Since I have been learning about microaggressions,
inequities, and oppression, I have been watching out for and noticing their
examples. Just last week I noticed an example of an inequity/discrimination
within a community college I used to attend.
I was at the front desk getting some info on a class and a
black woman came up to the counter. She asked the lady (who was white) if she
could pull up her account and let her know what classes are coming up next
semester. As she was explaining them to her, the black woman asked why she wasn’t
register to take a certain class she was expecting to take. The girl behind the
counter said that she can only take two classes this semester and was penalized
for taking a class twice. The black woman explained that she took the class to
get a better grade and is aiming for a 4.0 GPA. The girl behind the counter
repeated her comment and said that was the policy. The black woman was upset
and confused and made it clear that something was wrong about that policy. My
initial thought was that the student was in the right and that she could have
been discriminated against. I am very certain that students are allowed to take
a class a second time, and only a second time, to improve their grade. She is
trying to graduate with honors and maybe this particular white girl or whoever
penalized her in the computer system did not like this successful black woman.
It was certainly a fishy conversation and I would have been upset myself if had
happened to me; especially if it is about the color of my skin. The lady behind
the counter might have been misunderstood about the policy. I really cannot say
for sure. I know one thing for sure, if my assumptions are correct, then the
white girl or whoever penalized her needs a lesson on tolerance, equality, and
herself. That is the only way this inequity could change for the better.
I don’t think I would have thought about this being an act
of discrimination before having taken this class. I probably would have not
thought about it much. It has my eyes open and I am glad for it. I hope I can
influence others in doing the right thing.
When dealing with people from a different race, and not feeling they are helping us before being against us, we quickly take offence to it. what might not be so harmful we quickly take it to heart because we do still go through a struggle as African Americans. I agree with you after taking this class I am starting to pay close attention to whats around me, and how others treat others and my self.
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