I can recall only one personal experience with microaggression aimed at my child, who has Colombian parentage. At a large gathering in my small childhood home, family members made a fuss over my very beautiful and playful toddler, my first baby. The house was full and noisy, as is customary in a large family. A man's voice rose above all others when he playfully tried to engage her in a game of catch, calling to her,"Come here, you little spic!" At that moment, the noise abruptly stopped and there was an instant of complete silence except for my toddler laughing with a ball in her hands. Then came the sharp reprimand of the wife, who tries to take her husband to social functions and is frequently embarrassed. I believe she even gave him a lightening quick smack on the head. Slowly the volume of celebration sounds rose, he continued his play, and a brief unspoken, facial cue of apology was communicated to me by his wife. The moment was jolting, and sad, but the experience served as a reminder to all who witnessed it that terms of endearment should be a positive reflection of the loved. No one wanted to hear such an exchange again.
Communication and relationships are fragile, and one must always speak with care, as opposed to speaking carelessly, even without intent to harm.
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