• Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

This week, I experienced a microaggression toward gender.  I was parking my minivan when the guy walking by asked me if I could “handle it”.  The space was really close but I managed to work my vehicle into the parking space.  Once I was finished, the man told me that he did not think I could park the vehicle.  I then asked him “why did he think I couldn’t park the van?”  He then replied, because I am a woman and most women can’t drive let alone park larger vehicles.  I feel that this was a subtle microaggression.   I was shocked that he was so matter of fact about the situation and didn't feel that his comment was inappropriate.  I also was very upset that he had stereotyped me and all women as not being able to drive and park.  

• In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people

This experience made me realize that discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes exist and are amongst any and all communities.  It made me feel angry, hurt, and upset that I was the subject of such stereotypes when society has liberated everyone years ago.  The experience has helped me to understand the depths of how everyone can be affected sometime in their lifetime by discriminations against gender and stereotypes that are embedded deep within people’s hearts.