Adult Pre School opens in Brooklyn, NY

[Gingerbread Demon]

I see and hear about this sort of stuff a lot and I see both sides of it and mostly side on those who're on the receiving side of the "micro-aggression" but sometimes it seems to me like it's being too sensitive.

I can see how women probably have to suffer *a lot* when it comes to being on the receiving end of a lot of questions, comments and unwanted attention. Mostly why I leave women alone, I don't want to pile on. I've learned my lesson about that the hard way. It's unwanted attention... Unless it's wanted. It's hard to know if your attention is wanted or unwanted so it's better to default to no giving attention.

This is where male-privilege comes-in as by and large we don't have to deal with constant incomings of attention that's not wanted.

White privilege comes in and, perhaps, not having to deal with a constant incoming and presumption about your background or intents. And in this day and age everyone who is white should be aware that being white brings with it a whole lot of privilege and that being part of any other race can be a burden in our society in numerous, numerous ways. Sadly, many people thing we've overcome the whole "race thing" simply because things like Civil Rights and Affirmative Action exist. But pay attention to the news and see how many black people are arrested, shot, killed, etc. as opposed to how many white people are apprehended without incident or are left a lone in potentially questionable situations and you see the problems in society that still exist.

I saw a video recently where a "social experiment" was done -arguably a non-scientific one- where a white man was walking down the street with an assault rifle strapped to him (carrying it on his back, not holding it in a threatening manner) in an open-carry state. At one point he's stopped by an officer who's fairly polite, doesn't get testy with the guy when he asks for ID and isn't shown any (the guy refused to show it since he wasn't in a car and, thus, not required to have ID or to show any) he's asked some simple questions and, I believe, to show his open-carry permit. And more-or-less left the guys alone when they said the reason why they were walking down the street with the gun was basically because they could.

In the next segment of the video a black man carries the weapon the down the street in a similar manner and a police car pulls up at a safe distance, officer gets out of his car and using the door as a shield orders the man to lay on the ground and to place the gun on the ground just out of reach. Other units are brought in and the man is handcuffed and made to sit on the curb/aside and it's pretty much treated as a potential arrest. The whole time the police acting like this a threatening situation. The guy is eventually released because, well, he wasn't doing anything wrong. But it was an interesting demonstration on the "white privilege" thing and how a change of skin-color changes a lot of things.

(Though it can be argued there's some variables here, different area (meaning potentially different crime rates, potential, different cops, etc.) But, really, the only variable that matters is skin color of the focus participant.

Sometimes, though, I think the hyper-sensitivity can go a *bit* far. Someone above mentioned asking someone of Asian decent where they're from, originally. I can see how it might be something to get offended from, "What, because I'm Asian I can't be from America?" But at the same time I think it's also easy to "see through" the question and know what is being asked. "Are you Korean, Japanese or Chinese?"

Is it the person's business, does it matter? Perhaps not, but knowing a person's ethnic background could aid in conversational topics. And other than asking, there's not a whole lot of ways to know which "type" of Asian someone is.

But, again, I see how it's certainly a slippery slope, a touchy topic and does fall on "why does it matter?" After all how many white people do you meet and ask where their ancestry originates? Though, at the same time, I *have* had this conversation with fellow white people, talking about what our ancestry is. Many aren't sure, some have "pure" backgrounds from Europe, some are like me and are "American Mutts."

I think both sides could do well to try and see things *from* the other side. Those on the receiving end could maybe not automatically assume that the other person is being "passively aggressive," trying to offend, trying to be a nuisance, or is actively doing anything wrong of any decision of their own. It's just, somehow, due to societal constructs coming across that way.

Again, I'm sure dealing with this crap everyday is a pain in the ass. But sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Those who're often the "givers" or coming from a point of privilege could do well to put their-self in the other's shoes and maybe see that this other person probably deals with this sort of stuff a lot. Women get his on a lot. Black people get treated differently and with suspicion a lot, people of different ethnicities get asked "where they are from" a lot. Why pile on and let any truths come out through natural interaction.

That was an excellent post. Thank you and yeah that is an interesting experiment. But it could have ended badly for one of the participants. I agree both participants should have been treated the same..

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I'm just going to quote the stuff I don't agree with. (I agree with the bulk, for what it's worth.)

I see and hear about this sort of stuff a lot and I see both sides of it and mostly side on those who're on the receiving side of the "micro-aggression" but sometimes it seems to me like it's being too sensitive.

...

Sometimes, though, I think the hyper-sensitivity can go a *bit* far. Someone above mentioned asking someone of Asian decent where they're from, originally. I can see how it might be something to get offended from, "What, because I'm Asian I can't be from America?" But at the same time I think it's also easy to "see through" the question and know what is being asked. "Are you Korean, Japanese or Chinese?"

My counter is: why is it any of your business? You're essentially reducing that person to a question of national/ethnic origin. It's not always inappropriate to ask, but quite often these questions are put to people with almost no priming whatsoever, as a form of smalltalk. Although it's not entirely a good comparison (due to white privilege, blah blah), imagine if one of the first things people asked you was, "So, what's it like being white?" Imagine you found the question a bit perplexing, then imagine you got asked that all the time. You'd probably start to feel like all anyone sees you as is "white," and not as a person. (Again, this is not the best analogy, due to the nature of whiteness in our society, but it's about as close as you can get.)

Is it the person's business, does it matter? Perhaps not, but knowing a person's ethnic background could aid in conversational topics. And other than asking, there's not a whole lot of ways to know which "type" of Asian someone is.

Oh god no. No. See above. Don't reduce people like that.

But, again, I see how it's certainly a slippery slope, a touchy topic and does fall on "why does it matter?" After all how many white people do you meet and ask where their ancestry originates? Though, at the same time, I *have* had this conversation with fellow white people, talking about what our ancestry is. Many aren't sure, some have "pure" backgrounds from Europe, some are like me and are "American Mutts."

There's a huge difference between a conversation in which people mutually discuss their ancestry, and asking a person you barely know, "What country are you from?" It signals to them that you a) recognize they aren't native to this country (or you at least suspect as much), and b) consider this an important enough detail that you want to draw attention to it. It's alienating. If someone brings it up first, go for it! But if they don't just show some respect and let it be.

I think both sides could do well to try and see things *from* the other side. Those on the receiving end could maybe not automatically assume that the other person is being "passively aggressive," trying to offend, trying to be a nuisance, or is actively doing anything wrong of any decision of their own. It's just, somehow, due to societal constructs coming across that way.

Right, just like how black people can be super racist against white people. Both sides have a lot to learn! Wait, no.

The onus is not on the person who's been offended to treat your feelings delicately. It's like stepping on someone's foot and then making them feel bad for being unhappy about it. How much sense does that make? You stepped on their foot! It hurt! Why are you the one entitled to an apology, you know?

Again, I'm sure dealing with this crap everyday is a pain in the ass. But sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

This is really, really easy for a white guy to say.

Those who're often the "givers" or coming from a point of privilege could do well to put their-self in the other's shoes and maybe see that this other person probably deals with this sort of stuff a lot. Women get his on a lot. Black people get treated differently and with suspicion a lot, people of different ethnicities get asked "where they are from" a lot. Why pile on and let any truths come out through natural interaction.

This much, I agree with. Just don't play "both sides" with this sort of thing. Being straight white dudes, we've won the societal lottery. There's a lot of stuff that can just roll off our backs because we have a lot of (recognized or not) advantages already. It doesn't make much sense to assume that people who are less privileged (read: disadvantaged compared to us) are expected to show patience with us. It's rather the other way around. (As an aside, showing a great deal of patience with privileged people is common amongst underprivileged people, because it's hard to get through life just pissing off people who have power over you.)

So, you know, just don't interrogate people about their ancestry unless they show they're willing to talk about it. It's easy. And if you screw up and someone gets upset with you because you said/asked something dumb, just quickly apologize and try not to do it again. That's all it takes.

 

[beamMe]

I see and hear about this sort of stuff a lot and I see both sides of it and mostly side on those who're on the receiving side of the "micro-aggression" but sometimes it seems to me like it's being too sensitive.

I can see how women probably have to suffer *a lot* when it comes to being on the receiving end of a lot of questions, comments and unwanted attention. Mostly why I leave women alone, I don't want to pile on. I've learned my lesson about that the hard way. It's unwanted attention... Unless it's wanted. It's hard to know if your attention is wanted or unwanted so it's better to default to no giving attention.

This is where male-privilege comes-in as by and large we don't have to deal with constant incomings of attention that's not wanted.

White privilege comes in and, perhaps, not having to deal with a constant incoming and presumption about your background or intents. And in this day and age everyone who is white should be aware that being white brings with it a whole lot of privilege and that being part of any other race can be a burden in our society in numerous, numerous ways. Sadly, many people thing we've overcome the whole "race thing" simply because things like Civil Rights and Affirmative Action exist. But pay attention to the news and see how many black people are arrested, shot, killed, etc. as opposed to how many white people are apprehended without incident or are left a lone in potentially questionable situations and you see the problems in society that still exist.

I saw a video recently where a "social experiment" was done -arguably a non-scientific one- where a white man was walking down the street with an assault rifle strapped to him (carrying it on his back, not holding it in a threatening manner) in an open-carry state. At one point he's stopped by an officer who's fairly polite, doesn't get testy with the guy when he asks for ID and isn't shown any (the guy refused to show it since he wasn't in a car and, thus, not required to have ID or to show any) he's asked some simple questions and, I believe, to show his open-carry permit. And more-or-less left the guys alone when they said the reason why they were walking down the street with the gun was basically because they could.

In the next segment of the video a black man carries the weapon the down the street in a similar manner and a police car pulls up at a safe distance, officer gets out of his car and using the door as a shield orders the man to lay on the ground and to place the gun on the ground just out of reach. Other units are brought in and the man is handcuffed and made to sit on the curb/aside and it's pretty much treated as a potential arrest. The whole time the police acting like this a threatening situation. The guy is eventually released because, well, he wasn't doing anything wrong. But it was an interesting demonstration on the "white privilege" thing and how a change of skin-color changes a lot of things.

(Though it can be argued there's some variables here, different area (meaning potentially different crime rates, potential, different cops, etc.) But, really, the only variable that matters is skin color of the focus participant.

Sometimes, though, I think the hyper-sensitivity can go a *bit* far. Someone above mentioned asking someone of Asian decent where they're from, originally. I can see how it might be something to get offended from, "What, because I'm Asian I can't be from America?" But at the same time I think it's also easy to "see through" the question and know what is being asked. "Are you Korean, Japanese or Chinese?"

Is it the person's business, does it matter? Perhaps not, but knowing a person's ethnic background could aid in conversational topics. And other than asking, there's not a whole lot of ways to know which "type" of Asian someone is.

But, again, I see how it's certainly a slippery slope, a touchy topic and does fall on "why does it matter?" After all how many white people do you meet and ask where their ancestry originates? Though, at the same time, I *have* had this conversation with fellow white people, talking about what our ancestry is. Many aren't sure, some have "pure" backgrounds from Europe, some are like me and are "American Mutts."

I think both sides could do well to try and see things *from* the other side. Those on the receiving end could maybe not automatically assume that the other person is being "passively aggressive," trying to offend, trying to be a nuisance, or is actively doing anything wrong of any decision of their own. It's just, somehow, due to societal constructs coming across that way.

Again, I'm sure dealing with this crap everyday is a pain in the ass. But sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Those who're often the "givers" or coming from a point of privilege could do well to put their-self in the other's shoes and maybe see that this other person probably deals with this sort of stuff a lot. Women get his on a lot. Black people get treated differently and with suspicion a lot, people of different ethnicities get asked "where they are from" a lot. Why pile on and let any truths come out through natural interaction.

That's a very good post.

 

[Kemaiku]

"The price of a Preschool Mastermind course is determined by a sliding scale, staring at $333 and going all the way to $999. For that money Joni promises a magical return to the beneficial lessons of preschool."

What, like washing your hands after going to the bathroom?

Or spankings when you "misbehave".

And now you've made it weird.

 

[Trekker4747]

So, you know, just don't interrogate people about their ancestry unless they show they're willing to talk about it. It's easy. And if you screw up and someone gets upset with you because you said/asked something dumb, just quickly apologize and try not to do it again. That's all it takes.

Pretty much what I do, I don't treat people any differently and usually any "what's your ancestry"-type questions don't come until there's a lot of familiarity with them and/or friendship. And even not so much even then.

I wouldn't meet someone in a bar or on the street with someone and am in a small conversation with and start asking them about their ancestry. And if it was a question I felt the need to ask, out of curiosity I'd try to find a way to phrase it as delicately as possible and not just drop the question out of the blue. But, honestly, I don't think I've ever asked such a question or felt the need to. I think any such situations other clues tipped me off or the person themself mentioned it or made reference to their ancestry.

I know, I "won the lottery" when it comes to what I am. I'm a straight, white, male. To borrow from Homer Simpson, "Everyone cares what I think!"

And I try and to check my privilege and try to not treat others any differently or make them uncomfortable because of who they are or what they might be. I honestly can't even say I *care* what "type" of Asian someone is. Yes, they have very different cultures and histories but none of that is going to change how I treat them.

Overall, in my daily life I do my best to leave people alone and stay on the sidelines. It's generally safer that way and I don't want to be the one who piles on to the crap people in minority groups have to deal with every day.

 

[thestrangequark]

Hey thanks guys for not blowing my head off for asking about the whole microagression thing. I umderstand it, I just don't get it sorry. But I understand why it's a thing if that makes sense.

No harm in asking!

To take offence at such "microaggressions" is just as silly, as it presumes some form of latent bias (or worse bigotry) when it's in most cases probably just ignorance.

Here's where you're not quite getting it: microaggressions are one aspect of a broader systemic racism and sexism. It's not about taking offense, it is about a mindset that feeds into a bigger problem that has greater and more concrete consequences.

Further, ignorance and bigotry aren't mutually exclusive, it's more often the other way around: ignorance is one of the root causes of bigotry.

Finally, it is easy to say it is silly to get annoyed by such behaviors when you don't experience them yourself. A microaggression is like a pin prick; it doesn't really hurt, but jab the pin into the same spot a half dozen times every day and after awhile it gets pretty sore.

 

[Jedi_Master]

*looks up from Star Wars coloring book

What are you guys even talking about?

Let's go see who can spit the furthest!

YAY!!!!

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Haha Star Wars colouring book awesome.... Can you still buy those?

 

[Jedi_Master]

Oh yes. Lots and lots of Star Wars coloring books are for sale.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

cool I shall have to go find some.

And do some colouring

 

[HIjol]

Running an adult daycare for hipsters would be a great sitcom style scheme. Anyone want to be my business partner/comedic sidekick and engage in all kinds of wacky hijinks?

Since I am an Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teacher, and I am pretty good with words, I would make a good candidate, IMHO!

Now all we need is a theme song and an actual business.

Ok, here are some very preliminary thoughts:

Clearly, the overall theme will be "Magic Possum", Awesome place to be, bright colors lots of sun, yadda yadda...and, of course, Rainbow Friendly!
We should have Theme rooms for different interests; Star Trek, of course, but space for other likes, such as Marvel, Who, Star Wars, you get the picture.
Even maybe tie-ins down the road with "real" Superhero guest coloring appearances, dress-up days, crayon autographs, and the like.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Divorce Parties, Coming-of-Age...
Delicious snackies shamelessly tied to the various necessaries; "BronyBars", "LukeLick Force Pops", "SpideyStickies" (see what I did there?) "IronMan Munchies", "WarpCore" Energy Drink, etc.
Of course, also, the Coloring Books themselves would be themed out to the Bejeezus, and for sale at a Premium a Price, because, Officially Licensed Black-line Master premium paper. Only the best.
Colored Pencil (is that racial micro aggression? If so we can change.) and crayon cases, theme bags for toting supplies, any number of POP add-on sale opportunities, the opportunities will be endless.

I am looking at a number of properties that would allow maximum shenanigans and hi jinks, but still carry some maturity and serious therapeutic relaxation. Plus, Parking. Should it be free? Valet, maybe? Should we validate for X hours? We can decide. If we valet, we could think about dressing the Valliers (?) in costumes also. Oh, they could have a little table set up at the Valet Stand for coloring, when they are not Valleting. Moral and all. And, the car keys/bike locks could be attached to little crayon key chains of the "kid's" favorite color!

Here are some lyrics for a possible theme song:

If you are feeling like
The world is crushing you
Drive your car, ride your bike
To Awesome Possom U

The school where your childhood gives
A place where all can color and relive
A safe zone, ohh-kay to be a kid
Come right on in 'cause co-lo-ring you never did

Tuition may seem to be Pricey
But when you see us you will see we're really Nice-y
As cheap as only One measly buck a day
But don't be cheap, Premium will only-cost-you-three

Maybe you'll get to see a "Real" live superhero
They might even autograph, but not for $Zero
You'll meet some real cool "classmates"
And have some very very fun color dates

Follow the Magic Possum to the Place Where Grownups Come To Stop Pretending They Are Grownups!

Awesome Possum Coloring Commune!

AP, I checked, and if you want, we can trademark the above slogan and business name, so far.

OK, Enough for now, what do you think?

 

[Peach Wookiee]

Running an adult daycare for hipsters would be a great sitcom style scheme. Anyone want to be my business partner/comedic sidekick and engage in all kinds of wacky hijinks?

Since I am an Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teacher, and I am pretty good with words, I would make a good candidate, IMHO!

Now all we need is a theme song and an actual business.

Count me in, I'm a preschool teacher too!

 

[Jedi_Master]

Since I am an Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teacher, and I am pretty good with words, I would make a good candidate, IMHO!

Now all we need is a theme song and an actual business.

Ok, here are some very preliminary thoughts:

Clearly, the overall theme will be "Magic Possum", Awesome place to be, bright colors lots of sun, yadda yadda...and, of course, Rainbow Friendly!
We should have Theme rooms for different interests; Star Trek, of course, but space for other likes, such as Marvel, Who, Star Wars, you get the picture.
Even maybe tie-ins down the road with "real" Superhero guest coloring appearances, dress-up days, crayon autographs, and the like.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Divorce Parties, Coming-of-Age...
Delicious snackies shamelessly tied to the various necessaries; "BronyBars", "LukeLick Force Pops", "SpideyStickies" (see what I did there?) "IronMan Munchies", "WarpCore" Energy Drink, etc.
Of course, also, the Coloring Books themselves would be themed out to the Bejeezus, and for sale at a Premium a Price, because, Officially Licensed Black-line Master premium paper. Only the best.
Colored Pencil (is that racial micro aggression? If so we can change.) and crayon cases, theme bags for toting supplies, any number of POP add-on sale opportunities, the opportunities will be endless.

I am looking at a number of properties that would allow maximum shenanigans and hi jinks, but still carry some maturity and serious therapeutic relaxation. Plus, Parking. Should it be free? Valet, maybe? Should we validate for X hours? We can decide. If we valet, we could think about dressing the Valliers (?) in costumes also. Oh, they could have a little table set up at the Valet Stand for coloring, when they are not Valleting. Moral and all. And, the car keys/bike locks could be attached to little crayon key chains of the "kid's" favorite color!

Here are some lyrics for a possible theme song:

If you are feeling like
The world is crushing you
Drive your car, ride your bike
To Awesome Possom U

The school where your childhood gives
A place where all can color and relive
A safe zone, ohh-kay to be a kid
Come right on in 'cause co-lo-ring you never did

Tuition may seem to be Pricey
But when you see us you will see we're really Nice-y
As cheap as only One measly buck a day
But don't be cheap, Premium will only-cost-you-three

Maybe you'll get to see a "Real" live superhero
They might even autograph, but not for $Zero
You'll meet some real cool "classmates"
And have some very very fun color dates

Follow the Magic Possum to the Place Where Grownups Come To Stop Pretending They Are Grownups!

Awesome Possum Coloring Commune!

AP, I checked, and if you want, we can trademark the above slogan and business name, so far.

OK, Enough for now, what do you think?

I'd invest!

 

[Awesome Possum]

Since I am an Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teacher, and I am pretty good with words, I would make a good candidate, IMHO!

Now all we need is a theme song and an actual business.

Ok, here are some very preliminary thoughts:

Clearly, the overall theme will be "Magic Possum", Awesome place to be, bright colors lots of sun, yadda yadda...and, of course, Rainbow Friendly!
We should have Theme rooms for different interests; Star Trek, of course, but space for other likes, such as Marvel, Who, Star Wars, you get the picture.
Even maybe tie-ins down the road with "real" Superhero guest coloring appearances, dress-up days, crayon autographs, and the like.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Divorce Parties, Coming-of-Age...
Delicious snackies shamelessly tied to the various necessaries; "BronyBars", "LukeLick Force Pops", "SpideyStickies" (see what I did there?) "IronMan Munchies", "WarpCore" Energy Drink, etc.
Of course, also, the Coloring Books themselves would be themed out to the Bejeezus, and for sale at a Premium a Price, because, Officially Licensed Black-line Master premium paper. Only the best.
Colored Pencil (is that racial micro aggression? If so we can change.) and crayon cases, theme bags for toting supplies, any number of POP add-on sale opportunities, the opportunities will be endless.

I am looking at a number of properties that would allow maximum shenanigans and hi jinks, but still carry some maturity and serious therapeutic relaxation. Plus, Parking. Should it be free? Valet, maybe? Should we validate for X hours? We can decide. If we valet, we could think about dressing the Valliers (?) in costumes also. Oh, they could have a little table set up at the Valet Stand for coloring, when they are not Valleting. Moral and all. And, the car keys/bike locks could be attached to little crayon key chains of the "kid's" favorite color!

Here are some lyrics for a possible theme song:

If you are feeling like
The world is crushing you
Drive your car, ride your bike
To Awesome Possom U

The school where your childhood gives
A place where all can color and relive
A safe zone, ohh-kay to be a kid
Come right on in 'cause co-lo-ring you never did

Tuition may seem to be Pricey
But when you see us you will see we're really Nice-y
As cheap as only One measly buck a day
But don't be cheap, Premium will only-cost-you-three

Maybe you'll get to see a "Real" live superhero
They might even autograph, but not for $Zero
You'll meet some real cool "classmates"
And have some very very fun color dates

Follow the Magic Possum to the Place Where Grownups Come To Stop Pretending They Are Grownups!

Awesome Possum Coloring Commune!

AP, I checked, and if you want, we can trademark the above slogan and business name, so far.

OK, Enough for now, what do you think?

I know a lot of people in the cosplay community. We can get this done. We can make this work.

 

[beamMe]

Hey thanks guys for not blowing my head off for asking about the whole microagression thing. I umderstand it, I just don't get it sorry. But I understand why it's a thing if that makes sense.

No harm in asking!

To take offence at such "microaggressions" is just as silly, as it presumes some form of latent bias (or worse bigotry) when it's in most cases probably just ignorance.

Here's where you're not quite getting it: microaggressions are one aspect of a broader systemic racism and sexism. It's not about taking offense, it is about a mindset that feeds into a bigger problem that has greater and more concrete consequences.

Further, ignorance and bigotry aren't mutually exclusive, it's more often the other way around: ignorance is one of the root causes of bigotry.

Finally, it is easy to say it is silly to get annoyed by such behaviors when you don't experience them yourself. A microaggression is like a pin prick; it doesn't really hurt, but jab the pin into the same spot a half dozen times every day and after awhile it gets pretty sore.

Well, I'm gay. So I experience what is described as microaggressions.
I know not everyone can do this, but, for the most part, I've decided to ignore them and don't get annoyed by them anymore.
But when I do, I try to talk to the person and try and explain to them why what they said can be hurtful.

I just can't fault people for their misconceptions or ignorance unless they are unwilling to understand.

 

[thestrangequark]

Hey thanks guys for not blowing my head off for asking about the whole microagression thing. I umderstand it, I just don't get it sorry. But I understand why it's a thing if that makes sense.

No harm in asking!

To take offence at such "microaggressions" is just as silly, as it presumes some form of latent bias (or worse bigotry) when it's in most cases probably just ignorance.

Here's where you're not quite getting it: microaggressions are one aspect of a broader systemic racism and sexism. It's not about taking offense, it is about a mindset that feeds into a bigger problem that has greater and more concrete consequences.

Further, ignorance and bigotry aren't mutually exclusive, it's more often the other way around: ignorance is one of the root causes of bigotry.

Finally, it is easy to say it is silly to get annoyed by such behaviors when you don't experience them yourself. A microaggression is like a pin prick; it doesn't really hurt, but jab the pin into the same spot a half dozen times every day and after awhile it gets pretty sore.

Well, I'm gay. So I experience what is described as microaggressions.
I know not everyone can do this, but, for the most part, I've decided to ignore them and don't get annoyed by them anymore.
But when I do, I try to talk to the person and try and explain to them why what they said can be hurtful.

I just can't fault people for their misconceptions or ignorance unless they are unwilling to understand.

I completely agree: It is not ignorance I have a problem with, but willful ignorance. And it sounds like you're acknowledging the bigotry and being proactive, which is awesome. However, I think calling it "silly" is dismissive of the role this form of bigotry plays.

 

[Kemaiku]

I pre-ordered this one the other day:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Pony...436380655&sr=8-1&keywords=little+pony+drawing

Not sure if you have it on USA Amazon or whatever and yes it is a knock off but should be fun anyway.

 

[beamMe]

No harm in asking!



Here's where you're not quite getting it: microaggressions are one aspect of a broader systemic racism and sexism. It's not about taking offense, it is about a mindset that feeds into a bigger problem that has greater and more concrete consequences.

Further, ignorance and bigotry aren't mutually exclusive, it's more often the other way around: ignorance is one of the root causes of bigotry.

Finally, it is easy to say it is silly to get annoyed by such behaviors when you don't experience them yourself. A microaggression is like a pin prick; it doesn't really hurt, but jab the pin into the same spot a half dozen times every day and after awhile it gets pretty sore.

Well, I'm gay. So I experience what is described as microaggressions.
I know not everyone can do this, but, for the most part, I've decided to ignore them and don't get annoyed by them anymore.
But when I do, I try to talk to the person and try and explain to them why what they said can be hurtful.

I just can't fault people for their misconceptions or ignorance unless they are unwilling to understand.

I completely agree: It is not ignorance I have a problem with, but willful ignorance. And it sounds like you're acknowledging the bigotry and being proactive, which is awesome. However, I think calling it "silly" is dismissive of the role this form of bigotry plays.

There is that word again: dismissive.
You know, that is starting to trigger me.

No, not really.

I'm trying to put into words that it's better to not take offence too easily without saying "grow a thicker skin"... these pin-prick, as you said, can get to you, I know.
But I think it's a bit unfair to those people to ascribe their ignorance to bigotry when they are unaware of the offence that is taken.
That's why it is so important - as annoying, tedious and repetitious as that always is - to talk to those people. If they react with wilful ignorance then, yes, it's clearly a case of bigotry.
If they are understanding... well, the sexist, racism, homophobia that people have internalized won't go away over night. Personal, direct interaction with people will erode it, though, even if it is just one person at a time - that's what I hope, at least.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Just look at how one College is already using it to modify the way people speak.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/07/0...ising-america-virtues-hard-work-dubbed-micro/

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/edit...ion-what-not-to-say-at-uc-20150624-story.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertai...d-gay-relationship-language-evolution/397028/

http://allenbwest.com/2015/06/you-will-not-believe-what-liberals-are-classifying-as-hate-speech-now/

http://redalertpolitics.com/2015/07...s-america-melting-pot-racial-microaggression/

http://www.commdiginews.com/life/charleston-and-the-art-of-offense-44087/

http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/co...cle_55f874d4-1c24-11e5-a822-0b6d0d0984a9.html

http://thehayride.com/2015/06/this-...ppy-about-banned-phrases-on-college-campuses/

It seems more and more like the United States is turning into a country Remenicient of films like 1984, Equilibrium, Idiocracy and Minority report. Where the thought/speech police rule.

 

[HIjol]

Now all we need is a theme song and an actual business.

I know a lot of people in the cosplay community. We can get this done. We can make this work.

WELL THEN!!! Let's put Crayon to Paper!

Personnel:

Jedi: Head of Venture Capital and Investment
Peach: Lead Teacher
Melakon: Head of Safe Zone Security and Minimization of Microaggression...might have to shorten that title
Dryson: Research (No Flaming or Torching or Agitating, or whatever that is!)
Dennis: Dean of Students ("Yep", "Nope", "Just So"... Nice simple clear communication for Students and Staff!)
tea: Spokesperson and Press
Alidar: Legal
J: Head of Activities.
Guy: Just Because!
'Frakes: Rhymes and Songs...he's good, no worries!
cooleddie: Online Presence
Timewalker: Rules and Regs


Some First Thoughts on "Special Language" and Catch-Phrases:

We want this a clear area for our "Brand", so...

"Have a Magic Possum Day"
"Where Grownups Come To Stop Pretending They Are Grownups!"
"The Lines Are Our Friends"
"Let's Stay Between the Lines!"
"Remember, Awesome Possum says..."
"Estèban, where in the hell did you park Miss Woodstock's Microbus?" (Microaggressive?)



Going to the Bathroom:

Some good thoughts here, I think! Since "Pre-School" is big on Euphemisms for everything, let's get creative:

Urinating = "Number 1" = "Yellow Crayon"
Defecating = ""Number 2" = "Brown Crayon"
Get it? As in:

Miss Peachie, I have to go "Yellow Crayon"!
Or
Mr. HIjol, I have to make "Brown Crayon".
And then, of course,
"Cornflower, did you have a little Yellow Crayon accident?"

Other Suggestions for Personnel or Catchphrases?

Exciting! I am coloring a very cool Millenium Falcon and Enterprise D right now!