Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

As I went through this week, I cannot recall a situation where a microaggression occurred.  But recently in the news there has been controversy over a statement made by Phil Robertson of the A&E show "Duck Dynasty". 

 

(Some light humor)

As many of you know there has been a situation with one of the cast members from the show "Duck Dynasty".  A show about a family from the south that made an empire from building duck whistles.  The patriarch of the family came out with statement claiming that black people were happier when they were in the cotton fields.  He claimed, he always heard them singing while working and he never heard them complain.  REALLY???? Also in his rant he goes on to insult gays as well.  He compares homosexuality to bestiality.  Robertson's remarks are outright racist, homophobic and ignorant of reality.  He has literally hit each form of microagression with his statement. 
The CNN article:  http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/19/showbiz/duck-dynasty-suspension/

When I heard the comments that he made, I was immediately offended.  First, because I watched (past tense) the show.  Second, because he is not only going against what the Bible says by judging people and showing hate, but he is perpetuating the stereotype that Christians feel they are better than others.  The biases that he has inherited from his family members about African Americans and gays are completely off base and shows that the suppression of different groups of people is still happening in the modern world (especially in the south). 
Because of these comments I no longer watch the show. 

There have been many many other cases and situations like this in the media where race, religion and homosexuality have become a large part of politics topics and debates.  As mentioned in week 2 of the course.  It is important to address differences and not sweep them under the rug.  Invalidating situations such as this can be detrimental to the future of this country and its youth! I can guarantee that.  The comments show that there is still work to be done when it comes to accepting people who are different.