people`s mouth when you know they are going to make such a comment.
With the information provided this week about microagrresions, I feel like I am more aware of what I am saying and how comments, even with good intentions, maybe be stereotypical or discriminatory. Many times we make assumptions over people because of their heritage, gender, sexual orientation, or other identities they may possess. I hope to improve in this sense and not make these type of microagrresions as well as bringing it to other people`s attention to try and diminish them from using it as well.
Teaching Cafeteritos 
Stephanie,
I would love to learn how to dance salsa, merengue, and bachata. I Love to dance! It is unfortunate however that a lot of people assume that white girls cannot dance. As an African American woman, I have witnessed plenty of events where black girls did not know how to dance. It is just crazy how we stereotype others based on their race and skin color. I enjoyed reading your post.
Latasha
Stephanie,
Thanks so much for the great share! Using the readings regarding microaggressions has definitely opened my eyes to how comments with the best intentions, may be stereotypical and even hurtful. With this in mind, I think it is necessary for all teachers to teach their children and families to accept everyone.
Thanks Christina
Hello Stephanie,
Unfortunately people do judge people by their culture when it comes to dancing, but the sad part is without having a conversation with that individual before observing a person want to know what she has experienced in order to be talented in dancing. We as individual should defiantly close our mouth because some things just are necessary to say. Thanks for sharing
Hi Stephanie,
I love that photo! I enjoyed your post as well. It is so unfortunate that your friend was spoken to this way. I think it would have been better to say that she picked up a dance that is not of her culture well. There are plenty of “white girls” with rhythm and plenty of African Americans or Hispanics without rhythm. Race has nothing to do with talent! Thanks for sharing.