The memory, I experience with biases was at a childcare center I worked at. One my co worker and I were discussing her wedding. She went into details about the wedding at a chapel in the casino. She went on to say we only had one problem I asked her what was the problem? My co worker stated the only problem was my husband did not want to be married by a colored man. I sat there trying to process the words that just came out of her mouth.
My first reactions are you really seriously using the word colored man? At that very moment I was floored about her statement. I could not believe that anyone especially someone is their early twenties would use colored man. The only word that would describe my feeling at that moment was surprise.
I handle the situation by explaining to my co-worker that her statement was inappropriate. I let her know that not all people would have taken the comment she made in a good way. She thanked me for letting her know that what she said was so inappropriate. I feel that some people are ignorant to the affects of their words and actions.
Reading the story you shared really impacted me. You were brave and honest to respond to this young woman by letting her know her comment was inappropriate. It sounds like she was open to your feedback and received the correction well. Hopefully this made a lasting impression on her, to remind her of the impact of her words. Thanks for being brave and willing to speak out to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteTonetta, It's good that you were able to have the discussion with your co-worker about what she said. Getting people to understand or to listen to another perspective can be difficult at times.
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