After listening to Dr. Sue’s media segment about
microaggressions, I began thinking about microaggressions that I am guilty of
as well as listening for microaggressions that I heard from other people. I heard one specific microaggression that
stood out to me this week.
As a Baltimore Ravens fan, I have been following the media
coverage for my team this week, leading up to the Super Bowl. When I was listening to the coverage of “Media
Day”, I was surprised to hear San Francisco 49ers, Chris Culliver make the
following comment:
Culliver was being interviewed by comedian Arte Lange on Tuesday
night when Lange asked him if there were gay players in the NFL.
"I don't do the gay guys man," Culliver said. "I
don't do that."
Lange asked if he thought there were any gay players currently on
the 49ers.
"No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get
up out of here if they do. Can't be with that sweet stuff."
Culliver immediately came under fire and issued an apology.
"The derogatory comments I made [Tuesday] were a reflection
of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel," Culliver said in a
statement released by the 49ers. "It has taken me seeing them in print to
realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly
not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended,
and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience." (Loumena, 2013)
This was clearly a microassult on the gay community. Although he apologized later, Culliver made a
deliberate, hurtful, and harmful attack on gay men in the NFL. Considering the circumstance that this player
finds himself in, an NFC champion, going to the Super Bowl, I was very shocked
to hear his comments. NFL players are
often looked up to as role models and he made a very poor decision with the
response he made in his interview.
I realize that many people make comments that are discriminatory,
stereotypical, or prejudice, often unintentionally, but these comments are very
hurtful. When these types of comments
are made, it not only affects the targeted person, but unless pointed out, promotes
the idea that these types of comments are acceptable. This week had made me look at myself and have
an awareness of the things I say. I do
not want to be responsible for degrading or making another person feel
inferior. I hope to spread awareness of
microaggressions and be more aware of what I say.
Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Microagressions in everyday life.
Loumena, D. (2013, February 2). Chris
Culliver to have sensitivity training, work with LGBT group. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com
I too did not realize how hurtful seemingly harmless comments could be and I am now more aware after this week's class. This week I have thought more before I have said things and tried to think about how my words would be viewed before I expressed them. I think we have all become more aware this week and that is the first step, admitting there is a problem, to solving this concern.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this comment was obviously an insult on the gay community. I wonder what would have happened if he had not immediately under come fire for his comment. Would he have issued a statement or would he have stuck with his comment? Children look up to professional athletes and I am sure some families now question letting their children cheer for him and children. I also used this week's topic to reflect on the microaggressions I have committed and recognize that such comments are hurtful.
Side note as I am also from the Baltimore area- GO RAVENS!
I agree with both of you. I also feel that this week has given me an opportunity to reflect on myself and others around me who have committed microagressions. I now know how to recognize microaggressions and will be able to avoid using them or being around others we do.
ReplyDeleteThis course has given me a deepen understanding about diversity. I have honestly reflected about my beliefs towards certain social identities. I have also shared this knowledge with my husband and hope to keep spreading awareness of how micro-aggression impact others.
ReplyDeleteThis weeks lesson on microaggression has made me cautious of the things I say on a daily basis. I will be sensitive to gender, race, disabilities and culture. I don't want to cause anyone to feel harm in my words and or by my actions.
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