Privilege, Thoughts on Undocumented Citizens

Reading the "30+ Examples of Middle-to-Upper Class Privilege" post really opened my eyes up to how fortunate I really am and how what may seem normal and expected to me is abnormal and a struggle for others. I never thought of being part of the middle-class was a privilege, but I now realize it is. Some on the examples that really struck me were: “You understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy food, and can choose to eat healthy food if you wish.” It’s so shocking to think that there are those out there who do not have to option to eat healthy food, but are rather subjected to unhealthy food, simply due to their middle class. The example, “In the case of medical emergency, you won’t have to decide against visiting a doctor or the hospital due to economic reasons,” is also very startling. I’ve never had to think twice about going to the hospital if I needed to. It’s so sad and upsetting to know that some people have to turn down going to the hospital in a time of need because they cannot afford it. Having your economic standings influence your ability to seek medical attention is scary and highly concerning. I feel that after reading the post, I have become much more aware of how others in society are living, and how I should not take anything that I have or can do for granted. I feel that there should be a bigger push for equal opportunity for people from all economic standings.

I was very moved and informed after watching Illegal and Undocumented, Unafraid. It’s weird and a bit shameful that I live in this country and society and am not aware of the personal wars people are facing for being undocumented. I found that undocumented students face discrimination, ignorance and oppression for being in a situation that is not their fault. I am really inspired, however, by their passion, drive and persistence to rise above their difficulties, and to stand tall in the face of their situation. After watching the video, I am not only informed but also have a perspective of believing that everyone should have equal opportunity in the country, despite their origins.

Microaggressions.

I am incredibly grateful for the STARS Community Event last week that focused on identity and struggles with microaggression. I initially was not even aware of what microagression was and when I found out I realized that not only have I personally suffered from it, but I have also been the producer of it to others. What you say or ask someone may seem completely harmless and logical to you, but to the person you’re talking to it can actually be offensive and sensitive. The even encouraged me to be more aware and informed of different cultures and think about what I may say before I say it and how it might affect the other person. In terms of being a victim of microaggression, I think that it’s important to speak up for yourself and tell somebody when they have said something that makes you upset or uncomfortable.

The Microaggession Tumblr page had so many surprising and interesting examples of microaggression. Below are 3 I chose to respond to:

“After I cut my hair short, a male friend of mine told me it looked bad. I responded with polite disagreement, saying that I liked it and it made me feel confident, but even after several of my female friends at the table said they liked it too, he wouldn’t shut up about it and eventually told me that I shouldn’t have cut it because I used to be ‘kind of hot’. Because short hair isn’t hot, and the only thing I think about when cutting my hair is impressing men."

This story made me realize that microaggression is not only race-based. It can apply to gender issues as well. I can identify with this statement, because today, beauty is pigeon-holed into a specific idea or look and straying away from that makes you ugly or unfit. Also, at the end, “the only thing I think about when cutting my hair is impressing men,” statement really resonated with me. Whenever I randomly decide to dress up one day or put makeup on, both my guy and girlfriends ask me who I’m dressing up for or what guy I’m trying to look cute for. There is no reason or person for which us girls must dress up for or cut our hair for except for ourselves and more people need to understand that. Our lives do not revolve around impressing guys and receiving their approval.

"Well, it's only because she has that Hispanic last name (Martinez). You know, they are always looking for minorities."- My neighbor, when finding out I (and not her son) was awarded a very prestigious and large scholarship to pay for my undergraduate education and study abroad. I worked extremely hard to get this scholarship all throughout high school.

I am so shocked when I read something like this. I find it so upsetting when others may think that you received an academic reward due to being a minority. That belief is insensitive, ignorant, and ridiculous. As minorities, we have to work just as hard, if not harder than others to prove ourselves and overcome certain obstacles that those of the majority race may not have to face.

“Strangers deem it appropriate to touch my hair without asking. It happens often and in any public space. I am a Black girl with waist length locs. Makes me annoyed or angry that my personal space is being violated.”

YESSS! This statement gives me so much joy to know that I am not the only person that has dealt with this issue. I have had both friends and complete strangers entitle themselves to happily touching my hair like I’m a display or source of entertainment, simply because I have a different hair texture than them. It’s incredibly frustrating and invasive.

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I found the “18 Chances You Will Not Regret Taking in Life”blog to be very inspirational and motivating. It inspires me to really get the most out of life and not be so hesitant or worrisome about things. I need to allow myself to have experiences, accept the good and bad in them, and allow myself to just see every day of life as an opportunity to better myself and shape my future.